Rutgers Athletics has taken a significant step towards modernizing its financial strategy by appointing Fred Mangione as the new CEO of Scarlet Knight Enterprises. This move underscores the university's commitment to strengthening its athletic programs in an evolving collegiate sports landscape that increasingly mirrors professional leagues. Mangione brings a wealth of experience from the professional sports sector, aiming to enhance revenue generation and foster strategic partnerships, positioning Rutgers to compete at a higher level.
Fred Mangione's appointment is a strategic decision reflecting Rutgers' ambition to secure a more robust financial future for its athletic department. His career spans over three decades, during which he has held prominent financial leadership positions with several major professional sports organizations. Notably, he served with the New York Jets, where he was instrumental in revitalizing sales, marketing, and premium partnerships, successfully reversing revenue declines and elevating the team among the top earners in the NFL. Before his tenure with the Jets, Mangione spent two decades contributing to the Brooklyn Nets organization and the Barclays Center, playing a pivotal role in the team's rebrand and relocation efforts.
Beyond his direct involvement with professional teams, Mangione also founded M&M Sports Consulting. Through this venture, he advised leading brands on critical strategies for naming rights, organizational structuring, ticket sales, and corporate sponsorships. His consulting portfolio included various sports and entertainment entities, with connections to the Rutgers market through clients such as the Big 12 Conference, Red Bull New York, and the New York Islanders.
Most recently, Mangione demonstrated his capabilities as the Chief Business Officer for the NYNJ Host Committee for the FIFA World Cup. In this capacity, he oversaw all commercial operations for matches held at MetLife Stadium, including the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His work involved spearheading regional fundraising initiatives and economic development through innovative partnerships, hospitality, and ticketing strategies. This diverse background positions him uniquely to address the financial challenges and opportunities facing Rutgers Athletics.
Keli Zinn, the Director of Athletics, expressed strong confidence in Mangione's leadership, emphasizing that Scarlet Knight Enterprises was established precisely to accelerate revenue generation, build strategic alliances, and elevate Rutgers' competitive standing. Zinn highlighted Mangione's proven track record of delivering exceptional results for renowned sports and entertainment brands, coupled with his deep understanding of the New Jersey and New York sports and business markets, as crucial assets for the organization's success. Mangione's primary mandate as CEO will be to expand the department's revenue streams and solidify its financial stability, leveraging his extensive experience to achieve these ambitious goals.
