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Dave Checketts

David W. Checketts  is a sports entertainment executive with a career spanning over four decades. He has been the catalyst for success of some of the most iconic brands in sports and entertainment. In 2022, Checketts was named to the Utah Sports Hall of Fame. 

Checketts is the Managing Partner of Checketts Partners Investment Management (CPIM), a private equity firm focused on sports, media, and entertainment with investments in premium hospitality, ticketing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and broadcast technology. The firm also serves as a trusted advisor to investors and owners in professional sports leagues around the world. Also, Checketts is minority owner and serves as Non-Executive Director of Gravity Media.

In 2022, Checketts partnered with his sons Nate and Ben to lead a controlling equity investment in Rhone, a men’s performance activewear and wellness brand. Dave also joined the Board of Directors of the company. In 2021, Checketts was named Director of Burnley Football Club. With Burnley, Checketts doubles as part owner and investor.

Checketts served as Chairman and CEO of Legends Hospitality Management (LHM) from 2011 to 2015 after acquiring a significant ownership stake alongside the NY Yankees and Dallas Cowboys.5. During his tenure, Checketts guided LHM through a substantial period of expansion and growth in market share, establishing it as one of the industry’s standard-bearers domestically and internationally. Checketts directed additions to both Yankee and AT&T Stadiums, and enhanced venues including LA Angel Stadium, Levi’s Stadium, and Etihad Stadium. Notably, he spearheaded LHM’s design and build of One World Observatory.

Previously, Checketts founded SCP Worldwide in 2006. While operating SCP, Checketts owned and operated an impressive portfolio of assets including the 2019 Stanley Cup Champions St. Louis Blues, Scottrade Center, Peabody Opera House, the 2009 MLS Champions Real Salt Lake, Rio Tinto Stadium, and ESPN 700 Sports Talk Radio, among others. Under his leadership, The Blues went from being the worst-ranked team to the first-ranked team in the NHL, and Real Salt Lake became the model franchise for MLS.

Prior to launching SCP, Checketts had an impressive ten-year career with Madison Square Garden (MSG). As President and CEO, Checketts spearheaded all operations for MSG, as well as the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers, the New York Liberty, the award-winning MSG Network, and FOX Sports Network. Additionally,  Checketts was responsible for the acquisition and restoration of Manhattan’s historic Radio City Music Hall. Throughout his leadership of MSG, the venue was named “Arena of the Year” six years in a row. He began his career at MSG as President of the New York Knicks in 1991. During this time, the team set records in attendance, ratings, and revenues, as well as Forbes naming the Knicks the most valuable franchise in the NBA. The Knicks made the playoffs every year that Checketts was at the helm; where he led the team to be NBA finalists in ‘94 and ‘99.

Prior to joining the Knicks, Checketts spent one year as General Manager of NBA International, working with Commissioner David Stern on building an international branding presence. Earlier in his career, Checketts served as President and General Manager of the Utah Jazz. At 28 years old, he became the youngest chief executive in the history of the NBA. 

Checketts began his career with Bain & Company. He received his MBA degree from Brigham Young University in 1981, where he graduated with top honors, and attended the University of Utah for his undergraduate studies. From 2018 to 2021, he served as the President of the England London Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS. 

Checketts has also served in a variety of other leadership roles.  He has served as a founding Director of JetBlue Airways, Chairman of the Audit Committee of IMG Worldwide, and as a Board of Directors Member of Citadel Communications, Cablecom, and Republic Mortgage Home Loans.