TUCSON, Ariz. – Brian Rooney has been selected as the first general manager for Arizona Sports Enterprises (ASE), Vice President and Director of Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois announced Monday.
 
A Scottsdale native, Rooney brings nearly two decades of sports industry experience to ASE, with a proven track record in corporate partnerships, business development, and revenue strategy across the NFL, NHL, MLB, and other major properties. Most recently, he served as Director of Corporate Partnerships for the Arizona Cardinals, where he aided in sponsorship strategy and helped the team significantly exceed revenue goals. He also introduced operational enhancements, including a data-driven prospecting model, and expanded the organization's reach through an international partnership strategy.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Brian and his family to Tucson," said Reed-Francois. "He brings extensive experience cultivating corporate partnerships across Arizona and is a transformative leader who will help Arizona Sports Enterprises forge valuable collaborations within our community. Brian is known for his strategic mindset and collaborative leadership style, and he is passionate about building innovative partnerships that drive long-term growth and align with organizational goals."
 
Before rejoining the Cardinals in 2024, Rooney held the role of Director of Corporate Partnerships for Comcast Spectacor. At Comcast Spectacor, he built and led a new sponsorship development team across a multi-property portfolio that included the Philadelphia Flyers, Xfinity Live!, and Sixers-affiliated assets.
 
Rooney's NFL tenure spans multiple franchises, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019–2022) and the Detroit Lions (2015–2019), where he contributed to strategic business development initiatives.
 
His career began with foundational roles across professional baseball and football, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tampa Bay Rays, Daytona Cubs, and Denver Broncos/Denver Outlaws.
 
"I'm incredibly honored to step into this role with Arizona Sports Enterprises and the University of Arizona," Rooney said. "It's a privilege to join such a passionate, talented team committed to excellence that is ready to take Arizona Athletics into the newest iteration of college athletics. I'm excited to collaborate, build lasting partnerships, and contribute to the continued growth of this remarkable institution and community." 
 
Rooney holds a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Denver and an MBA from the University of Miami. Rooney and his wife Jennifer have one daughter, Charlize.
 
The Department of Athletics launched Arizona Sports Enterprises (ASE) in June 2024 to manage its multimedia rights agreements and operations. The transition of multimedia rights was part of Arizona's plan to build a modern college athletics model adaptive and responsive to the fluid national landscape, and to provide a strong financial foundation.
 
For those interested in learning more about corporate partnerships with Arizona Athletics/Arizona Sports Enterprises, please email contact@arizonase.com.
 
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