SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Former USOC executive director Harvey Schiller was hired Thursday to oversee all business aspects of the America’s Cup.
Schiller was named commercial commissioner, a new role in the competition for the oldest trophy in international sports. He will be responsible for supervising, managing and protecting the commercial interests of the America’s Cup.
Schiller said in a statement that organizers must translate the excitement from Oracle Team USA’s dramatic rally last summer into growth for the event for the benefit of all participants.
Schiller formerly served as commissioner of the SEC, president of Turner Sports, chairman and CEO of YankeeNets and president of the International Baseball Federation.
Schiller has served on the America’s Cup Advisory Board since 2010.
Schiller’s early duties will include finalizing the America’s Cup World Series schedule, format and venues, and securing international broadcast agreements.
Nearly a year after Oracle Team USA beat Emirates Team New Zealand in the 34th America’s Cup on San Francisco Bay, organizers have yet to pick the venue for 2017 or announce sponsors and a TV deal. Cup boss Russell Coutts has punted San Francisco as the venue, saying it would be too expensive to race there again. He’s deciding between San Diego and Bermuda as the venue.
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