Clemson Ventures Names Michael Drake as CEO to Lead Revenue Innovation in College Athletics

In a groundbreaking move, Clemson Ventures has announced Michael Drake as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. Drake, a seasoned sports and entertainment executive with over 20 years of experience in the NBA, NFL, and beyond, will officially begin his role on February 3. His appointment marks a pivotal moment for Clemson Athletics as it continues to innovate and adapt in the ever-evolving landscape of college sports.

Drake expressed his enthusiasm for the new opportunity:
“I am grateful to the Clemson Ventures Board for the opportunity to lead this first-of-its-kind organization. Clemson’s comprehensive approach to revenue generation and commitment to innovation sets it apart. I’m excited to collaborate with the Clemson Ventures team and our partners to bring this vision to life.”

What is Clemson Ventures?

Clemson Ventures operates as an affiliate of Clemson University Athletics, designed to maximize revenue through innovative business strategies. Its unique structure blends private-sector business practices with full-service marketing and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) agency capabilities, positioning it as a leader in college athletics revenue generation.

Core components of Clemson Ventures include:

• Multimedia Rights Integration: Managing and optimizing Clemson’s multimedia rights internally to enhance content distribution and sponsorship impact.
• Media and Original Content: Leveraging Clemson+ and other platforms to distribute high-quality programming and enhance fan engagement.
• NIL Agency: Providing robust NIL opportunities for student-athletes in partnership with leading agencies.
• Sales and Marketing: Driving revenue through cutting-edge strategies and fan engagement initiatives.
• Business Operations: Streamlining processes and financial management to ensure sustainable growth.

Drake’s Impressive Track Record

Drake’s resume boasts a remarkable career in sports business, including senior roles with premier organizations like the Atlanta Hawks, Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys.

At the Atlanta Hawks, Drake served as Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships, managing a $73 million budget while leading a 34-person team. His tenure included securing one of the NBA’s largest arena naming rights deals with State Farm and launching NBA 2K and G League teams.

In previous roles, Drake demonstrated his ability to drive innovation and revenue growth. As Senior Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer for AMB Sports and Entertainment Group, he oversaw suite, ticket, and sponsorship sales for Mercedes-Benz Stadium, pioneering digital ticketing systems and ancillary revenue streams.

Drake’s work with Legends is equally noteworthy. He led efforts to double revenue for the Mercedes-Benz Stadium project, played a pivotal role in Levi’s Stadium’s premium design and sales strategy for the San Francisco 49ers, and contributed to securing major events like the Super Bowl and College Football Playoff.

Clemson’s Commitment to Innovation

Clemson Ventures reflects the university’s forward-thinking approach to athletics, combining industry-leading technology, strategic partnerships, and a dedication to student-athlete success.

Graham Neff, Clemson’s Director of Athletics, emphasized Drake’s ability to drive growth:
“Michael impressed us with his understanding of our vision for Clemson Ventures and his proven track record of success. His leadership will be instrumental in maximizing our potential and taking Clemson Athletics to new heights.”

What’s Next for Clemson Ventures?

Under Drake’s leadership, Clemson Ventures aims to strengthen its position as a trailblazer in college athletics. By combining media innovation, NIL opportunities, and cutting-edge marketing strategies, the organization is poised to generate significant revenue while enhancing the Clemson brand on a national scale.

With a visionary leader at the helm, Clemson Ventures is set to redefine the business of college athletics, creating long-term benefits for fans, student-athletes, and the broader Clemson community.