John Collins (sports executive)

Collins spent 15 years with the National Football League, working under commissioners Paul Tagliabue and Roger Goodell, as well as NFL Films founder Steve Sabol. He was responsible for marketing, programming, sponsorship, and sales, and was part of the team that launched NFL Network. Collins also took part in media and sponsorship agreements and league initiatives such as the relaunch of the NFL following the 9/11 cancellations and the 2002 Super Bowl. From 2004 to 2006, Collins served as president and chief executive officer of the Cleveland Browns. He was recruited to the role by owner Randy Lerner, overseeing team operations and business functions during his tenure. == National Hockey League ==

Collins joined the National Hockey League in November 2006 as chief operating officer, reporting to Commissioner Gary Bettman. During his tenure, the league entered a period of significant financial growth and media expansion. Collins oversaw global business and media initiatives, working closely with the Board of Governors and club executives. and a $1 billion digital rights partnership with Major League Baseball Advanced Media. == On Location Experiences ==

In December 2015, Collins joined On Location Experiences (OLE) as chief executive officer. The company originated from the NFL’s efforts to expand premium hospitality offerings around major events such as the Super Bowl, the Draft, and international games. Backed by RedBird Capital, Bruin Sports, and later the Carlyle Group, OLE grew rapidly during Collins’s tenure. He expanded the operation from a $35 million, single-event unit to a global experiential hospitality company serving more than 450 events annually across sports, music, and entertainment. By 2019, OLE reported more than $600 million in annual revenues. Collins oversaw the sale of the business to Endeavor in 2020 for approximately $700 million and departed following the transaction. == Investments and later ventures ==

In January 2022, Collins served as chief executive of a $450 million investment fund that merged with Super Group Holding Company. Following the merger, SGHC became a publicly traded digital gaming company. Collins remained on its board of directors for two years before stepping down to invest in the New York Islanders. He has participated in ownership decisions, including the search that appointed Mathieu Darche as general manager. Collins is also an early investor and adviser to TMRW Sports, a league venture formed by Mike McCarley, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy. == References ==