David Checketts

Latter-day Saint MBA Podcast

David W. Checketts is one of the most seasoned and well-known sports, media and entertainment executives in the
industry with a career that has spanned over four decades. Over that time, Mr. Checketts has been responsible for the
success of some of the most iconic brands in their respective industries.

Mr. Checketts is the Managing Partner of Checketts Partners Investment Management, a private equity firm founded
in 2011 focused on sports, media and entertainment with investments in premium hospitality, ticketing, Artificial
Intelligence / data analytics and broadcast technology services. The firm has also advised investors and owners in
professional sports leagues around the world.

From July 2018 to June 2021, Mr. Checketts served as the President of the England – London Mission of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, overseeing the Mission’s diverse and impactful operations in the midst of the
global pandemic.

Since 2016, he has served as Non-Executive Director of Gravity Media, the leading global provider of complex live
broadcast facilities and production services to content owners, creators and distributors, where Checketts Partners is
an investor.

Mr. Checketts was Chairman and CEO of Legends Hospitality Management, the premier provider of hospitality,
merchandising and premium ticketing services, founded by the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys. Checketts
Partners held an equity stake in the company until October 2015. As Chairman and CEO from December 2011 to
October 2015, Checketts guided the company through a substantial period of expansion and growth in market
share, establishing it as one of the industry’s standard-bearers. Under Checketts leadership Legends made a major
expansion both domestically and internationally. Added to the core Yankee and AT&T (Cowboys) Stadiums, are
iconic venues such as LA Angel Stadium, Levi’s (49ers) Stadium, and Manchester City Football’s Club Etihad
Stadium. Notably, under Mr. Checketts’ guidance, the company was awarded, designed, built and now
operates the heralded One World Observatory at the top of One World Trade Center. The Observatory opened in
May 2015 and is a must-visit for New Yorkers and tourists alike.

Previously, Mr. Checketts founded SCP Worldwide in 2006. Under his direction and leadership, SCP has owned and
operated an impressive stable of assets including: the St. Louis Blues, Scottrade Center, Peabody Opera House, the
2009 Major League Soccer (MLS) Champions Real Salt Lake, Rio Tinto Stadium and ESPN 700 Sports talk radio as
well as other investments in live entertainment and TV production. The Blues went from worst to first under his
leadership and the expansion club Real Salt Lake became the model franchise for MLS teams.

Mr. Checketts established his sports media company after a successful ten-year career at Madison Square Garden
(MSG). As President and Chief Executive Officer from 1994 - 2001, Mr. Checketts oversaw all operations of “The
World’s Most Famous Arena” and its three sports franchises, the New York Knickerbockers of the NBA, the New
York Rangers of the NHL, and the New York Liberty of the WNBA – along with the award winning MSG Network
and FOX Sports Network. Mr. Checketts was also responsible for the acquisition and restoration of New York’s
historic Radio City Music Hall. Under his leadership, MSG was named Arena of the Year for six straight years, and
established the MSG “Cheering for Children” foundation, which created after school programs for thousands of New
York City school children.

Mr. Checketts began his career at Madison Square Garden as President of the New York Knicks in March 1991. In
the four seasons he served as President, the team finished twice in first place, made it to the Eastern Conference
Finals twice and captured the Eastern Conference Champion Title in 1994. During this time, the team set records in
attendance, ratings and revenues including setting the all-time sellout streak of 460 games at The Garden. During his
tenure Forbes named the Knicks the most valuable franchise in the NBA.

Prior to joining the Knicks, Mr. Checketts spent one year as General Manager of NBA International, working with
NBA Commissioner David Stern on building a presence for the league in broadcasting and licensing around the
world.

In 1983, Mr. Checketts was named President and General Manager of the Utah Jazz. At 28 years old, he became the
youngest chief executive in the history of the NBA. During his six-year tenure, the team captured two Midwest
Division titles and enjoyed a multi-million dollar economic turnaround.

Mr. Checketts did his undergraduate studies at the University of Utah and earned his MBA from Brigham Young
University in 1981, where he graduated with top honors. Upon completion of his studies, he joined the Boston-based
consulting firm, Bain & Company.

He previously served as a Director of JetBlue Airways, IMG Worldwide (serving as Chairman of the Audit
Committee), Citadel Communications (serving as Chairman of the Audit Committee), Cablecom (Switzerland) and
Republic Mortgage Home Loans.

He resides in Connecticut with his wife Deb. They have six children and eighteen grandchildren.