New York, N.Y., Feb. 16, 2023 – Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (NYSE: MSGS) (“MSG Sports”) today announced that Jeremy Watkins has been named Senior Vice President, Communications, effective March 6.
In this position, Mr. Watkins will oversee public relations activities across the Company’s portfolio of professional sports assets, highlighted by the New York Knicks and New York Rangers franchises. Other MSG Sports properties include two development league teams – the Westchester Knicks (NBAGL) and Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL); and esports teams through Counter Logic Gaming, a North American esports organization, and Knicks Gaming, an NBA 2K League franchise.
Mr. Watkins will lead public relations efforts for each franchise, including creating and executing effective communication strategies, while working directly with MSG Sports leadership to strengthen business priorities. In addition, he will be responsible for helping develop proactive media relations strategies, overseeing major announcements, providing counsel for team management, and other communications initiatives. He will report to David Hopkinson, President and Chief Operating Officer, MSG Sports.
“Jeremy brings diverse experience in developing strategic communications plans and innovative ideas for a wide range of sports industry clients, and we are thrilled to have him as part of MSG Sports,” said Hopkinson. “The Knicks and Rangers are world renowned professional sports franchises, and Jeremy’s deep understanding of this organization and the industry will be a tremendous asset to both our teams and business.”
Mr. Watkins joins MSG Sports from Hiltzik Strategies, a strategic communications firm, where he was Vice President and managed the firm’s sports and gaming division. In this role he oversaw corporate communications, media relations, and crisis management functions for clients in sports and gaming, focusing on their intersection with media, finance, technology, and entertainment. Before joining Hiltzik Strategies, Mr. Watkins was a Senior Account Executive at DKC (Dan Klores Communications) and began his career in the Boston University sports information department for the men’s ice hockey team, where his role included helping manage the day-to-day media responsibilities for the team and coordinating gameday press operations for all home games, as well as the Frozen Four at TD Garden and multiple Beanpot and Hockey East tournaments.
Mr. Watkins holds a bachelor’s degree from the Boston University College of Communication.