Hugh Weber enters his first season with Sounders FC in 2023, serving as President of Business Operations. In this role, Weber is responsible for supporting and activating Majority Owner Adrian Hanauer’s strategic vision, as well as leading the club’s business operations, internal and global growth initiatives and continuing Sounders FC’s deep commitment to developing and positively impacting the Seattle community.
A 25-year sports industry veteran and former NBA and NHL team president, Weber joins the Rave Green from Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, where he most recently served as President for the parent company of the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center, and other holdings including Premier League club Crystal Palace.
Weber’s accomplishments over his career have earned him a reputation as one of the sports industry’s most respected executives, with a long record of success. In his nine years in New Jersey – serving as President of the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center from 2013-2019 before being promoted to President of parent company Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment from 2019-2022 – Weber oversaw tremendous growth, both in business revenue and opportunities. He gained a reputation for being an innovator in sports and entertainment, with a focus on early adoption in new ventures. Under Weber, the 76ers were the first NBA team to sign a jersey patch deal, while the Devils were the first NHL team with a helmet decal sponsor. After sports betting was legalized in New Jersey, Weber’s Devils signed deals that would become the model for other franchises. In his first year with the Devils, season ticket renewals jumped from 85 to 93 percent, with the third-most full season ticket sales in the NHL.
Prior to his time with the New Jersey Devils and HBSE (Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment), Weber served as President of the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets (2005-2012). He took over a team reeling from the effects of Hurricane Katrina and, under his tenure, led it to record-setting ticket sales and sponsorship numbers, helping the Hornets find solid ground that ensured a future in New Orleans.
With his wide-ranging experience across the sports and entertainment spectrum, Weber is now leading the way in executing Sounders FC’s strategic vision and oversees all departments within the club’s business operations structure, inclusive of administration, legal, finance, social impact, marketing, communications, broadcasting, fan experience, membership engagement and customer service, ticket sales and operations, premium sales, hospitality and corporate partnerships.
Weber was born and raised in Tacoma and is the father of four grown children: Brenna, Zoë, Hugh III, and Jackson. In the markets where his previous NBA and NHL front offices were based, Weber became an active board member of a variety of community, economic development and entrepreneurship-driven organizations, reflecting his priorities and personal mission to invest in the community, youth, businesses, and leaders around him.