Former NBA 2K League president and longtime NBA executive Brendan Donohue is joining sports consulting firm Elevate, the company announced Tuesday.
Donohue will contribute to the company’s North American strategy as a special adviser to the CEO and step in as managing partner of Elevate Talent, an arm of the business launched last year after Elevate acquired executive search firm SRI. Elevate Talent is currently helping the LPGA identify a new commissioner, among other clients.
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“We’re at a moment right now—it’s one of the most exciting times in sports history, in terms of just the changing landscape,” Donohue said. “The role we play is helping executives navigate that.”
Elevate, established in 2018, counts Arctos, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, hospitality company Levy, the San Francisco 49ers and Velocity Capital as part of its ownership group. It has more than 300 employees and 1,000 clients worldwide. Just last week, it announced the addition of Bowlsby Sports Advisors.
“Brendan’s deep industry knowledge, proven leadership, commitment to identifying and developing executive talent and passion for innovation make him a natural thought-partner in the development of our global strategy and lead for Elevate Talent in North America,” Elevate chairman and CEO Al Guido said in a statement.
Donohue worked for several NBA teams before joining the league office in 2009, where he worked on team marketing and business operations projects until being tapped to launch the NBA 2K League in 2017 as managing director and then president.
The first esports league operated by a U.S. traditional sports league expanded from 17 original NBA-owned franchises to 25 teams, including franchises in Australia, Mexico and China. Donohue stepped down in October 2023.
In July 2024, the NBA and video game company Take-Two Interactive announced they were “reimagining” the esports pursuit, moving from a league full of professional players to a strategy highlighted by digital media activations, live events and a competitive league featuring NBA players and celebrities. But Donohue expressed continued optimism about the potential of esports leagues.
“It’s still early,” Donohue said. “I think some of the leagues are still going to emerge and do really well.”
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