Pete Bevacqua Headshot at Notre Dame
Peter “Pete” Bevacqua has officially taken the helm as the James E. Rohr Director of Athletics at the University of Notre Dame, succeeding the long-tenured Jack Swarbrick on March 25, 2024. Bevacqua’s transition began on July 1, 2023, when he joined the University as Special Assistant to the President for Athletics, a strategic move designed to ensure a smooth handover under Swarbrick’s mentorship. Even in his initial months, Pete Bevacqua has emerged as a prominent voice in the national collegiate sports landscape, particularly regarding media rights, enhancing the student-athlete experience, and navigating the evolving world of name, image, and likeness (NIL).
Prior to stepping into the Athletic Director role, Pete Bevacqua played a crucial part in significant negotiations for Notre Dame. He was instrumental in securing an extension of the University’s long-standing media partnership with NBC, ensuring continued national broadcast exposure for Notre Dame football and other sports. Furthermore, Bevacqua collaborated with the College Football Playoff Management Committee to establish a new television contract with ESPN, a deal that will reshape the future of college football broadcasting and revenue distribution. These early accomplishments underscore Pete Bevacqua’s strategic vision and his ability to navigate the complex media landscape of college athletics.
Pete Bevacqua’s extensive background in sports leadership extends far beyond Notre Dame. He previously held the prestigious position of Chairman of NBC Sports, a role where he oversaw an unparalleled portfolio of sports properties and platforms. Under his leadership, NBC Sports broadcasted major global events including the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, Major League Baseball, English Premier League soccer, NASCAR, WWE, and prestigious events like the Kentucky Derby and Indianapolis 500. His tenure also included a significant presence in golf, with rights to the PGA Tour, USGA Championships (including the U.S. Open), the Open Championship, LPGA, Ryder Cup, and DP World Tour. Additionally, NBC Sports under Bevacqua broadcasted Notre Dame Football, highlighting the early connection he had with the university prior to his formal appointment.
Beyond his executive roles in media and collegiate sports, Pete Bevacqua is deeply involved in initiatives promoting equality and inclusion. He serves as co-chair of RISE, a prominent alliance of major sports organizations like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and NCAA. RISE is dedicated to advancing racial equality throughout the sports industry and broader society. His co-chair at RISE is Troy Vincent, a leading voice in the NFL as Executive Vice President of Football Operations, further demonstrating Bevacqua’s collaborative leadership style and commitment to important social issues within sports.
Bevacqua’s leadership trajectory also includes serving as CEO of the PGA of America. During his time leading the PGA, he implemented key strategic changes, including moving the PGA Championship to May to optimize its place in the golf calendar. He also established the United States Ryder Cup Task Force, a move aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and strategic approach of the US Ryder Cup team. His earlier career also includes serving as Global Head of Golf at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Chief Business Officer for the USGA, and the first Managing Director of the U.S. Open Championship, showcasing his deep and varied experience across different facets of the golf industry. He has also contributed to the sport through board positions, including Chairperson of the World Golf Foundation Board of Directors, and leadership roles with the PGA World Alliance and the International Golf Federation.
A proud alumnus of Notre Dame (1993) and graduate of Georgetown University Law Center (1997, cum laude), Pete Bevacqua began his professional career as an associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York City. His strong academic background combined with his extensive leadership experience in major sports organizations positions him ideally to lead Notre Dame Athletics into a successful future. Pete Bevacqua, along with his wife Tiffany and their three children, embodies a commitment to both professional excellence and personal values, promising a dynamic and principled era for Notre Dame Athletics.
