Sports ETA Announces Four-Year Contract Extension for President & CEO John David

Sports ETA has announced a four-year contract extension for President and Chief Executive Officer John David, one week after the organization’s annual symposium was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The extension was approved unanimously by the Sports ETA Board of Directors. David started his current role with Sports ETA in 2023 and has led Sports ETA through over a 20% increase in membership, record attendance at signature events, nd the development of industry research such as the State of the Industry Reports.

“I’m honored to continue leading Sports ETA during such an exciting and transformative time,” said David. “Our members are the backbone of the sports events and tourism industry, and together, we will elevate our work, support world-class events, and ensure our communities benefit from the economic and social impact of sports.”

The annual reports have become a benchmarking tool for the sports tourism sector. This year’s report revealed more than 100 million people traveled more than 50 miles to attend professional minor league and collegiate regular-season sports events in the United States last year, generating $47.1 billion in direct economic impact. The research, performed by Tourism Economics and sponsored by the Northstar Meetings Group, marks the first time the economic impact of people traveling as spectators to those sporting events has been recorded.

“John David has brought vision, innovation, and a deep understanding of the sports events and tourism landscape to Sports ETA,”said Frank Lett, STS, chairman of the Sports ETA Board of Directors. “The growth we’ve seen in just a few short years is a testament to his leadership and his commitment to serving our members and partners.”