Sports Partnerships Leader Kelli Sargenti As Senior Director Of Partnership Marketing
IRVING, Texas – American Athletic Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti and Chief Commercial Officer Bryan Calka have announced the hiring of Kelli Sargenti, a senior leader in sports partnerships with some of the industry’s most recognizable brands, as the conference’s senior director of partnership marketing.
Sargenti will report to Calka as the main contact for corporate partners within American RISE Ventures, the conference’s new business division established to oversee all revenue generation and brand partnerships on behalf of the American. She will lead the execution of integrated corporate partnerships with national, regional and local clients.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kelli Sargenti to the American RISE Ventures team,” said Pernetti. “Her track record of innovation and her proven ability to build high-impact partnerships align perfectly with our strategy as we create new corporate relationships on behalf of the American, our schools and our student-athletes.”
Sargenti joins the American after spending the last 10 years with the New York Jets, most recently as director of corporate partnership activation. She directly managed a robust eight-figure portfolio across 15 accounts for leading global brands and contributed to the franchise’s record-setting sponsorship revenue in 2024. She also partnered with Nike to launch the first globally recognized girls’ flag football league and led award-winning brand initiatives for the Jets in 2019 and 2024.
Prior to her time with the Jets, Sargenti served as senior account coordinator for sponsorship sales, corporate sales and sponsorships with the New York Yankees, where she managed more than 25 accounts for leading brands and implemented activation, advertising and fulfillment strategies.
“I have seen firsthand the energy, professionalism and creativity that Kelli brings to every partnership,” said Calka. “She has a proven ability to drive results and build lasting relationships, and I’m excited to work alongside her as we continue to elevate the American’s brand and partnership strategy.”
Sargenti earned her bachelor’s degree from Johnson & Wales University.
