We’re thrilled to spotlight Arsal Lacorte, a standout alumnus from our Sport Management
program who’s achieved remarkable things since his graduation. With a 3.85 GPA and
Magna Cum Laude honors in December 2015, Arsal also joined the Sigma Beta Delta Business
Honor Society, showcasing his dedication and academic excellence.
Arsal kicked off his career as a Merchandise Coordinator with the New York Islanders
and then expanded his expertise over four years at Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation,
where he climbed the ranks to become an Account Executive of Premium Sales. His journey
then took him to Chicago, where he became the Senior Account Executive of Business
Development and Corporate Sponsorships with the Chicago Bulls. Today, he’s the Director
of Partnerships at Elevate, a leading sports and entertainment consulting firm, and
earned the accolade of 2021 NBA Revenue All-Star for his outstanding accomplishments.
Reflecting on his career, Arsal shares, “My goal has always been to connect teams
worldwide with top-notch partners, creating engaging stories that blend the brands
of our partners with those of the teams and their communities. It’s incredibly rewarding
to see how these partnerships make a difference, not just locally but in the broader
business landscape. The chance to foster these connections and stories is what excites
me the most.”
Describing a typical day, Arsal notes, “What makes it enjoyable is that no two days
are alike. I spend a lot of time communicating with clients about where our discussions
stand. I also meet with potential partners and reach out to CEOs, CMOs, and marketing
execs to explain what an opportunity could mean for their brand.”
Arsal recounts a challenge he faced: “Standing out in the sports business, where many
executives have years of experience, was key. I reached out to various executives,
shared my story, and took time to understand their roles. The real challenge was proving
that coming from a smaller school wouldn’t limit my chances or growth.”
Regarding mentors, Arsal says, “I have several mentors and close friends in the industry
who offer advice and support. My biggest inspirations are my wife and family—they
are my biggest supporters. Having their encouragement means everything. When you can
enjoy what you do and have fun, it’s even better. The ‘why’ behind what you do is
what matters most.”
He continues, “For professional guidance, my boss—who was my mentor before I joined
Elevate—is a significant influence. It felt like a perfect alignment when my mentor
became my boss. He combines deep knowledge with a genuine human connection. From a
college student’s perspective, you might focus on technical skills, but remember that
your goals and interests can evolve. Start building connections, reach out to executives
at all levels, and understand that not every conversation will be perfect. The effort
you put into networking will pay off in this small industry where people remember
those who reach out and engage. Looking back, I’m grateful for how things turned out
and wish I had started networking earlier.”
Arsal wraps up with his view on success: “For me, success is about happiness—enjoying
what you do and the people around you. Surround yourself with great colleagues and
loved ones. That’s the biggest measure of success for me.”
