University of Tennessee Athletics
UT’s Hart Named to Prestigious Sports Business Journal 40 Under 40 Class
June 02, 2026 | General
The 40 executives are recognized for achievement and innovation in their careers, all before the age of 40.
University of Tennessee Deputy Athletics Director/Chief Revenue Officer Brady Hart has been named to Sports Business Journal's Forty Under Forty Class of 2026. He is the first Tennessee Athletics staffer to receive the honor since SBJ launched the initiative in 2000.
The 40 executives are recognized for achievement and innovation in their careers, all before the age of 40.
"I have had the good fortune to learn from some of the brightest innovators in our industry," said Hart. I will always appreciate their personal investment in me and my career. Specifically, Danny White, backed by Randy Boyd and Donde Plowman, has created an exceptional team here at Tennessee. It's a pleasure to compete daily with our teams to relentlessly resource our student-athletes and our coaches in their pursuit of SEC and National Championships. Lastly, in a role like mine, you get nothing done without the support of your fans, friends, season ticket holders and donors. A special 'thank you' to VOL NATION as they continue to help us win championships on Rocky Top!"
As the Chief Revenue Officer, Hart has been a key member of Tennessee Athletics executive staff. The revenue team continues to set new benchmarks in all areas of its operation, including more than $100M in annual, recurring self-generated revenue growth. Specifically, the Tennessee Fund has achieved new fundraising records across multiple metrics for the fourth consecutive year.
In the 2025 fiscal year (FY25), the Tennessee Fund achieved a record-breaking fundraising total, contributing significantly to the historic $428 million raised by the University of Tennessee Foundation. The $169.5 million raised marked the highest year of athletics fundraising in school history. This amount surpassed the previous record of $139.8 million set in FY24.
Hart helped UT generate a record $304 million in FY25, the most by the department ever and one of the top figures nationally.
Honorees will be featured in the Aug. 10 issue of SBJ, in which the stories of their careers and successes are told. They also will be recognized at the annual Forty Under 40 gala on Nov. 20 at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. For more information, please visit FortyUnder40awards.com.
The 40 executives are recognized for achievement and innovation in their careers, all before the age of 40.
"I have had the good fortune to learn from some of the brightest innovators in our industry," said Hart. I will always appreciate their personal investment in me and my career. Specifically, Danny White, backed by Randy Boyd and Donde Plowman, has created an exceptional team here at Tennessee. It's a pleasure to compete daily with our teams to relentlessly resource our student-athletes and our coaches in their pursuit of SEC and National Championships. Lastly, in a role like mine, you get nothing done without the support of your fans, friends, season ticket holders and donors. A special 'thank you' to VOL NATION as they continue to help us win championships on Rocky Top!"
As the Chief Revenue Officer, Hart has been a key member of Tennessee Athletics executive staff. The revenue team continues to set new benchmarks in all areas of its operation, including more than $100M in annual, recurring self-generated revenue growth. Specifically, the Tennessee Fund has achieved new fundraising records across multiple metrics for the fourth consecutive year.
In the 2025 fiscal year (FY25), the Tennessee Fund achieved a record-breaking fundraising total, contributing significantly to the historic $428 million raised by the University of Tennessee Foundation. The $169.5 million raised marked the highest year of athletics fundraising in school history. This amount surpassed the previous record of $139.8 million set in FY24.
Hart helped UT generate a record $304 million in FY25, the most by the department ever and one of the top figures nationally.
Honorees will be featured in the Aug. 10 issue of SBJ, in which the stories of their careers and successes are told. They also will be recognized at the annual Forty Under 40 gala on Nov. 20 at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. For more information, please visit FortyUnder40awards.com.
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