Grizzlies Hire Jason Levien As CEO

MONDAY, 12:44pm: In addition to officially introducing Levien as the team's CEO, the Grizzlies have unveiled their list of limited partners involved in Pera's ownership group. The complete list, which can be found here, includes Penny Hardaway, Justin Timberlake, and Peyton Manning's wife Ashley.

SUNDAY, 7:09pm: According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Grizzlies will announce tomorrow that Jason Levien, until recently a minor 76ers shareholder, will join the Memphis franchise as CEO and managing partner.  Levien, a player agent turned front-office executive, will head up the team's basketball operations, working with general manager Chris Wallace, but having final say on personnel. 

Levien was reportedly crucial in assembling the high-powered ownership group led by billionaire Robert Pera and also including Justin Timberlake, Peyton Manning and Penny Hardaway.  Levien, who also helped set up the Sixers deal before last season, worked previously in the Kings front office and is a general partner of the MLS team DC United. 

Via the team's press release:

“Jason and I share a vision for building a world-class team on and off-the-court,” Pera said. “He has my complete trust, confidence and support in how best to lead our organization's efforts."

“I’m honored to be part of such a dynamic and potential-filled opportunity here in Memphis,” Levien said. “I appreciate what a special role the Grizzlies and FedExForum play in the Memphis community and I know that we will build successfully on the foundation already in place.”

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