NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Learfield, the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Vanderbilt Athletics, announced Wednesday that Sean Ferretti has been hired as General Manager of its locally based team, Vanderbilt Sports Properties (VSP).
Ferretti is a 15-year veteran in business development and corporate partnerships with a strong background in the sports and entertainment industry. His career features stops in various organizations across four different professional sports leagues.
As GM, Ferretti will serve as the primary Learfield liaison related to the university’s comprehensive athletics multimedia rights agreement and corporate partner platform in addition to overseeing the local Vanderbilt Sports Properties team. He will work closely with Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director Candice Storey Lee and the entire athletics administration on all aspects of the relationship between Learfield and Vanderbilt Athletics.
“Sean Ferretti’s experience building business relationships and serving audiences across professional sports is a perfect match for Vanderbilt Sports Properties at this key moment,” said Lee. “With our partners at Learfield, we’re committed to the operational and financial excellence that allows us to deliver for our fans, shine a bright light on this amazing university and thrive in the SEC in this new era of college athletics.”
Ferretti began his career in sports with the Arizona Cardinals (NFL) in 2010, where he spent nearly a decade in various roles. Initially starting in ticket sales and premium seating, he quickly moved into Corporate Sponsorships, where he played a key role in securing a new Naming Rights partner for the team in 2018.
In 2019, Ferretti joined the Texas Rangers (MLB) as Director of Corporate Sponsorships, contributing to the launch of Globe Life Field and helping the team achieve record-setting revenue. In 2022, he was named Chief Revenue Officer for the Dallas Wings (WNBA) and the Panther City Lacrosse Club (NLL), further expanding his expertise in sports business leadership.
“Candice and her Vanderbilt Athletics team have incorporated massive and innovative changes to their athletics programs to achieve new heights of success,” said Kim Damron, Learfield’s President of Sports Properties. “The modernization and upgrades that Vanderbilt Athletics has undergone in recent years will lead to incredible growth and opportunity. Sean’s experience and success make him a perfect leader to continue moving the Vanderbilt Sports Properties team forward.”
“I’ve been fortunate to grow within exceptional organizations, guided by remarkable leadership,” said Ferretti. “The experiences and mentorship I’ve received have been instrumental in preparing me for this incredible opportunity. Vanderbilt is a prestigious institution competing in the nation’s top athletic conference, and the vision Candice and her team are creating here is truly inspiring. I’m excited to contribute to the continued growth and success of Vanderbilt Athletics.”
A summa cum laude graduate of Brevard (N.C.) College in 2009, Ferretti was a two-time captain on Brevard’s NCAA Division II men’s basketball team.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
