Grant Gilbert
Vice President, Basketball and Business Operations
Cleveland Cavaliers
Age: 27
Born: Detroit
Education: University of Michigan, bachelor in general studies
Grant Gilbert helps bridge the business and basketball operations of the Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group, aligning ownership and leadership to guide strategy and helping lead major initiatives, such as the Global Peak Performance Center and Cleveland’s successful WNBA expansion bid.
Social cause I’m most passionate about: Finding a cure for neurofibromatosis. My brother, Nick, passed away due to complications from the disease in 2023.
How I consume sports content: TV, social media, streaming platforms.
How my expectations of a job in sports business matched reality: I expected a fast-paced, exciting environment, and it is. But I was surprised by how much it mirrors other industries, with one key difference: the emotion of seeing your work come to life on the court or field.
Impact of Gen Z’s viewing habits on live events: Gen Z’s viewing habits are turning live sports into cultural events. They crave connection, shareable moments and immersive experiences — pushing teams and venues to blend entertainment, social interaction and sport into one unified, community-driven experience.
Best use cases for AI in sports: AI’s biggest impact in sports comes from how it deepens understanding of players, fans and performance. Whether it’s smarter scouting, injury prevention or personalized fan experiences, it makes every decision feel more informed, intentional and connected.
When I attend a sporting event, I want … : To learn how other teams operate their venues, game experience, hospitality products, etc. — and see how we can be inspired to improve our own.
You would be surprised to know that I … : Can name every NBA No. 1 overall draft pick dating back to when the draft started!
