Official Statement
Sports and Entertainment Executive David W. Checketts To Address Graduates at Commencement
Southern Virginia University is honored to welcome David W. Checketts as our 2026 Commencement Speaker.
David W. Checketts is a sports entertainment executive with a career spanning over four decades. He has been the catalyst for success of some of the most iconic brands in sports and entertainment.
Checketts is the Managing Partner of Checketts Partners Investment Management (CPIM), a private equity firm focused on sports, media, and entertainment managing investments in premium hospitality, ticketing, A.I., consumer brands and broadcast technology. In 2025, CPIM announced a joint venture with the Cynosure Group, launching a fund with a target of $1.2 billion to invest in sports properties. Along with Gary B. Sabin, Checketts is also the co-founder and co-managing partner of CS Property Fund LP, which was formed to opportunistically invest in real property in North America and Asia with a focus on multi-family, mixed-use, and commercial assets.
In 2025, Checketts was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the prestigious Paley Center for Media. Checketts also serves on the Advisory Board of the Ares Management Sports Fund.
In 2022, Checketts partnered with his sons Nate and Ben to lead a controlling equity investment in Rhone, a men’s and women’s performance activewear and wellness brand.
Checketts served as Chairman and CEO of Legends Hospitality Management (LHM) from 2011 to 2015 after acquiring a significant ownership stake alongside the NY Yankees and Dallas Cowboys. Notably, he spearheaded LHM’s design and build of One World Observatory in New York City.
Previously, Checketts founded SCP Worldwide in 2004. While operating SCP, Checketts owned an impressive portfolio of assets including the 2019 Stanley Cup Champions St. Louis Blues and the 2009 MLS Champions Real Salt Lake.
Prior to launching SCP, Checketts had an impressive ten-year career with Madison Square Garden (MSG). As President and CEO, Checketts spearheaded all operations for MSG, as well as the NY Knicks, the NY Rangers, the NY Liberty and the award-winning MSG Network. Additionally, Checketts was responsible for the acquisition and restoration of Manhattan’s historic Radio City Music Hall.
Checketts began his career with Bain & Company. He received his MBA degree from Brigham Young University in 1981.
Other career highlights include serving as General Manager of NBA International, President & GM of the Utah Jazz, founding Director of JetBlue Airways, Chairman of the Audit Committee of IMG Worldwide, and Non- Executive Director of Gravity Media.
For additional information on this year’s commencement, please visit svu.edu/academics/commencement.