John Pugliese

John Pugliese enters his 23rd season with the Memphis Grizzlies as Executive Producer of Grind City Media and Vice President of Broadcast and Production where he manages the strategy and day-to-day operations of each of those departments.

Pugliese currently oversees the operation of all aspects of broadcast and production, including Grizzlies, Grind City Media, Memphis Hustle and FedExForum social and digital development and production, special events and game entertainment experience and promotions, both regionally and locally. He also leads the franchise’s broadcast department and Grind City Media in the creation and production of content, video and podcasts, and radio, television and live stream broadcasts. In addition, Pugliese helps oversee both Grizzlies’ retail and Grizz Gaming operations, promotions, marketing and other business functions.

Backed by 22 years of sports entertainment experience with the Grizzlies, Pugliese has played an integral role in transforming the team’s identity and brand in Memphis. He has worked on campaigns such as “Believe Memphis,” orchestrates long-standing Grizzlies traditions like the Martin Luther King Day celebrations at FedExForum and more recently helped lead the team’s efforts in updating the Grizzlies’ identity in 2018, including new logos and uniform systems and most recently introducing a two-year program to celebrate and recognize both the 25th Season in Grizzlies history in 2019-20 and the franchise’s 20th Season in Memphis in 2020-21.

Pugliese earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia and began his career with the Vancouver Canucks and Grizzlies in 1998 as the assistant coordinator of game presentation.

The Vancouver native moved to Memphis with the team in 2001 where he has since set roots in the downtown community. Pugliese serves as a member of the Greater Memphis Chamber Board of Advisors, Jay Uiberall Legacy Fund Board, Boys & Girls Club Golf Tourney Board, Rock & Soul Museum & Memphis Music Hall-of-Fame Board and has been acknowledged in the Memphis Business Journal’s Top 40 under 40.