Jake Vernon

Jake Vernon is entering his eighth season with the Timberwolves, and fifth as Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service. In his role, Vernon implements strategies and oversees all initiatives related to ticketing, membership service, premium sales and group events. Since joining the team in June 2013, Vernon has led successful sales and retention campaigns that have produced franchise record results and industry best practices. The Timberwolves have earned several accolades within the NBA during his tenure, most recently winning NBA Event of the Year for the Paisley Park season ticket member event in 2018.

This past season, Vernon led the franchise’s effort to redesign the Timberwolves membership platform with a focus on delivering unprecedented value, unique access and customized flexibility. As part of this process, the Timberwolves announced that members will receive 50% off concessions and merchandise during the 21-22 season, a first of its kind in professional sports.

Prior to joining the Timberwolves, Vernon spent two years as President and Founder of Get Real Sport Sales, a sales consulting and outsourcing company that worked with collegiate and professional sports teams to increase ticket and corporate partnership revenue. Get Real Sports client list included Butler University, Iowa St University, Xavier University, Charlotte Bobcats, Cincinnati Reds, Indianapolis Colts and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The majority of Vernon’s career was spent with Pacers Sports and Entertainment, working with both the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever. He got his start as a ticket sales account executive for the Indiana Fever, before working his way up through various management positions, culminating with being named vice president of ticket sales and service in June of 2005. During his tenure he led franchise-best season and group ticket campaigns, while driving innovative business initiatives that included the creation of one of the first player sponsored sections in the NBA, Roy Hibbert’s Area 55.

A native of Abington, PA, Vernon graduated from Xavier University with a degree in Communications and has held previous positions with the Cincinnati Reds, Indianapolis Indians and Chicago Wolves. Vernon volunteers his time serving as President of the Wayzata Boys Basketball Association and coaching youth baseball.

Vernon and his wife Traci and two sons, Ashton and Avery, reside in Maple Grove, Minn.