Elevate
Yao W. brings extensive experience in global partnerships and sports marketing, currently serving as Vice President of Global Partnerships at Elevate since February 2024. Previously, Yao held the position of Vice President of Global Brand Partnerships at ESL FACEIT Group from July 2021 to January 2024 and was an adjunct lecturer in Sports Industry Management at Georgetown University from January 2017 to February 2023, instructing a course on sales and sponsorship. Yao also led international business at A1 Partners, overseeing commercial strategies and global partnerships. Experience includes roles at City Football Group, where Yao managed partnership sales in Greater China and the Americas, and significant contributions at the NBA, New York Yankees, Charlotte Hornets, and Cleveland Gladiators. Yao holds a B.A. in Political Science from Miami University and a M.A. in Sports Management from Cleveland State University.