Jonathan Rinehart has been named managing director of Jazz Gaming, the team announced Wednesday.
Rinehart, who has been with the organization for 15 years, will oversee the day-to-day and strategic planning for Jazz Gaming as the team enters its third season in the NBA 2K League. He will continue to serve as the president of the Salt Lake City Stars and executive director of the Salt Lake City Summer League. Rinehart previously served as vice president of communications for the Jazz, where he directed all publicity, strategic communications and media relations efforts for the team.
He succeeds Josh Barney, who was the team’s esports director from its inception through the league’s second season. Barney has been named director of information technology for the Jazz, where he will manage the technology services at Vivint Smart Home Arena for Jazz games and the Zions Bank Basketball Campus for the team’s business and basketball operations.
“Josh’s leadership and vision turned Jazz Gaming from the seed of an idea into a living and breathing operation. He is a pioneer and we’re truly appreciative of all his efforts in launching and sustaining the franchise,” said Don Stirling, executive vice president for Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment. “We know Jazz Gaming will continue its positive trajectory with Jonathan at the helm, as he brings years of experience and success to his new role with this innovative part of our organization.”
Jazz Gaming owns the No. 10 overall selection in the 2020 NBA 2K League Draft. Lytel “Lotty” Martin, 2019 No. 1 overall selection Spencer “Ria” Wyman and Shaka “Yeah I Compete” Browne will return to Utah for the upcoming season under Head Coach Jelani “Comp” Mitchell. The team finished 8-8 last season and made a semifinal appearance at the Turn tournament in Las Vegas.
