Industry Spotlight, William Knox, Legacy Sports Group

What’s your current position?

I am the President and CEO of Legacy Sports Group (LSG), a consulting, management, and event production firm whose mission is to help transform destinations through the business of sport. I have been working on the consulting side of the sports tourism industry for the past 25+ years; however, as of the start of 2021, I have transitioned to providing consulting and management services full-time.

Please give us a brief overview of what you do in your work.

My company has three “pillars,” each of which could stand on its own, but bringing them together allows LSG to assist destinations from every angle of the sports tourism industry. Our day-to-day work is almost never the same as no two clients experience the same challenges, nor are there ever turnkey solutions. One day, we could meet with a sports commission to formulate a bid strategy for a large-scale sporting event, and the next, we could assist in the negotiation process of naming rights for a complex. While sometimes hectic and honestly overwhelming, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What would you say most motivates you to do what you do?

I have a long-time passion for sports and the business behind it and have always been quick to take action or share insights that will help others in their efforts to advance within the sports tourism industry.

I value the opportunity to use my knowledge and resources to assist in the growth and development of athletes and to increase sports tourism in new and growing markets. I’ve dedicated my adult life to the continuation and development of the sports tourism industry, and I am excited to see how I can continue to contribute over the next ten years.

What led you to this job? What were you doing before you came here? What attracted you to create Legacy Sports Group and its vision?

I have worked in sports tourism for the past 25+ years. I started my professional career in Bloomington, IN, at the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau, where I was a major contributor to the development of the Hoosier Sports Corporation.

After nine years in Bloomington, I transitioned into the Director of the Hamilton County Sports Authority, where I was fortunate to be a part of the planning and development process of the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, IN.

Once the Grand Park Sports Campus became operational in 2014, I was shortly thereafter approached about taking on the Directorship role. I was the acting Director of Grand Park from 2016 - 2021.

In 2021, I realized that it was time to take all that I’ve learned in the “industry” and use it to help others throughout the country who are looking to transform their destination through the business of sport.

Where did you grow up? What was it like to grow up there? Did you go to college? Where did you go, and what was that like?

I grew up in Gary, Indiana, and still have many family members in NW Indiana.

Living in Gary and growing up in those surroundings made me the man I am today. There were countless opportunities where I could have strayed off my intended path, but with the help of my family and friends, I am now where I am today.

I graduated from West Side High School and then attended Indiana University in Bloomington, IN, where I received a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management.

Did you have any key mentors or people who profoundly influenced who you are, what you believe in, and what you’re committed to in your work and life?

One of my biggest advocates in life has been my very first “real boss,” Valerie Pena.

I worked under Valerie’s leadership at the Bloomington CVB for ten years, and even after my time with her, she continued to invest her time in me and helped me navigate the tourism industry.

What projects are you working on now?

The LSG team and I are currently working on several projects, and they all have their challenges and rewards. I genuinely enjoy working with diverse communities nationwide and figuring out a unique solution to how they can transform their destination through sports.

One exciting thing we have been working on is helping the Columbus, IN Parks & Recreation Department (CPRD) with the NexusPark project. Over the last several years, the CPRD has been working to repurpose a mall into a community and health center, with one component being the Circle K Fieldhouse. Our scope with this project has been to assist the CPRD team with the planning and development of the fieldhouse and to assist them with its day-to-day operation.

I’m so excited for its grand opening and to see everyone’s hard work come to fruition!

William, you are known in the industry as a facility management specialist who cares and puts great drive and determination into his work… You’re an example of someone who can always be counted on. What gets you out of bed every day to continue this work ethic?

I honestly love what I do. Working in sports, helping communities use sport as an economic driver, and contributing to keeping kids active via sport…What more could you ask for?

Over the years, you have developed relationships across Governments, Professional Sports teams, College and University athletic programs, and our industry colleagues. What attributes do you possess to develop such strong ties across many business segments and industries?

A core attribute I possess is being a good listener - Not only is it essential to be a good listener, but being a good communicator is also vital to success. Creating relationships comes naturally when you learn how to talk with people at their level and speed.

What would you say are your best skills?

I am a big thinker. Master planner. Visionary... I could get into the weeds, but it really comes down to giving people direction and giving them the space and tools needed to do the job. I developed these skills at an early age and have been able to hone them throughout my career.

What’s next for you in your work?

I am always looking for the next challenge. The team and I are always ready to assist where needed regarding helping communities, but I would also like to develop and manage sporting events/consumer shows and events. I have had my heart set on developing and launching an RV and Entertainment-style consumer show, so maybe we will dig into that soon.