Who is new Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff? “A smart guy who listens,” say sports execs who’ve worked with him

In early April, as speculation swirled over the direction of the Pac-12’s commissioner search, the Hotline sought insight from a veteran campus administrator who has witnessed the conference’s behind-the-scenes machinations over the years.

The official quickly rebuffed any attempts to discuss names or backgrounds of possible candidates and instead zeroed in on a more fundamental component:

“What we need is the best relationship-builder.”

Three months later, with George Kliavkoff now in command, that priority hasn’t changed.

For all the focus on policy and strategy, the success of Kliavkoff’s tenure depends largely on his interpersonal skills – on his ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, build trust and create an environment in which the campuses and the conference office move in lockstep.

Is the former MGM Sports and Entertainment president and Major League Baseball executive capable of forging the relationships necessary to navigate the Pac-12 through a tumultuous period in college athletes and emerge stronger competitively and financially?

The Hotline can’t answer that question because we have never met Kliavkoff. But because it’s arguably the foundational question within the Pac-12’s leadership transition, we turned to people who have.

Last week, the Hotline published insights from Pac-12 athletic directors following their in-person meeting with Kliavkoff in Las Vegas.

On Monday, we added reaction from USC athletic director Mike Bohn to the canvass.

Today, the perspective comes from four people who worked with Kliavkoff during his tenure at MGM.

Here are the responses, in their own words:

• A senior Pac-12 administrator, who requested anonymity, offered the following anecdote:

“We were negotiating with George a few years ago when he was running MGM Sports. MGM was holding a date for us in one of their buildings, but there was no final contract yet. During that time, George was approached about a national event by a separate party that would have created a conflict – MGM couldn’t do both.

“The other event was a tough one to pass up. If I told you the teams involved, you’d realize it instantly. So George checked in with us, because our deal wasn’t done.

“We said we were still planning to move forward. He said, ‘OK, say no more. I’ll hold the spot for you. You all came to us first and you are our long-term partner.’

“I’m not sure someone else in George’s position would have done that, but he’s a relationship guy. He’s willing to trade off his personal interests to ensure a long-term relationship.

“That approach will benefit the conference. It will create a synergy with the campuses that we need, especially during these critical next few years.”

• West Coast Conference commissioner Gloria Nevarez, a former Pac-12 executive:

“When I was a senior associate commissioner at the Pac-12, George would always answer the phone and always take a meeting, even when he didn’t have to. Now I’m at the WCC, and he’s still always there for advice.

“The word I would use to describe George is accessible. He doesn’t have to meet with me. The WCC doesn’t have a relationship, we don’t have a contract. But he’s always available.

“He has a really good understanding of the event and entertainment business, and he’s a huge fan of college athletics. He’s a real good guy.

“You know how when you walk away from people and you think, ‘He’s a good guy.’ That’s George.”

• Steve Hill, the CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA):

“I think very highly of George, both from an ability standpoint as well as personally.

“I stepped into my job two or three years ago and was less qualified than George is for his new job with the Pac-12. I’ve worked on a number of events with him, but I’ve also taken the opportunity to get advice from him on events that haven’t involved MGM. His insight is always helpful.

“At the (LVCVA), we have to think about putting money into events and what the considerations should be – all of those things were new experiences for me, and George was always willing to help when he really didn’t have to.

“I texted him after he got the Pac-12 job and said, ‘It feels like someone has taken the training wheels off my bike.’

“Even with competitors, George is universally respected around here for his willingness to work with others. He understood that what was good for the city was good for MGM, as well.

“He’s someone that everyone wants in on the conversations.”

• John Saccenti, executive director of the Las Vegas Bowl (a longtime partner of the Pac-12)

“George has played a vital role in repositioning Las Vegas as a sports and entertainment capital. He’s brilliant, but he’s a smart guy who listens. He asks questions, and he absorbs everything.

“When I heard (Kliavkoff had been hired by the Pac-12), I thought, ‘Why not?’ If you listen to people and you’re incredibly bright, why can’t you understand it?

“I’ve been in college athletics, and there are plenty of people who don’t have long backgrounds in the industry.

“You hear a lot of talk about collaboration, but the collaborative process isn’t just throwing something out there and hoping people buy it. It’s understanding what’s important to them.

“George listens, he asks questions, he’s smart, and he works hard. And on top of that, he’s a people person.

“Put that all together and you’re probably going to be successful. I like his chances.”