Michigan State University Athletics
Burley Recognized As Sports Business Journal Game Changer
9/30/2026 2:00:00 PM | General
EAST LANSING, Mich. - LaRhonda Burley, Spartan Ventures Senior Vice President for Marketing & Brand, has been selected to Sports Business Journal's Game Changers Class of 2026. The honor recognizes women in sports business for their leadership, innovation and accomplishments. Among a 60-member class, Burley is the only one to be part of a leadership team in intercollegiate athletics.
The class will be honored in a Sept. 30 ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Times Square, followed by the SBJ Game Changers conference on Oct. 1. The event is focused around celebrating and elevating women in sports.
"From day one I've recognized that one of Michigan State's greatest strengths is its people, and LaRhonda Burley is a prime example," said Dan Bartholomae, MSU Vice President and Director of Athletics. "Not only does she do an outstanding job of promoting our brand, she works tirelessly to elevate the gameday experience for Spartan fans at our events. LaRhonda richly deserves this honor and the title Game Changer."
Burley has been part of Spartan Ventures' executive leadership team since its launch on July 1, 2026. Previously, she served as Michigan State's Executive Senior Associate AD with oversight of brand marketing, fan engagement, creative services and corporate partnership activation.
A brand marketing specialist with more than 15 years in the industry, Burley came to Michigan State in 2022 from the professional sports world with NFL, NFLPA, WNBA and NBA experience. Burley served as the Vice President/Business Operations of the Motor City Cruise, where she managed the brand's launch and established the business processes for the Detroit Pistons NBA G League affiliate in the organization's inaugural year. During her time at the Motor City Cruise, the team was recognized by the G League for excellence in digital marketing strategy, merchandise program and per-cap sales, best season-launch event and player community impact.
Prior to joining the Pistons organization, Burley served as the personal marketing agent for NFL quarterback and Michigan State alumnus Kirk Cousins. In 2018 she joined the National Fitness Foundation as Vice President/Partnerships and Marketing where she managed strategic partnerships for the official charity of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition and co-created the first National Endowment for Youth Sports. Her career path also includes roles with the NFL Players Association and the NFL's Washington Commanders.
The class will be honored in a Sept. 30 ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Times Square, followed by the SBJ Game Changers conference on Oct. 1. The event is focused around celebrating and elevating women in sports.
"From day one I've recognized that one of Michigan State's greatest strengths is its people, and LaRhonda Burley is a prime example," said Dan Bartholomae, MSU Vice President and Director of Athletics. "Not only does she do an outstanding job of promoting our brand, she works tirelessly to elevate the gameday experience for Spartan fans at our events. LaRhonda richly deserves this honor and the title Game Changer."
Burley has been part of Spartan Ventures' executive leadership team since its launch on July 1, 2026. Previously, she served as Michigan State's Executive Senior Associate AD with oversight of brand marketing, fan engagement, creative services and corporate partnership activation.
A brand marketing specialist with more than 15 years in the industry, Burley came to Michigan State in 2022 from the professional sports world with NFL, NFLPA, WNBA and NBA experience. Burley served as the Vice President/Business Operations of the Motor City Cruise, where she managed the brand's launch and established the business processes for the Detroit Pistons NBA G League affiliate in the organization's inaugural year. During her time at the Motor City Cruise, the team was recognized by the G League for excellence in digital marketing strategy, merchandise program and per-cap sales, best season-launch event and player community impact.
Prior to joining the Pistons organization, Burley served as the personal marketing agent for NFL quarterback and Michigan State alumnus Kirk Cousins. In 2018 she joined the National Fitness Foundation as Vice President/Partnerships and Marketing where she managed strategic partnerships for the official charity of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition and co-created the first National Endowment for Youth Sports. Her career path also includes roles with the NFL Players Association and the NFL's Washington Commanders.
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