Greg Fante Named Sports ETA Executive of the Year

Greg Fante, president and CEO of the Louisville Sports Commission, has been named Executive of the Year by Sports ETA and the organization’s CE Summit in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday.

Fante was unable to attend the event in person, and was given the award in advance during a virtual presentation.

The Executive of the Year award recognizes an outstanding sports tourism executive who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, industry impact, and long-term contributions to their organization and community.

“I am honored and grateful for this recognition from Sports ETA and my peers,” said Fante. “This award reflects the incredible team at the Louisville Sports Commission and the partners who work alongside us every day to showcase our city through sports. I am proud to be part of an industry that creates economic opportunity and lasting impact.”

Fante joined the Greater Louisville Convention Bureau in 1999 and became Director of Sports Development in 2007. He became president and CEO in 2023 and during his long tenure has helped turn Louisville into one of America’s premier sports destinations. He played a crucial role leading the bid for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for gymnastics, one of the nation’s most prestigious qualifying events, which was officially awarded to Louisville earlier this spring. It was the culmination of years of worked, and the moment brought Fante to tears.

“Greg represents the very best of what leadership looks like in our industry,” said John David, president and CEO of Sports ETA. “His vision and commitment to collaboration have elevated not only the Louisville Sports Commission, but the broader sports tourism profession. Greg leads with purpose, invests in people, and consistently delivers results that benefit his community and our industry as a whole. We are proud to recognize him as Sports ETA’s Executive of the Year.”

The Sports ETA CE Summit is focused on strategy and innovation in the sports travel industry and brings together top executives from sports commissions, destinations and rights-holder organizations.