Sports Marketing Visionary Max Muhleman Dies at 88
Muhleman, known for pioneering the personal seat license and shaping Charlotte's sports landscape, passed away from natural causes after a history of heart issues.
- Max Muhleman, a trailblazer in sports marketing, played a pivotal role in founding the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and NASCAR's Hendrick Motorsports.
- He introduced the concept of the personal seat license (PSL), a funding model that revolutionized stadium financing and was widely adopted across professional sports.
- Muhleman was instrumental in securing Charlotte's NFL and NBA franchises, helping position the city as a major sports hub in the 1980s and 1990s.
- He worked closely with NASCAR legend Rick Hendrick, providing strategic guidance that led to the creation of Hendrick Motorsports, now NASCAR's most successful team.
- Muhleman, remembered for his kindness and innovative vision, leaves a legacy of transforming sports business and cultivating relationships that shaped the industry.