Michael Lienert
Revenue & Partnerships Leader
Michigan | Detroit · Chicago · Los Angeles · New Orleans
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Revenue leader, partnership builder, and entrepreneur — from expansion clubs to major league stadiums and beyond.
The Foundation
Michael began his career in Los Angeles working with Legends Hospitality to help build Los Angeles Football Club from the ground up. He joined during the early formation stages of the club as one of the first hires — before LAFC had ever played a match. The job wasn't just selling a team; it was helping create an identity, a brand, and a fan base from scratch in one of the most competitive sports markets in the world.
The task was selling premium seating, partnerships, and hospitality experiences years in advance of opening Banc of California Stadium. That required a completely different approach — leading with vision, storytelling, and long-term value, building trust with corporate partners and high-net-worth clients around something that didn't yet exist. The result: the entire premium inventory sold through well ahead of opening, with marquee founding partners secured, helping establish LAFC as one of the most successful expansion clubs in professional sports.
Los Angeles, Chapter Two
Michael then transitioned within Legends to the Los Angeles Chargers and the SoFi Stadium project — another critical build phase. The Chargers had just relocated from San Diego, meaning once again a premium client base had to be built from a clean slate, while introducing a world-class venue designed to redefine the global standard for sports and entertainment.
Leading a team responsible for long-term suite leases, Michael delivered one of the most successful early-phase premium sales launches for a new stadium project, building a robust multi-year pipeline through strategic relationship development and targeted outreach. The SoFi experience reinforced the playbook first developed at LAFC: relationships first, strategic positioning, and partnerships built to last.
Detroit & Chicago
The Los Angeles years set the stage for larger roles in the Midwest. Michael went on to hold senior-level positions connected to the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, and Chicago Fire FC — organizations where he was responsible for overseeing premium sales, partnerships, private events, and broader revenue strategy across large-scale business operations.
He also served as General Manager of Vue Orleans in New Orleans, a role under Legends that put him at the helm of one of the city's most distinctive hospitality and experience venues. Across each chapter, he became known for his ability to build and lead teams, structure complex deals, and drive consistent revenue performance across multiple markets. Connect with him on Michael Lienert's LinkedIn profile to follow his professional journey.
Expanding the Platform
In addition to his background in sports and entertainment, Michael is expanding his professional focus into real estate and broader business development initiatives. He holds a Michigan Real Estate License as well as a Michigan Life and Health Insurance License — credentials that reflect his ongoing interest in building a diversified, relationship-driven business platform.
The same skills that allowed him to structure multi-year partnership deals with Fortune 500 companies translate directly to navigating complex real estate transactions and building long-term financial relationships with clients. Michael approaches every new discipline the same way he approached day one at LAFC: with curiosity, discipline, and the mindset of someone who knows how to build from zero.
Outside the Office
Based in Michigan, Michael's professional network spans Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Reno, and Lake Tahoe — cities where he has built lasting personal and professional relationships over the course of his career. He holds dual perspectives on what it means to build a life and business grounded in genuine connection rather than transactional thinking.
Outside of work, Michael values time with family, travel, and staying engaged in the communities and industries that have shaped him. He grew up in Nevada, where he earned a High School Baseball State Championship as a pitcher and went on to graduate as Valedictorian from Barstow Community College — a foundation of discipline and competitive drive that continues to inform everything he does.