Utah Warriors Add Former MLR Deputy Commissioner Nic Benson as COO

HERRIMAN, UT (Jan. 13, 2022) – The Utah Warriors have hired Nic Benson as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, the team announced Thursday.

“Heading into year five the Utah Warriors are looking to continue our organizational development as a team on and off the field,” said Warriors CEO Kimball Kjar. “Nic’s expertise in operational rigor and media, specifically within the sports and entertainment industries, is something this team and the community will stand to benefit from. Adding Nic as COO puts the Warriors in a position to continue our pursuit of not only being the best in the MLR but also becoming the best professional sports experience for fans and partners in the state of Utah.

Benson joins the Utah Warriors with more than fifteen years of experience launching sports, political and government programs in the US and overseas. He has particular experience in the sport of rugby, having spent four years as the Deputy Commissioner of Major League Rugby from 2016-2020. During his time as Deputy Commissioner, Benson oversaw all league operations, competition and player issues along with TV and video production for the league. Additionally, Benson was a consultant for the Warriors as the franchise joined Major League Rugby.

“As MLR deputy commissioner I had a front-row seat to watch the Warriors emerge as a best-in-class organization on and off the field,” said Benson. “It’s a privilege to join the talented front office and coaching staff we already have in place. With my background in league & competition ops, and on the media side, I hope to add an extra dimension to a well-rounded team, and do my part to make sure we bring the MLR shield home to Utah in June.

In addition to his experience with Major League Rugby, Benson was the Operations Manager for the Indian Premier League, one of the largest and most successful T20 Cricket leagues in the world, in 2008. Most recently, Benson served as the Chief Business Officer for Willow TV, a cable channel and streaming platform focused on international and professional cricket.

Benson is no stranger to the Utah Warriors organization. He has spent the last year as a member of the franchise’s Board of Directors, before transitioning to his new role as Chief Operating Officer.

“Nic’s historical understanding of the MLR and the Warriors will play a key part in helping us scale as an organization,” said Kjar. “Having worked as the founding deputy commissioner of the MLR and as a Board member of the Warriors for the past year, Nic stepping into the COO will largely be seamless for us and the rest of the staff.”