Brian Connolly

Brian Connolly is a recognized national leader in strategic planning, economic analysis, and management consulting for the sports and entertainment industry. As Founder and Managing Principal of Victus Advisors, he has guided a diverse portfolio of clients that includes professional sports franchises, NCAA athletic departments, public assembly venue owners/operators, and mixed-use real estate developers through high-stakes decisions involving capital investment, operational strategy, and long-term financial sustainability. His firm’s work is distinguished by its independence, analytical rigor, and ability to translate complex data into actionable strategies that enhance both economic impact and community value. Brian’s foundation in economics and finance, anchored by a B.A. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and a Professional Certificate in Accounting from the University of California, Berkeley, informs the disciplined, data-driven approach that is the hallmark of his consulting practice.

Over more than two decades, Brian has built deep expertise in financial feasibility assessment, economic impact analysis, and public-private partnership negotiations for major sports and entertainment facilities. His leadership has produced measurable results in areas such as revenue optimization, sponsorship valuation, and vendor procurement, enabling clients to maximize returns on multi-million-dollar projects. Prior to founding Victus Advisors, he served as a senior consultant with Legends’ conventions, sports, and leisure division, where he led consulting engagements for top-tier organizations including NFL, NBA, and NCAA clients, as well as municipal and convention center authorities. Brian’s academic preparation culminated in an MBA in Sports Business from Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business, where he combined advanced financial and economic training with an in-depth understanding of the unique dynamics of the sports industry.

Beyond his consulting practice, Brian contributes to the sports business ecosystem as a seed investor and advisor to Bond Sports, the leading SaaS platform for sports and recreation facility management. His earlier career highlights include strategic roles with the Arizona Cardinals and Orlando Magic, where he supported major facility developments such as State Farm Stadium and the KIA Center, as well as Finance Director for Chatham Partners (now NMG Consulting), a boutique consulting firm specializing in financial services market research. Across every role, Brian’s work has combined quantitative precision with strategic insight, helping clients make informed, financially sound decisions that shape the future of sports and entertainment infrastructure.