Visit Fort Worth has appointed Drew Hays, former sports commissioner in Austin, to lead the Fort Worth Sports Commission with a goal to attract more national and international athletic events to the city.
Hays joins the Sports Commission as the team prepares to welcome record numbers of events in 2026, including: NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championship for the 7th consecutive year; NCAA Women’s Basketball Sweet 16 and Elite 8; the FEI World Cup Finals 2026 sponsored by Longines; international e-sports events and much more.
“Drew’s experience and reputation in the sports tourism industry will be a tremendous asset to Fort Worth,” said Bob Jameson, president and CEO of Visit Fort Worth. “He brings the right combination of national relationships, strategic planning and passion for showcasing a city’s community through sports. We’re excited to welcome Drew and his family to Fort Worth.”
Since 2021, the Fort Worth Sports Commission has hosted an average of 90 events per year, consistently bringing a diverse range of high-profile athletic events and to the city including: PBR World Finals, NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships, USA Wrestling Olympic Trials, Bassmaster Classic, NCAA Men's Basketball 1st and 2nd rounds, the MLB Draft and esports global championships.
The Sports Commission also supports Fort Worth’s long-standing entities and events, including the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, National Cutting Horse Association, Texas Motor Speedway, Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial and the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.
Hays previously served as executive director of the Austin Sports Commission at Visit Austin, where he led the recruitment of more than 350 sporting events, championed sports facility development and built partnerships with national organizations including the NCAA, NBA, MLS, PGA, NASCAR and the U.S. Olympic Committee.
”The Fort Worth Sports Commission, Visit Fort Worth, and the city have built an incredible foundation that has positioned Fort Worth as a premier sports destination. I am honored to join such a talented and accomplished team, and I look forward to building on their momentum to showcase Fort Worth on an even greater national and international stage,” Hays said.
Hays will serve as vice president of sports for Visit Fort Worth and executive director of the Fort Worth Sports Commission. He will serve on Visit Fort Worth’s Leadership Team, reporting to chief operating officer Mitch Whitten.
The Sports Commission team is composed of Cassie Poss, director of business development; Heath Aucoin, director of operations; Becca Berger, director of marketing & public relations; Katie Heldreth, sports sales manager; Gabby Nassans, sports marketing coordinator; and Adrain Armstrong, convention sales & sports coordinator.
Contact Drew Hays at DrewHays@FortWorth.com.
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