Tim Pernetti remains American commissioner after NFLPA interest
· Yahoo Sports
The Wolf of Wall Street clip where Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Jordan Belfort announces he is not leaving has become commonplace in the sports world. Travis Kelce used it to confirm his return for the 2025 NFL season. Giannis Antetokounmpo used it last month to affirm is loyalty to the Milwaukee Bucks. And now American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti joins the club.
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— Tim Pernetti (@Tim_Pernetti) March 18, 2026
Pernetti’s announcement confirms he will remain the American Conference commissioner after he was previously named a finalist for the NFL Players Association executive director, a vacancy which was fulfilled by former Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns center JC Tretter on Tuesday, Mar. 17.
Pernetti released a statement emphasizing his commitment to the American and college athletics on the evening of Mar. 17:
“I believe in the mission of college athletics, the academic opportunities it offers and the life-changing experiences it creates for student-athletes,” Pernetti said in his statement. “I have deep respect for my colleagues across college sports, the American Conference and the people who work every day to strengthen it. I am especially grateful to the American presidents for their commitment to the conference’s future. Their leadership on key decisions, particularly in recent weeks, including discussions regarding the grant of rights, exit fees and the strengthening of resources for the conference office, will enable us to innovate at the pace this moment demands. Those decisions create stability, reinforce the conference’s direction and position the American to keep moving forward.”
Pernetti concluded his statement mentioning his conversations with the NFLPA, stating: “I want to thank the NFLPA for its time and consideration during our discussions. I also want our team at the American to know that I remain focused on the unfinished work ahead at the conference and fully committed to continuing the momentum we have built together.”
Pernetti has served as the American’s commissioner since Jun. 1, 2024, succeeding longtime commissioner Mike Aresco who oversaw the former Big East’s transition into the American in 2013. The former Rutgers tight end is preparing for his third football season as the league’s commissioner, coming off a season where an American team — Tulane — qualified for the College Football Playoff for the second time in the event’s history.
For a conference which experienced massive turnover in recent memory, stability will be the American’s theme for 2026, as it retains its commissioner and all 14 football programs without any structural realignment changes.