INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Greg Shaheen, the self-described “therapist of March Madness,” has resigned from the NCAA.
Shaheen had been in charge of the NCAA’s marquee event — the men’s basketball tournament — for the past 12 years. Under his leadership, he watched the tournament expand from 65 to 68 teams, including the First Four “play in” games, and helped secure a $10.8 billion TV contract over 14 years.
Earlier this week, Shaheen tweeted: “The NCAA’s where I dreamed of working all my life. Here’s to dreams realized, true friends and progress made enroute.”
The NCAA announced the resignation late Thursday, two days after Mark Lewis was hired as the new vice president overseeing national championship events. Lewis has extensive experience in sponsorships, ticket sales, private donations and merchandising agreements.
