★ The Sports Examiner: Chronicling the key competitive, economic and political forces shaping elite sport and the Olympic Movement.★
★ To get the daily Sports Examiner Recap by e-mail: sign up here! ★
≡ INTEL REPORT ≡
When Chuck Wielgus passed away in 2017 after almost 20 years as the head of USA Swimming, the federation board turned to Tim Hinchey, whose background was in marketing, with three NBA teams and then as head of the MLS Colorado Rapids for six years.
He served seven years with USA Swimming, but his contract was not renewed following the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
A year later, the federation again turned to a marketer as leader, announcing on Thursday:
“USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport of swimming in the United States, today announced the appointment of Kevin M. Ring as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Ring, who currently serves as President of Golf at Legends, brings a proven record of building revenue and elevating fan engagement across some of the world’s most competitive sports.
“At Legends, Ring oversaw strategic growth initiatives in the global golf business, creating innovative partnerships, media strategies, and commercial platforms that enhanced both athlete and fan experiences. Prior to Legends, he served as Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at the PGA of America, where he spearheaded efforts to grow the game of golf through new sponsorship models, media rights deals, grassroots engagement, and enhanced championship experiences.”
The announcement confirmed the marketing emphasis of Ring’s assignment:
“As CEO, Ring will lead USA Swimming’s strategy to expand membership, increase revenue, and maximize the momentum of the sport heading into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. His appointment comes at a pivotal time, as the organization focuses on the long-term health of the sport in the United States. Ring will also serve as the CEO of the USA Swimming Foundation, focusing on furthering their mission of saving lives, building champions, and impacting communities.”
Said Ring:
“Swimming is one of the world’s most inspiring and global sports, and I am honored to join USA Swimming at such an important moment. There is an extraordinary opportunity to grow participation, connect with new fans, and develop innovative partnerships that will fuel success for the entire swimming community. I look forward to working with our athletes, coaches, volunteers, and partners to expand the reach and impact of this incredible sport.”
Ring’s background is extraordinarily deep in high-level sports marketing:
● 2022-2025: Legends Global Golf: President
● 2013-2023: PGA of America: Chief Revenue Officer
● 2000-2013: IMG: Vice President/IMG Consulting
● 1998-2000: Olympic Regional Development Authority: Asst. Dir. of Communications
His background has been primarily in golf, but with efforts in tennis, soccer and outdoor events during his time with the ORDA in Lake Placid. He played ice hockey at Southern New Hampshire University.
The Sports Examiner was told that Ring’s compensation is near or at $1 million per year, with a multi-year contract.
The federation is coming off of a record revenue year in 2024, with $51.06 million in income, no. 4 among all U.S. National Governing Bodies, including a $5.152 million surplus from the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
During Hinchey’s tenure, revenues vacillated from a Covid-induced low of $29.34 million in 2022 to over $42 million in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023 before sailing up over $50 million last year.
Ring will start on 17 September. He said in a statement:
“In order to succeed as CEO of USA Swimming and the USA Swimming Foundation, initially, I will spend meaningful time listening and learning, creating partnerships with key stakeholders, and communicating clearly with the board, stakeholders, membership, and USA Swimming staff.
“We will build a culture of transparency, innovation and modernization, all the while keeping focus on the mission and building upon the solid foundation already in place.”
¶
★ Receive our exclusive, weekday TSX Recap by e-mail by clicking here.
★ Sign up a friend to receive the TSX Recap by clicking here.
★ Please consider a donation here to keep this site going.
For our updated, 699-event International Sports Calendar for 2025, 2026 and beyond, by date and by sport, click here!
