The Rise of Alex Martins: How He Built the Orlando Magic

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Alex Martins is a prominent figure in the world of basketball, specifically known for his role as the CEO of the Orlando Magic. He has been associated with the Orlando Magic since 1989 and has played a significant role in the team's success. Under Martins' guidance, the Orlando Magic has experienced several successful seasons, including reaching the NBA Finals in 1995 and 2009. He has been responsible for overseeing various aspects of the team's operations, such as player personnel decisions, marketing strategies, and financial initiatives. Martins' leadership has been instrumental in developing the Orlando Magic as a brand and building a dedicated fan base. He has consistently emphasized the importance of community involvement and has led the team in engaging with charitable initiatives and community-based programs.



Alex Martins

Alex Martins, who has spent 36 years in professional sports management and rejoined the Magic in June 2005, was promoted to chief executive officer on December 7, 2011. He previously served as president for more than one year and was the team’s chief operating officer from 2006-10. Martins also serves as CEO of SED Development, LLC, an affiliate of the Magic which is currently planning an entertainment mixed use development across Church Street from the Amway Center. Martins represents the Magic as the team’s alternate governor to the NBA Board of Governors, as well as managing partner of the Osceola Magic, Orlando’s affiliate in the NBA G League, as well as having served on the NBA’s Season Restart Committee which has advised the league on the return to play from the COVID-19 hiatus. Martins also serves on the NBA G League Labor Relations Committee.

Martins, who served in various senior-level management capacities with the Magic between 1989-98 and as the organization’s executive vice president of marketing and franchise relations in 2005-06, oversees all operations of the club, as well as those of the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL and the Osceola Magic of the NBA G League.

During the past 17 years, Martins led the Magic in a transformation of its business operations, while overseeing a ticket sales, premium sales and corporate partnership effort which saw the most successful business year in the history of the franchise in the 2022-23 season. Additionally, under its previous most successful business year in 2010-11, the team received the recognition of the SportsBusiness Journal which named the Magic as a finalist for Professional Sports Team of the Year, the only NBA team to be named a finalist that year.

Similarly, Martins has spearheaded the transformation of the current Magic basketball operations department, with the hiring and management of the current basketball administration leadership. Martins also oversaw the development staff for the construction of the Magic’s new, 130,000-square-foot AdventHealth Training Center, which opened during the summer of 2022.

Included in the franchise’s success during his tenure, has been the largest season ticket base in franchise history in 2010-11 (14,200), the most successful corporate partnership sales effort in franchise history in 2021-22 and the highest group ticket sales in the NBA four of the last five years. Amongst these records is the largest increase in attendance in the NBA over the five-year period from 2010-15.

Martins was instrumental in helping to secure the state-of-the-art Amway Center in Orlando. The Amway Center is part of a public community venues program that also includes a new Performing Arts Center and a renovation of the Citrus Bowl Stadium. The new Amway Center opened in October 2010. The facility was named a finalist for the SportsBusiness Journal’s Sports Facility of the Year Award for two consecutive years and captured the award in 2012. Additionally, the Magic also contributed $20 million toward and constructed five community recreation centers throughout Orange County, Florida, as part of its commitment to build the new Amway Center. The Amway Center was also honored in 2013 with the Customer Experience Award during TheStadiumBusiness Awards presentation held in association with TheStadiumBusiness Summit in Manchester, England.

At the annual NBA Sales and Marketing Meetings, the Magic have regularly been recognized with several awards during the past decade including the “New Full Season Ticket Award” twice for being No. 1 in the NBA in new full season tickets sold, a “90 Percent Renewal Award” for being just one of five teams to achieve a 90 percent-or-higher season ticket renewal rate in 2007, a “Sponsorship Account Performance Award” for the extraordinary number of accounts secured by the global partnerships department and the “Retailer of the Year Award” twice, for the team’s retail sales performance. The team has also been awarded the NBA Sponsorship Retention Award in two of the last three seasons. The team was also recognized this past season as #1 in the NBA for customer experience by the NBA.

Martins originally joined the Magic as director of publicity/media relations in April 1989. In September of 1996, he was promoted to senior director of communications. He also previously served as the Chairman of the Board of the Magic Action Team Community Fund. The Magic Action Team Fund developed into the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, which has distributed more than $26 million to local nonprofit organizations during the last 31 years, including more than $1 million last season. Additionally, Martins served on the developmental board of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program at the University of Central Florida. The program has been funded through a $9 million endowment by Rich and Helen DeVos and awards dual Masters degrees in Sport Management and Business Administration.

Martins also has served as the senior vice president of marketing and branding for the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets, vice president of communications and public affairs with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and vice president of sports ventures with the Tavistock Group. At Tavistock, Martins served as tournament director of The Tavistock Cup, a PGA Tour-sanctioned event.

Martins started his career as a student assistant in the Villanova sports information department, assisted in the Philadelphia 76ers public relations department and was also the assistant sports information director at Georgetown University (1988-89).

Martins currently serves as the Chair of the UCF Board of Trustees. He previously served as Vice Chair, as well as Chair of the Educational Programs Committee and the Finance and Facilities Committee. Martins is also past chairman of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission and The Central Florida Partnership, as well as past chairman of the Orlando Community Construction Corporation, the entity responsible for the construction of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. He also has served on the board of directors of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Central Florida Commission on Homeless. Martins also currently serves on the Central Florida board of directors for Seaside National Bank & Trust, and is the Chairman of the Governor’s Council of the Orlando Economic Partnership.

In April 2015, Martins received the James B. Greene Economic Development Award, which is the highest honor bestowed by the Orlando Economic Development Commission, and recognizes an individual whose work has contributed substantially to the economic prosperity of the region. In 2013, he was awarded the Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award for Community Leadership by the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association. The award is CFHLA’s highest honor recognizing an individual’s achievements and contributions to the Central Florida hospitality industry as well as the community at large. Martins was also named to Florida Trend’s Florida 500 list, as well as Orlando Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful People of 2022. In May 2023, he received the Chairman’s Award of Excellence from the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, which honors a role model in the Central Florida region that has been a long-term contributor to both the GOSC and the local community.

Following the tragedy at Pulse nightclub in June 2016, Martins was chosen by the City of Orlando to Chair the board of directors for the largest fund for victims of the shooting, the city-sponsored OneOrlando fund.

Martins earned his MBA from the University of Central Florida, where he is a member of the College of Business Administration’s Hall of Fame and recipient of University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. He also serves on the Dean’s Executive Council for the College of Business Administration at UCF, and was honored with the opportunity to serve as Commencement Speaker at UCF in August 2008.

A native of Kearny, New Jersey, Martins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Villanova, where he graduated from in 1986. He resides in Winter Park, Fla. Martins and his wife, Juliet, have two daughters, Sophia (19) and Gabrielle (17).

Gubernatorial Appointment – Term expires 01/06/2026

Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins selected as the recipient of Chairman's Award of Excellence; Also named Executive of the Year Finalist

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has unveiled the list of 67 finalists for the 2023 SPORTYS: Greater Orlando’s Night of Champions presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. The finalists were selected by a voting committee made up of members of the GO Sports board of directors. Representing 25 different organizations throughout Greater Orlando, the finalists are listed below along with the corporate partners who are sponsoring the 11 award categories.

“Alex Martins is a visionary leader and one of Central Florida’s greatest champions. His leadership in the Greater Orlando sports ecosystem has been integral to the health, wellbeing and prosperity of our community,” said Sharon Line Clary, Vice President, Strategic Marketing & Communications for AdventHealth and Chairman of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission Board of Directors. “I am delighted to name Alex as the recipient of the 2023 Chairman’s Award of Excellence.”

Past winners of the Chairman’s Award of Excellence include Chris Carmody of GrayRobinson, P.A. (2022), Jon and Betsy Hughes from Track Shack (2021), and Bud Beucher from Mission Inn Resort & Club (2020).

Tickets are now on sale for the watch party and industry reception that will take place the same night at the Orlando Health Fortress at Full Sail University. Registration will open at 6:00 p.m., followed by the live watch party at 7:00 p.m. and Orlando Sports IndustryReception at 8:00 p.m.

“Congratulations to all of the finalists announced today,” said Jason Siegel, President & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “We could not be more pleased to celebrate these tremendously talented individuals in our sports community. This year’s inclusive field of 67 finalists represents 25 different regional organizations and shows the continued growth and impact of the sports industry in Central Florida.”

Alex Martins and Harold Mills Re-elected to Lead UCF’s Board of Trustees

Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins ’01MBA and Orlando entrepreneur Harold Mills have been members of the board since 2013 and 2019, respectively.

By Joe Adams | July 6, 2023

(Photo by Rhiana Raymundo ’18)

UCF Board of Trustees Chair Alex Martins ’01MBA and Vice Chair Harold Mills will lead UCF’s governing board for two more years after a vote by their colleagues at the June 29, 2023, board meeting.

UCF alumnus Martins, who serves as CEO of the Orlando Magic, and Mills, a distinguished Orlando entrepreneur, have navigated UCF through many complexities during their tenure. Their dedication and commitment during times of a global pandemic, the adoption of a new strategic plan, and securing greater state funding to hire more faculty and enhance student success have been a notable testament to their unwavering dedication to UCF and its future.

“I thank Chair Martins and Vice Chair Mills for everything they have done for this institution,” said UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “Both of them challenge us constantly and keep us moving forward and focused. This entire board has been doing that, and the engagement and involvement of our trustees is a reflection of their leadership.”

Martins, who joined the board in 2013, took the opportunity to thank his colleagues for their continued trust and lauded them for their engagement in challenging the university to reach new heights. He shared his gratitude for the support of President Alexander N. Cartwright, the UCF leadership team and staff.

“Of all the volunteer boards I’ve served on, this by far has been the most fulfilling for me personally,” Martins says. “I greatly appreciate the opportunity, so thank you all very much.”

Mills echoed Martins’ sentiments, adding his deep appreciation for the collaborative environment within UCF, where he says everyone works tirelessly to improve students’ lives and those of their families. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to shape a positive culture at the university that fuels progress in its operations and the accomplishment of strategic priorities.

“All of those successes need and should be celebrated as often as we possibly can. This is a fabulous organization with an incredibly bright future,” Mills says. “Thanks for the opportunity to serve.”

Both Martins and Mills bring an array of successes and engagements in their respective fields, enriching the board with their experiences.

Martins oversees all operations of the Magic and has more than three decades in professional sports management. A well-regarded civic leader, he earned his MBA from UCF, where he is a member of the College of Business’s Hall of Fame and recipient of the university’s Distinguished Alumnus award.

A member of the dean’s executive council for the UCF College of Business Administration, Martins served on the developmental board of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program at UCF, which is funded through a $9 million endowment by Rich and Helen DeVos and awards dual master’s degrees in sport management and business administration. Under Martins’ leadership, the Magic contributed $1.5 million to the construction of UCF Downtown in 2015, the first major private donation for the campus.

Martins has previously chaired various community organizations, including the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission and The Central Florida Partnership. Martins serves or has served on the boards of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Central Florida Commission on Homeless and the Governor’s Council of the Orlando Economic Partnership.

Mills is the CEO of VMD Ventures, which invests in entrepreneurs in technology and service industries. He joined the UCF Board of Trustees in 2019 and chairs the Budget and Finance Committee.

He previously served as chairman and CEO of ZeroChaos, a global workforce management company that he built into a multi-billion-dollar organization with operations in over 56 countries. His service on boards includes the chairman of Nemours Children’s Hospital, vice chairman of Guidewell/Florida Blue, Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, Rollins College and LIFT Orlando. He is a past chairman of the Jacksonville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and the Florida Citrus Sports. He is a former board member of the Florida Council of 100, Florida A&M University and Visit Orlando

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

About the Board of Trustees

UCF’s 13-member Board of Trustees consists of six volunteer members appointed by the governor and five appointed by the Florida Board of Governors. The chair of the university’s Faculty Senate and UCF’s student body president also are members.

For more information, visit bot.ucf.edu.

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WKMG-TV, News 6 Emmy Nominated senior level sales executive with proven abilities to produce multi-platform advertising & marketing solutions.

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Congratulations on your incredible success. You set an amazing example for everyone in our community.

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Former Assistant Vice President at University of Central Florida

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He has consistently emphasized the importance of community involvement and has led the team in engaging with charitable initiatives and community-based programs. Not only has Martins focused on the on-court success of the Orlando Magic, but he has also been actively involved in growing the team's presence off the court. He played a crucial role in the development of the Amway Center, the team's state-of-the-art arena, which opened its doors in 2010.

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Great to have the USMNT ⚽️ 🇺🇸 back in town for training! #terrainforeverygame #sportstourism

President & CEO @ Greater Orlando Sports Commission | Leadership, Collaboration, New Business Development, Marketing, and Growth

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A great day on the pitch with our partners at the U.S. Men’s National Team ⚽️ 🇺🇸, in town for training camp in Osceola County at Osceola Heritage Park. Always good to spend time with Coach Berhalter and their latest addition, Orlando City SC’s young phenom Duncan McGuire. #OrlandoHealthTrainingGround

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Congratulations to the GO Sports Board Members who were recently appointed to the Downtown Orlando Partnership board of directors and board of trustees: Jamie Barati, SIOR, CCIM Lisa Curran Allen Johnson Benjamin McCarney Jenise Osani

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The Downtown Orlando Partnership welcomes 7 new Board Members to our 28-person Board of Directors and designates a Board of Trustees made up of 6 community leaders and former DOP Board Members. Please join us in welcoming DOP's newest Board Members and Board of Trustees below. 👏 2024 Board Members: Lisa Curran, Government and Community Relations Manager, Duke Energy Kayla Flannery, Senior Marketing Manager, AdventHealth Vennia Francois, Senior Counsel, Brennan, Manna & Diamond James Hawley, CEO, NextPath Career Partners Courtney Keller, Administrative Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, P.A. Benjamin McCarney, General Manager, Kessler Collection - Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando Jenise Osani, Vice President of Marketing & New Products, OUC - The Reliable One 2024 Board of Trustees: Jamie Barati, SIOR, CCIM, Senior Vice President, JLL Stephanie Darden Bennett, President & COO, PRISMATIC Tami Door, Owner, Hay Park LLC Sherry Gutch, Director of Placemaking, City of Orlando Allen Johnson, Chief Venue Officer, City of Orlando David Swanson, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Orlando

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Thank you for your contributions Gabriella Haugland as we wish you the best of luck on your career journey!

NIL Partnerships Coordinator for Raymond Rep | Sideline Reporter | Student at UCF

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As my year-long internship with Greater Orlando Sports Commission comes to a close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible journey, and growth I've experienced during this time. I am truly thankful for the opportunities, mentorship, and support that have shaped my professional development. The GO Sports team has completely opened up the knowledge, and tools that I will supersede in my next steps in the sports industry. Thank you Jennifer Lastik & Jason Siegel for granting me the opportunity to extend my time with GO Sports for an entire year. GO SPORTS!

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Thank you Sharon Line Clary for your leadership on this historic project!!

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Alex martins orlando magic

Martins' tenure as CEO has been marked by his commitment to the Orlando community and the sport of basketball. He has been a strong advocate for youth development programs and has worked to promote basketball at the grassroots level through the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. Overall, Alex Martins' leadership and vision have greatly contributed to the success and growth of the Orlando Magic. His dedication to both the team and the community has solidified his status as a respected figure in the basketball industry..

Reviews for "The Role of Alex Martins in the Rebranding of the Orlando Magic"

1. Karen - 1/5 stars - I was extremely disappointed with my experience at the Alex Martins Orlando Magic event. The organization seemed disorganized and the staff members were uninformed and unhelpful. The venue itself was outdated and lacked any kind of atmosphere. The game itself was lackluster, with the players seeming disinterested and disconnected from the audience. Overall, it was a complete waste of time and money. I would not recommend attending any events hosted by Alex Martins or the Orlando Magic.
2. Mike - 2/5 stars - I had high expectations for the Alex Martins Orlando Magic event, but unfortunately, it fell short. The tickets were overpriced for the quality of the game and the level of play. The seats were uncomfortable and cramped, making it hard to enjoy the match. The food and beverage options were limited and overpriced. It was overall a subpar experience that left me feeling unsatisfied. If you're looking for an exciting and enjoyable basketball game, I suggest looking elsewhere.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - The Alex Martins Orlando Magic event was a disappointment for me. The team's performance was lackluster, and it seemed like they were just going through the motions. The atmosphere in the arena was dull, and the energy from the fans was low. The entire experience felt disconnected and unengaging. I would much rather spend my time and money on a more exciting and passionate sporting event. I wouldn't recommend attending an Orlando Magic game organized by Alex Martins if you're looking for an exhilarating and entertaining experience.
4. Mark - 2/5 stars - My experience with Alex Martins and the Orlando Magic was underwhelming. The game lacked any sort of intensity or excitement, and the players seemed disinterested. The crowd was sparse and the overall atmosphere in the arena was flat. The prices for tickets, parking, and concessions were also quite high, making it a pricey outing with little reward. I would not recommend attending an event organized by Alex Martins if you're looking for a thrilling and engaging sports experience.

From Intern to CEO: Alex Martins' Journey with the Orlando Magic

Alex Martins: The Driving Force behind the Orlando Magic's Community Involvement