Charles Besser is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Intersport, a leading sports media, marketing, and event management agency. Under his leadership, Intersport has become a 20-time Emmy Award-winning organization, the largest independent owner and operator of college sports events in the world, and a trusted partner to many of the world’s top brands, including JPMorgan Chase and Under Armour.

Besser created and trademarked March Madness before selling the rights to the NCAA, establishing Intersport’s legacy of innovation. Today, the company owns and operates nationally televised stadium events, produces original content, and executes hundreds of major events annually.

He has driven the creation of premier properties like the PGA TOUR-sanctioned World Champions Cup and the Rocket Mortgage Classic, along with landmark campaigns such as Steal a Base, Steal a Taco for Taco Bell—the longest-running quick-service restaurant sports promotion in history.

A former four-year captain of the Marquette University golf team, Besser has also launched enduring properties like the College Slam Dunk and 3-Point Championships and helped establish the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. His vision continues to shape how brands connect with audiences across sports, entertainment, and media.