Shelly Cayette-Weston, a top executive with the Cleveland Cavaliers, has been named the new president of business operations of the Charlotte Hornets, the team announced this week. In her role, Cayette-Weston will oversee the day-to-day business operations for all of Hornets Sports & Entertainment’s properties, including the Charlotte Hornets, Greensboro Swarm, Hornets Venom GT and Spectrum Center.
Cayette-Wilson will officially join the organization on July 1. She replaces Fred Whitfield, who stepped down at the end of 2023.
“We are pleased to welcome Shelly to Hornets Sports & Entertainment,” Hornets Sports & Entertainment Co-Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin said in a joint statement. “As we’ve gotten to know Shelly, we have been struck by her leadership skills, her experience and her ability to build relationships with key constituencies such as corporate partners, ticket holders and community members. She lives our values and believes in the vision we have for the future of HSE.”
Cayette-Weston comes to Charlotte after spending 12 years with the Cavaliers, including the last two as executive vice president and chief commercial officer. Under Cayette-Weston’s leadership, the Cavaliers became one of the top performing revenue franchises in the NBA during the last decade. She oversaw core initiatives, including securing jersey patch partners, arena renovations, international business strategy and the growth of Cleveland’s youth sports outreach, all of which created a positive impact on the business, stakeholders and the community.
Cayette-Weston held a variety of roles with the Cavaliers. Prior to joining that organization, she did stints with the New Orleans Hornets and Caesars Entertainment.
A graduate of Tulane University, where she was a member of the women’s basketball team, Cayette-Weston was named to Crain’s Cleveland Business Forty Under 40 in 2019 and Sports Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 in 2021.
“I’m incredibly excited to join Hornets Sports & Entertainment and become a part of the Charlotte community,” Cayette-Weston said. “This is a compelling time for HSE, with Rick and Gabe’s passion, vision and commitment, in addition to the transformative arena renovations and the new basketball leadership of Jeff Peterson and Charles Lee. I look forward to building upon the energy and growth of our team on the court and the impact of the reimagined Spectrum Center, all of which will strengthen the experience of our fans, partners and community throughout the Carolinas. Charlotte is an amazing city with great people, tremendous growth and endless opportunities, and I cannot wait to get started.”
