President of Business Operations, Columbus Crew
Kristin is an Ohio native who, after 10 years in executive roles with Madison Square Garden Sports, co-founded and serves as principal of KB2 Sports. Bernert joined the Crew in January of 2022 and directs all business endeavors for the Club, including fan engagement and marketing; community partnerships and impact; game experience and facility management for Lower.com Field and Historic Crew Stadium; ticket sales and services; corporate partnerships and overall revenue generation; and organizational administration.
Prior to establishing KB2 Sports, Bernert spent 10 years with Madison Square Garden Sports (MSGS), rising to Executive Vice President of Business Operations in 2018. In her role, she led business initiatives for all MSGS teams and affiliates, encompassing the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, Westchester Knicks, Hartford Wolf Pack, Knicks Gaming, and Counter Logic Gaming.
Bernert launched KB2 Sports in 2021, providing a wide range of best business practices and innovative strategies to leaders of various professional women’s sports organizations. KB2 Sports offers advisory services for entities across the sports industry, including the NWSL, Gotham FC and various WNBA teams, as well as other companies focused on fan engagement and content creation.
Before joining MSGS, she held multiple significant leadership positions in professional basketball, including President of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks (2008-2010); Vice President of Team Marketing and Business Operations at the NBA (2005-2008); and Vice President of the WNBA’s Detroit Shock (2002-2005).
From 2000-2002, she was a corporate sales representative for the Cleveland Guardians. She began her career in college sports with The Ohio State University (assistant marketing director, 1997) and Bowling Green State University (assistant athletics director, 1998-2000).
Hailing from Stow, Ohio, Bernert graduated from Siena College with a degree in psychology and earned a master’s in sports management from The Ohio State University.
Chairman, CEO and Founder, PagsGroup | Co-Owner and Managing General Partner, Boston Celtics | Co-Owner and Co-Chairman, Atalanta