Hugh Weber, the Seattle Sounders’ and Seattle Reign’s president of business operations, is leaving the organization to become the CEO of the Edmonton Oilers.

A veteran of the sports industry with more than 25 years of experience, Weber has held a slew of executive roles across the NBA, NHL and other associated businesses. He spent seven years as the president of the New Orleans Hornets from 2005 to 2012. The franchise, which later changed its name to the Pelicans, saw “record-setting ticket sales and sponsorship numbers” under Weber, according to his biography on the Sounders website.

He followed that stint by becoming president of the New Jersey Devils and their arena, the Prudential Center, in 2013. Weber spent roughly a decade with the organization, transitioning to the same role with the NHL franchise’s parent company, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, for the final three years of his tenure. He will assume his role in Edmonton on Aug. 15.

Weber helped HBSE act as an early adopter of many new business opportunities during his time with the organization. The 76ers were the first NBA team to strike a jersey patch deal, and the Devils led the NHL trend of adding helmet decals. The agreements Weber and the Devils landed in the aftermath of New Jersey’s legalization of sports betting became a model for clubs in other jurisdictions. He also oversaw the construction of a new practice facility for the 76ers.

In 2023, Weber left HBSE to join the Sounders, a homecoming of sorts for the Tacoma, Wash., native. The MLS club’s value has climbed steadily since then, growing 26% to $915 million earlier this year. Seattle’s revenues have grown at an even higher clip, rising from $75 million three years ago to $105 million during the 2025 season.

Now, Weber joins one of the best revenue-generating teams in the NHL. The Oilers posted a topline of $367 million during the 2024-25 season, the second-best mark in the league. The previous year, Edmonton ranked first in the NHL. The Oilers are worth $2.67 billion, according to Sportico data.

As part of his role, Weber will also lead the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors; the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings; Rogers Place, the Oilers home arena; the ICE District, the surrounding mixed-use facility; and the broader company’s event, media and content operations.