Rocket Arena
Michael Conley will be the first president of the Rock Entertainment Sports Network.
After helping launch the Rock Entertainment Sports Network last summer, longtime Cleveland Cavaliers executive Michael Conley is taking the helm as its first president.
RESN, a joint venture between Dan Gilbert’s Rock Entertainment Group and Gray Media, is home to more than 25 sports properties and teams, including the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters and NBA G League Cleveland Charge.
Since its August 2024 debut, the network has aired more than 185 live sporting events and 300 hours of original programming, including nine weekly original shows.
Conley will continue to serve as executive vice president and chief information officer for Rock Entertainment Group (REG) and the Cavaliers.
“I’m humbled and grateful to have this opportunity to continue to build something impactful for Ohio sports,” Conley said in a news release. “We look forward to continuing to bring communities together through accessible, high-quality coverage of the teams and athletes that matter most to our fans.”
Mike Conley
In his current role, Conley oversees the organization’s Broadcast Administration and Information Technology teams. He led the digital transformation of Rocket Arena in 2019, expanded its IT operations and recently spearheaded the development of the arena’s industry-leading game presentation control room.
“Michael’s passion to lead, evolve and grow people, coupled with his experience and acumen across media and technology, made him the perfect team member to lead Rock Entertainment Sports Network,” said Nic Barlage, CEO of REG, the Cavaliers and Rocket Arena. “His work ethic, vision and execution were integral to the network’s inception and early growth. We look forward to seeing RESN continue to expand and deepen its connection within our Ohio communities under his leadership.”
RESN is available statewide in Ohio, including over the air in Cleveland on channel 22.1, on Spectrum cable across Northeast Ohio on channel 979 and via select online programming at watchrocksports.com.
“Rock Entertainment Sports Network has quickly become the go-to destination for both professional and amateur sports across Ohio,” said Matt Moran, Gray Media’s senior managing vice president. “Michael has played a key role in bringing live sports and must-see programming to our network. In his new role, we are confident that he will continue to grow Rock Sports and take it to new heights.”