Mike Connelly is senior vice president and executive producer of Bally Sports Regional Networks, responsible for the day-to-day production of Bally Sports’ 22 regional sports networks. He oversaw the launch of the new network on March 31, 2021. Connelly also manages partnerships with the NHL, NBA, and MLB with more than 7,800 productions that include 12 NHL teams, 17 NBA teams, and 16 MLB teams.
Connelly previously oversaw production for Fox Sports Networks and led the transition of the regional networks to the Fox Sports brand and FS1, overhauling studios, staging, and sets in more than 54 arenas and studios across the country. He also has integrated new graphics systems, on-air talent, producers, directors, executives, and content to grow the Fox Sports brand in each of the 22 markets. Connelly oversaw the launch of Fox Sports San Diego, STO, and the acquisition of YES Network productions into the Fox Sports family.
A 32-year veteran of the sports television profession, Connelly worked with five different regional sports networks and five national sports networks during his time in the industry. Prior to his current position at Bally Sports and Fox Sports, he spent six years as SVP and General Manager of Fox Sports Arizona, which marked a homecoming for him. As from 1997-2001, he served as Fox Sports Arizona’s first-ever executive producer and spearheaded efforts to launch the network’s production department in the summer of 1997. He oversaw the launch of Fox Sports North and Wisconsin in 2001, and production head for Fox Sports West and West 2 and national sports programming from 2003 to 2006.
Connelly previously worked as a producer and director for 15 years for FSN, CBS, NBC, ABC, ESPN, The Baseball Network, and WCCO Television/Midwest Sports Channel. Local team productions include the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota