Mark H. McCormack
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William and Mary
1995
Mark H. and Betsy Nagelsen McCormack formed a husband and wife team whose vision, dedication and generosity have created countless new opportunities in women’s tennis. With their gift of the McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center at the College of William & Mary, they have provided an ideal home for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Women’s Hall of Fame and an inspiring site for future champions.
Mark McCormack revolutionized the world of sports as founder of the sports marketing industry. Beginning in the early 1960’s, he built his company, International Management Group, into the world’s largest athlete representation and sports marketing firm. A highly creative and dynamic entrepreneur, McCormack diversified IMG’s interests to encompass corporate consulting, licensing, television programming and distribution, artist representation and marketing of events such as Wimbledon and various Olympic games. McCormack also became a best-selling author whose books include What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School.
Often called “the most powerful man in sports” and recognized as the most powerful man in tennis, McCormack has helped to change the face of women’s tennis. On the professional level, his advocacy on behalf of players and his promotion of tournaments worldwide has brought tremendous new support and interest for the game. On the intercollegiate level, McCormack provided the first women’s tennis scholarships at his alma mater, William & Mary, enhancing the team’s competitiveness in NCAA Division I play.
On May 16, 2003, the Women’s Hall of Fame lost our founder and devoted friend when Mark McCormack died.
Career Highlights
- Graduate of the College of William & Mary; Yale Law School
Played No.1 on William & Mary’s Golf Team; Qualified for U.S. and British Amateur, and U.S. Open Golf Championships
Pioneered sports marketing industry
Founder and CEO of International Management Group, the world’s largest athlete representation and sports marketing firm
Author of What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School, The Terrible Truth About Lawyers, Success Secrets, The 110% Solution and Hit the Ground Running
Named “The Most Powerful Man in Tennis” by Tennis Magazine; “The Most Powerful Man in Golf” by Golf Digest; and “The Most Powerful Man in Sports” by Sports Illustrated
Named by the London Times in 1991 as one of the 1,000 people who have most influenced the 20th Century
Named to Sports Illustrated ” 40 for the Ages” Honor Roll 1994
Established the McCormack Foundation contributing to charitable causes
Chairman of William & Mary’s $150 million Campaign for the Fourth Century 1986-1993
Named Commander of the Royal Order of the Polar Star by the King of Sweden for achievements on behalf of the Nobel Foundation 1991