NBA · Southeast · Est. 1988 · Spectrum Center
Charlotte Hornets
Current Leadership
Governor & Controlling Owner
Gabe Plotkin, former hedge fund manager and founder of Melvin Capital, acquired the controlling interest in the Charlotte Hornets from Michael Jordan in 2023. Plotkin, a Charlotte native, had been a minority owner since 2019 and jumped at the opportunity to lead the franchise in his hometown. He has pledged to invest in the team's on-court product and explore arena upgrades.
Co-Owner & Alternate Governor
Private equity executive Rick Schnall, a managing partner at Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, became a co-controlling owner of the Hornets as part of the group that purchased Michael Jordan's stake. Schnall shares governance responsibilities and has brought a data-driven, private equity approach to franchise operations.
Head Coach
| Name | Position | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Lee | Head Coach | 2024 |
Assistant Coaches
| Name | Position | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Tyler Jenkins | Lead Assistant Coach | 2024 |
| Jay Hernandez | Assistant Coach | 2024 |
| Tony Brown | Assistant Coach | 2024 |
| Mike Batiste | Assistant Coach | 2024 |
| Joseph Blair | Assistant Coach | 2024 |
Front Office
| Name | Position | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Jeff Peterson | General Manager | 2024 |
Historical Figures
Governor & Majority Owner
The greatest basketball player of all time became the first former NBA player to become a majority owner when he purchased the Bobcats (later Hornets) in 2010 for $275 million. Jordan's tenure was marked by mostly losing seasons and a revolving door of coaches and general managers, though the team did reach the playoffs in 2014 and 2016. He sold his stake in 2023 for approximately $3 billion, a massive return on his original investment.
Founder-Owner
BET founder Robert L. Johnson became the first Black majority owner in NBA history when he was awarded the expansion Charlotte Bobcats franchise in 2004. The team struggled on the court during his tenure, posting some of the worst records in league history, before he sold the majority stake to Michael Jordan in 2010.