St. John's University Athletics
Rick Pitino and Ed Kull Named to Silver Waves Media Top 100 Most Powerful/ Influential People in the NIL Space List
9/23/2026 4:01:00 PM | General
Pitino and Kull recognized among top industry leaders in navigating new era of intercollegiate athletics
QUEENS, N.Y. – A pair of innovative and forward-thinking leaders in the new era of collegiate athletics, St. John's Vice President and Director of Athletics Ed Kull and Men's basketball Head Coach Rick Pitino were named to Silver Waves Media Top 100 Most Powerful/Influential People in the NIL Space, the organization announced on Wednesday afternoon.
Pitino, 74, has fully embraced the new age of college basketball revamping rosters to win back-to-back BIG EAST Tournament and Regular Season Championships. The 2013 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee has enjoyed a storied career winning 915 college games, advancing to seven Final Fours and capturing two National Championships.
Kull, who began his tenure as the eighth vice president/ athletic director in St. John's University history in October 2024 has led the department to forefront of the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) era of intercollegiate athletics.
As college athletics entered the revenue sharing era, Kull kept St. John's ahead of the curve by launching the Red Storm Legacy Investment Fund. The fund allows for donations to be used directly by the institution for NIL. Additionally, he orchestrated a new apparel deal with adidas to outfit all 17 of the Red Storm's varsity athletic programs. A proven fundraiser, Kull orchestrated a reseat of Carnesecca Arena and Madison Square Garden creating a priority points system that resulted in the highest athletics fundraising totals in University history.
A longtime contributor for the University, he held multiple positions in his previous two stints in Queens including- Vice President for Athletics and Institutional Advancement, Chief of Staff to the President, Associate Athletic Director of External Relations and an External Relations Graduate Assistant.
Prior to arriving at St. John's, Kull spent four years as the athletic director at Fordham. During his time in the Bronx, he was instrumental in reaching new fundraising heights for the Rams. Coming from an extensive external relations background, Kull worked in entertainment marketing for the Glaceau and Coca-Cola companies and the NFL.
In June, Kull was tabbed to Silver Waves Media Top 100 Athletic Directors list. Additionally, he serves as the chair of the BIG EAST Athletic Directors and a member of the NACDA DI-AAA Executive Committee.
Kull, 44, and his wife Sarah reside on Long Island with their two sons, Ben and Lukas.
To view the entire list of Silver Waves Media Top 100 Most Influential/Powerful People in the NIL Space, click here.
