Shelly Cayette-Weston joined Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) as President of Business Operations on July 1, 2024. As president, she oversees the day-to-day business operations for all of HSE’s properties, including the Charlotte Hornets, Greensboro Swarm and Spectrum Center. Cayette-Weston brings nearly 20 years of successful, impactful and relationship-based experience in the sports and entertainment industry to HSE.
Cayette-Weston came to Charlotte after spending the previous 12 years with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including the last two as Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer. She initially joined the Cavaliers in 2012 before rising to Vice President of Global Partnerships and Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships. Cayette-Weston oversaw all aspects of ticketing, suites and premium hospitality, client experience as well as corporate partnerships, including growth, new business development, innovation and retention for the Cavaliers, Lake Erie Monsters (AHL), Cleveland Charge (NBA G League) and Cavs Legion GC (NBA 2K League).
Under Cayette-Weston’s leadership, the Cavaliers became one of the top performing revenue franchises in the NBA during the last 10 years. She oversaw core initiatives, including launching a client engagement team, securing jersey patch partners, arena renovations, development of a new practice facility, international business strategy and the growth of Cleveland’s youth sports outreach, all of which created a positive impact on the business, stakeholders and the community. During her time in Cleveland, Cayette-Weston was committed to serving the community with a focus as a civic leader and furthering economic growth. She served on various boards, including the Cuyahoga Community College Board, the College Now Board and the Commission on Economic Inclusion Committee, in addition to the American Heart Association.
Cayette-Weston spent the first five years of her NBA career with the New Orleans Hornets where she worked in marketing, community investment and corporate partnerships. Before joining the NBA, she began her sports and entertainment career at Caesar’s Entertainment in database marketing and advertising.
A graduate of Tulane University, where she was a member of the women’s basketball team, Cayette-Weston earned a degree in business management & marketing. In 2024, Cayette-Weston was inducted into the Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame and recognized with the Don and Lora Peters Career Achievement Award. She was named to Crain’s Cleveland Business Forty Under 40 in 2019 and Sports Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 in 2021. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Shelly and her husband, Aron, have two daughters, Ivy Grace and Averie Marie.