Hymie Elhai (pronounced HI-me EL-hi) enters his eighth season as president of the New York Jets after his appointment in 2019. He began his career with the organization as an intern in 2000, steadily rising through the ranks and holding a variety of leadership roles with the team. The 2026 season marks his 27th year with the club.

Entrusted by Chairman Robert Wood Johnson, Elhai oversees all team business operations and works in lockstep with football leadership to ensure alignment across the organization. Under his stewardship, the Jets have experienced significant growth across key areas of the business, including sponsorship, sales, content, fan engagement, and international expansion.

That success has been recognized throughout the industry. The organization has earned numerous honors, including an NJBIZ Best Places to Work designation. Over the past seven years, the Jets have received 152 New York Emmy Award nominations, more than any professional sports team in the region. Most recently, the team earned three Cynopsis Sports awards: Best Brand Sponsorship for its partnership with Parmigiano Reggiano, Best Expansion of Team Marketing Outside North America, and Best Marketing Campaign for its "Gotham City Football" Rivalries uniform. The organization also received a Front Office Sports Most Impactful Award for expanding opportunities in girls flag football.

Just as importantly, Elhai has remained focused on strengthening the connection between the team and its fans, prioritizing new touchpoints and personalized interactions to create a more dynamic and accessible experience. This offseason, he led a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the season ticket member experience through Flight Club, the team's year-round membership platform. Enhancements included expanded discount offerings at MetLife Stadium and hosting this year's Draft Party in the heart of New York City, creating a more immersive and accessible environment against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge.

In carrying out Johnson's vision of providing a first-class environment for players and staff, Elhai has overseen significant investments in the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, including a fully renovated locker room and expanded player amenities. This offseason, the organization began construction on a reimagined player performance center designed to enhance player development, performance, and recovery.

These efforts reflect a broader vision for the organization under Elhai's leadership. Through steady planning and strategic alignment, he has helped shape the foundation for sustained success as a winning and innovative franchise, on and off the field. His commitment to innovation has also driven widespread organizational adoption of artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and support business growth.

Beyond team operations, Elhai also plays a key role in the oversight of MetLife Stadium, in partnership with the New York Giants. The venue serves as the home of the Jets and hosts premier events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. He played a key role in the building's naming rights deal, a 25-year agreement established in 2011. During his tenure, MetLife Stadium has been named the "Highest Grossing Stadium of the Year" nine times by Billboard, the most of any venue worldwide since its opening in 2010.

Elhai has also played a key role in shaping the Jets' brand and identity, overseeing major initiatives such as the organization's 2024 rebrand and the launch of the team's "Gotham City Football" Rivalries uniform. The rebrand introduced three versions of the "Legacy Collection" uniforms and updated primary and secondary logos, reflecting a commitment to innovation while honoring the franchise's history.

Prior to his appointment as president, Elhai served as the club's senior vice president, business affairs and general counsel, where he was responsible for all legal aspects of the team, including sponsorship, licensing, event, digital media, production and broadcasting agreements, and all employment related matters. He also helped football administration with all planning initiatives.

A Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 honoree, Elhai received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Rutgers School of Law at their Alumni Recognition Gala in October 2021. He currently serves as a member of the NFL's CBA player benefits plans committee.

A New Jersey native, Elhai earned his bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University and his JD from Rutgers Law School.