The Big West has named Justin Jenkins as Assistant Commissioner for Basketball Operations and Finance, Commissioner Dan Butterly announced today.
Jenkins joins The Big West from the Big Ten Conference, where he has served as Director of Sports Administration, Events and Operations since September 2023. In that role, Jenkins helped oversee some of the nation’s premier collegiate championships and played an integral role in the administration of Big Ten men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, media days and scheduling initiatives.
"We are excited to welcome Justin to The Big West," said Commissioner Dan Butterly. "His unique combination of basketball administration experience, championship operations expertise, business acumen and relationship-building skills makes him an outstanding addition to our team. Justin has worked at some of the most respected conferences in the country and brings a student-athlete-centered approach that aligns perfectly with our vision for continued growth and competitive excellence.
“As basketball continues to serve as a strategic priority for The Big West, Justin's leadership, energy and vision will help position our programs for continued success both competitively and operationally. We are excited to welcome him to our conference and look forward to the impact he will make on our member institutions, coaches, student-athletes and fans."
As The Big West continues to prioritize the growth and enhancement of its basketball programs, Jenkins will play a key leadership role in advancing conference initiatives focused on competitive excellence, championship experiences, officiating development and strategic planning.
As Assistant Commissioner for Basketball Operations and Finance, Jenkins will serve as the primary sport administrator for men’s and women’s basketball, overseeing conference scheduling initiatives, officiating programs, competitive enhancement strategies and championship operations. Jenkins will also serve as tournament director for the Credit Union 1 Big West Basketball Championships, assist with conference financial operations and provide oversight for additional Big West sports.
During his time at the Big Ten, Jenkins served as the primary sport administrator for men’s tennis and men’s soccer while assisting with the administration of the conference’s men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. Additional responsibilities included championship operations, scheduling, television coordination, venue management, game operations and supporting conference interactions with the NCAA Men’s Basketball Selection Committee.
Prior to the Big Ten, Jenkins served as Assistant Commissioner for Sports Administration and Championships at the Big South Conference, directing multiple conference championships and playing a key role in basketball championship operations, officiating administration and conference governance. Jenkins also worked as Assistant Director for Championships and Business Operations at the Patriot League, managing championship budgets, business operations, financial reporting and NCAA postseason administration.
A former student-athlete, Jenkins played men’s basketball at Gardner-Webb University while earning both a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Business Administration while competing for the Runnin’ Bulldogs. The team earned the Big South crown in 2019, falling to eventual national champions Virginia in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
"I am incredibly excited to join The Big West during such a transformative time for the conference," Jenkins said. "The conference's momentum, commitment to student-athlete success and passion for shaping the future of college basketball made this opportunity especially appealing. I look forward to working with Commissioner Butterly, the conference staff and our member institutions to continue elevating Big West basketball and enhancing the championship experience for our student-athletes, coaches and fans."
A native of Knoxville, Tenn., Jenkins comes from a family with deep athletic roots. His father, Fred Jenkins, played basketball at Tennessee and was selected by the Houston Rockets in the sixth round of the 1987 NBA Draft. His brother, Blake, played collegiately at Belmont.
Jenkins will begin his duties with The Big West on June 29.