I am an accomplished musician, currently performing as a guitarist and vocalist in a band that plays in the Chicago suburbs I have sung the national anthem at four professional sporting events and even once shared the stage with Kenny Loggins When I'm not spending time with my wife, two kids, and 1-year-old rescue dog, I enjoy running I've completed 5 marathons and aspire to qualify for the Boston Marathon one day
Paul Mugler
Highland Park,IL
Summary
Senior sales executive with 20+ years of experience driving revenue across sports, streaming, and digital media. Expert in developing and monetizing cross-platform sponsorships spanning linear, CTV, social, programmatic, and branded content. Former Paramount sales leader with a proven ability to manage $25M+ portfolios and deliver high-impact partnerships for national brands. Brings a modern, digital-first perspective from building creator-led and YouTube-based opportunities, enabling more effective packaging and monetization of premium sports inventory.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Intersport
Chicago, IL
04.2025 - Current
- Led development and commercialization of original digital sports content, including a flagship YouTube series with NFL talent, overseeing concept, packaging, and sponsorship strategy
- Built sponsorship models from the ground up, including pricing, production budgeting, and partner integration strategy to ensure profitability and brand alignment
- Advised internal sales teams on media strategy, helping position multi-platform sponsorship across broadcast, digital, and social channels
- Developed go-to-market strategies for properties including the APP Tour (pickelball), aligning linear distribution (CBS Sports Network) with digital and social extensions
- Partnered with insights teams to evaluate cross-platform sponsorship performance, incorporating social, streaming, and earned media value into client reporting frameworks
Director of Sales / Sr. Director of Partnerships
Chicago Sports Network / Stadium
Chicago, IL
02.2024 - 03.2025
- Played key role in launching new sports media properties across FAST, OTT, and regional sports platforms
- Developed digital and sponsorship strategies for emerging sports networks, including social, podcast, and app-based monetization
- Navigated early-stage media environments, building advertiser solutions in the absence of traditional ratings infrastructure
- Gained hands-on experience with regional sports network monetization and evolving distribution models
National Sales Account Executive - Interactive
Paramount
Chicago, IL
10.2021 - 02.2024
- Managed a $25 million+ annual digital revenue portfolio across Paramount+, Pluto TV, CBS Sports Digital, and O&O platforms, consistently exceeding sales targets
- Developed and sold integrated, cross-platform sponsorships spanning streaming, social, programmatic, and branded content for 30+ national brands (McDonald's, Allstate, Lowe's, UnitedHealthcare, etc.)
- Led high-impact partnerships including McDonald's launch sponsorship of Paramount+, Allstate's GRAMMYs red carpet sponsorship, and multiple custom branded content programs tied to tentpole events
- Drove new business and incremental revenue growth by identifying and closing opportunities across streaming, programmatic, and social platforms
- Built and maintained senior-level relationships across HoldCos (Publicis, Omnicom), driving repeat business and long-term partnerships
- Presented strategic recommendations and campaign performance insights to clients, supporting renewals, upsells, and account growth through data-driven storytelling
National Sales Account Executive
CBS Sports Network
Chicago, IL
08.2008 - 09.2021
- Grew Midwest sales territory from $0 to $2.5M+ in annual revenue, securing partnerships with major national brands including Quicken Loans, Progressive, Kellogg's, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Navy Federal Credit Union
- Sold integrated sports sponsorships across linear and digital platforms, combining CBS, CBS Sports Network, and CBS Sports Digital inventory into multi-platform solutions
- Developed and executed custom sponsorship programs tied to live sports and tentpole events, including title sponsorships for the Veterans Class (Naval Academy) and the CrossFit Games
- Identified and closed new business opportunities across emerging sports properties, helping expand the network's advertiser base and category footprint
- Partnered cross-functionally with production, marketing, and programming teams to bring sponsorship concepts to life and maximize value
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business & Administration
The University of Colorado - Boulder
Boulder, CO05-2002
Skills
- Digital & Streaming Ad Sales (CTV, FAST, Programmatic)
- Integrated Sponsorship Development (Branded Content, Influencer, Social)
- Agency & HoldCo Relationship Management
- Cross-Platform Packaging (Linear Digital Social)
- Revenue Forecasting & Pipeline Management
Interests
Timeline
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Intersport
04.2025 - Current
Director of Sales / Sr. Director of Partnerships
Chicago Sports Network / Stadium
02.2024 - 03.2025
National Sales Account Executive - Interactive
Paramount
10.2021 - 02.2024
National Sales Account Executive
CBS Sports Network
08.2008 - 09.2021
Bachelor of Science - Business & Administration
The University of Colorado - Boulder