Max Paulsen, the National Hockey League’s Vice President of Global Business Development, has been named to the 2026 Forty Under 40 list, becoming the first honoree from Nantucket, Massachusetts. The recognition spotlights a career that began not in a corporate office but behind a bar on the island, where a chance encounter with football agent Pat Dye Jr. set the stage for a series of opportunities that would eventually span the global sports landscape.
From Bartender to Boardroom
Growing up in a community where sports were woven into daily life, Paulsen was early drawn to the drama of competition. A viewing of the film Jerry Maguire sparked a fascination with the business side of athletics, prompting him to seek internships that would let him learn the mechanics of sponsorship. His first professional steps included stints at Velocity Sports, the NBA, the NFL, and Van Wagner Sports, where he honed a reputation for candor, creativity, and an unrelenting work ethic.
Those experiences paved the way for a move to the NHL, where Paulsen quickly distinguished himself by securing more than 20 high‑profile sponsors. The deals he negotiated have generated over $225 million in revenue for the league, positioning him as a pivotal figure in modern sports business.
A Deal‑Maker’s Signature
Paulsen’s partnership portfolio reads like a who’s who of both B2B and B2C brands. He helped bring AstraZeneca U.S. into the Hockey Fights Cancer platform, a cause he championed after his brother’s medical needs highlighted the personal stakes behind the sport’s charitable efforts. His negotiations have also included Presidio, VAST Data, ServiceNow, and Palo Alto Networks, while consumer‑focused agreements span MassMutual, Navy Federal Credit Union, Norqain, and the luxury watch brand Norqain.
Beyond the Boardroom
What sets Paulsen apart is not just the volume of deals but the depth of the relationships he cultivates. He often speaks of the importance of transparency and genuine connection, whether he is closing a multi‑million‑dollar sponsorship or mentoring emerging talent. His approach reflects a belief that lasting success in sports business is built on trust as much as on strategic acumen.
Rooted in the historic whaling town of Nantucket, Paulsen’s story underscores how a distinctive local heritage can intersect with global industry leadership. As he continues to expand the NHL’s commercial reach, his journey serves as a reminder that the most impactful partnerships often begin with a simple, sincere conversation.