Early Life
David Scott Blitzer was born on September 7, 1969, in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. He graduated from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in 1987. Blitzer furthered his education at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, graduating magna cum laude in 1991.
Rise to Success
Blitzer's career began shortly after graduating from Wharton. He joined Blackstone in 1991 and rose through the ranks. He worked in London from 2001 to 2011 to oversee the company's European interests and later became the chairman of Blackstone's Tactical Opportunities group. His foray into sports ownership began in 2011 when he became part of an investment group that purchased the Philadelphia 76ers. He co-founded Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) with Josh Harris in 2017. HBSE owns and operates multiple sports teams and venues. In 2023, he joined the ownership group that purchased the Washington Commanders.
Key Business Strategies
Blitzer's strategy involves identifying and executing investment opportunities across various asset classes and industries. He focuses on building a diverse portfolio that includes teams in the NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, and MLS. This diversification, along with his role at Blackstone, has been key to his financial success. He is known for forming strategic partnerships and leveraging his expertise in finance and business management to acquire and manage sports franchises effectively.
Philanthropy
Blitzer, along with his wife Allison, founded the Blitzer Family Foundation. The foundation supports youth development through education, athletics, and health. He is also a donor to Hillel International, supporting programs that assist Jewish students in higher education. Blitzer also supports the Devils Youth Foundation and the Sixers Youth Foundation, which invest in organizations that positively impact community and youth development.