University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Staff Directory
- Title:
- Assistant Athletic Director, Retail Development
- Email:
- Phone:
- 412-383-4167
Jordan Kara joined the University of Pittsburgh athletic department in April of 2021 as Assistant Athletic Director for Retail Development. In this role, Kara works alongside the Assistant Athletic Director for Licensing and Brand Management which together makes up the Licensing and Retail Development department. Kara oversees the Pitt retail footprint while collaborating with other departments within Pitt Athletics to create the best retail experience for fans. He serves as a liaison for the Athletics e-commerce website and in-venue merchandise partner.
In his time at Pitt, Kara helped expand the retail presence of Pitt branded product through local and national retailers, both in store and online. During the 2021-22 season, the department saw record merchandise sales due to the success of the 2021 ACC Football Championship. That year also set a new royalty revenue record for the department, which was then followed by new record highs in 2022-23 and again in 2023-24.
In 2024, Kara served on the committee that selected a new merchandise partner for the Panthers Team Store brand - Rally House. The partnership launched in Summer 2024 and includes merchandise sales at all Pitt Athletics venues, in the Petersen Events Center lobby and through the e-commerce store ShopPittPanthers.com.
Prior to his arrival at Pitt, Kara spent three seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. His time in Wisconsin was highlighted with being a part of the 2018-19 NBA Retail Team of the Year and the 2020-21 NBA Championship team. He joined the team’s retail management in 2018 on the horizon of opening a new arena (Fiserv Forum), two consecutive NBA best-record seasons, and two consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player awards for Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. During his time in Milwaukee, Kara helped grow the Bucks brand and retail presence, while overseeing e-commerce, their G-League affiliate Wisconsin Herd, and e-Gaming team retail operations.
Kara is a 2012 graduate of California University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management. Following graduation, he began his sports retail career with the Soccer Post franchise by overseeing operations in their Annapolis, Md., area locations.
A Brownsville, PA native, Kara resides in the Pittsburgh area with his wife, Amber.
Beyond the Bio
Favorite place on the University of Pittsburgh campus?
The Forbes Field wall - a historic Pittsburgh and baseball landmark!
What is your favorite thing to do in the city of Pittsburgh?
Exploring the city’s unique neighborhoods that each have their own character and charm, as well as finding the latest restaurant or brewery to pop up in the area.
Favorite sports moment at Pitt?
So many to choose from! The 2003 Big East Tournament - a talented team that battled against great opponents. 13-9. 42-39. Ronald Ramon’s buzzer beater vs. WVU. MJ Devonshire’s “Pitt Six.” And, but certainly not least, the 2021 ACC Championship.
Hobbies outside of work?
Attending Pitt Athletics events! Also enjoying the outdoors, live music and exploring the local craft beer scene.
