Tim Harris, a former executive with the Los Angeles Lakers, is now consulting for UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk. Harris, an alumnus of UCLA, is offering his expertise in marketing and business operations on a volunteer basis.
A source familiar with the arrangement indicated that Harris will focus on examining revenue streams across various campus operations, including athletics. The university's athletic department has experienced financial deficits for seven consecutive years, presenting an opportunity for Harris to contribute to potential solutions.
Harris concluded a 35-year tenure with the Lakers organization after the most recent season. During his time with the team, he was instrumental in securing a significant 20-year, $3 billion contract with Charter Communications in 2011 to establish Spectrum SportsNet.
He was previously the Lakers' president of business operations and was replaced by Lon Rosen earlier this year. Following the team's sale to Mark Walter in 2025, Harris reportedly received $24 million.
This consulting role marks a return to his alma mater for Harris, who was a student-athlete at UCLA, playing goalkeeper. He also played for the U.S. National Team and the Los Angeles Lazers of the Major Indoor Soccer League. The owner of the Lazers at the time was Jerry Buss, who later became Harris's long-time boss with the Lakers.
In recent years, Harris has maintained a connection with UCLA by teaching a course titled "Lakers 101" to students in the university's Sports and Leadership Program within the Anderson School of Management.