Release | 40 Under 40

CHAMPAIGN, IL – University of Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman was selected as a recipient of the coveted SportsBusiness Journal/Daily Forty Under 40 Award in the Class of 2018.

"I am honored to be included in this year's SportsBusiness Journal Forty Under 40 class," Whitman said. "Since I was in my early 20s, I have looked forward each year to the announcement of the class and learning about each honoree's accomplishments. To now be included in such company is both surreal and humbling. Any recognition that comes my way is a reflection of the incredible work undertaken by our entire staff, our coaches, our student-athletes, and our passionate Illini Nation. I am privileged to represent the University of Illinois and Fighting Illini Athletics, and this award is a testament to the program we are building together.

Whitman, 39, was named director of athletics at Illinois in February, 2016. At the time of his hiring, he was the youngest athletics director in the Autonomy 5. In a relatively short time, Whitman's "We Will Win" mantra and message of unity, optimism, and bold action have rekindled the fire in hearts of Illini fans everywhere.

For 19 years, Street and Smith's SportsBusiness Journal has recognized 40 executives for excellence and innovation in their careers, all before the age of 40.

Whitman, along with the other 39 recipients, will be honored at the annual black-tie awards ceremony and banquet April 18 at the J.W. Marriott Los Angeles. All 40 executives will be featured in an April issue of SportsBusiness Journal, where the stories of their career paths and successes will be shared.