HUNTSVILLE — Bringing a strong background as a sports executive, Cline Thompson has been named general manager of the Huntsville Sports Commission.

Thompson, former vice president of sales for the Rocket City Trash Pandas, also brings a legal and military background to the position, according to a news release from the Sports Commission.

With the Trash Pandas, was instrumental in leading sales strategy, team development, and cross-functional collaboration.

Prior to that, he served as vice president of business development at the Knight Eady Sports Group, where he oversaw Huntsville operations and played a pivotal role in executing high-profile sporting events including the 2024 Conference USA Basketball Championships.

His professional background also includes leadership roles with the NBA G League’s Birmingham Squadron, where he was the assistant GM, overseeing legal and business operations, and BBVA USA, where he was vice president within the compliance division, managing regulatory and governance matters, the release said.

In addition to his civilian career, Thompson serves as a captain and judge advocate in the Army Reserves, where he provides legal counsel on administrative and operational matters.

He holds a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and a bachelor of arts from the University of Alabama.