City National Bank Strengthens Sports Banking Division with New Appointment

City National Bank Strengthens Its Sports Banking Division

City National Bank recently announced a significant addition to its corporate sports banking sector with the appointment of Anthony Di Santi as Managing Director. This strategic move aims to enhance the bank's focus on serving the unique needs of professional sports teams, leagues, and athletes across various platforms.

Who is Anthony Di Santi?

Anthony brings an impressive resume to his new role, packing over 30 years of experience in the global sports industry. Prior to joining City National, he played a crucial role at Citi, where he served as the Global Managing Director and led the Sports Investment Banking unit for over two decades. His extensive experience includes advising on more than 75 mergers and acquisition transactions involving prestigious franchises from leagues such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and MLS.

Di Santi has a knack for crafting innovative financing solutions, having structured debt instruments for over 70 professional teams, which includes pivotal projects aimed at stadium and arena development. Noteworthy among his achievements is his leadership in orchestrating a $2.5 billion NHL-wide line of credit by collaborating with over 30 banks and insurance entities.

A Strong Foundation

City National Bank has a longstanding history of supporting players in the sports arena. This appointment not only builds on that history but showcases the bank's commitment to expanding its offerings in corporate sports banking. Jahan Wang, the Executive Vice President, expressed enthusiasm about Di Santi’s wealth of knowledge in sports finance and the deep-rooted connections he has fostered across various leagues and teams.

“It’s exciting to welcome Anthony to City National Bank,” Wang stated. “His expertise will undoubtedly play a key role in enhancing our presence and impact in this dynamic industry.”

Navigating a Changing Marketplace

As the sports landscape continues to evolve rapidly, Di Santi is committed to helping clients navigate these changes with confidence. He remarked, “It has been a privilege to support the global sports industry through its sustainable growth, and I look forward to continuing this journey with City National Bank.”

About City National Bank

Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Los Angeles, City National Bank is a subsidiary of the Royal Bank of Canada and boasts $90 billion in assets as of January 31, 2025. The bank specializes in providing personalized banking and financial services. Furthermore, their commitment to enhancing community welfare is underscored by their charitable contributions amounting to nearly $10 million in 2024.

In conclusion, Anthony Di Santi’s appointment at City National Bank speaks volumes about the bank’s ambition to solidify its position in corporate sports banking, making it an exciting time for both the bank and the clients they serve. As they continue to expand their services, sports professionals can expect greater support and enhanced solutions tailored to meet their specific needs in this evolving marketplace.