In partnership with Bedrock Cleveland, REG is growing downtown Cleveland’s experiential economy through an expanding portfolio of development projects, including Rock Block, Cosm Cleveland and a newly announced outdoor amphitheater. These efforts extend to Detroit as well, with Cosm Detroit and additional mixed-use entertainment opportunities underway.

Barlage joined the Cavaliers in 2017 as President of Business Operations, overseeing the 2019-2020 transformation and the recent 30th anniversary of Rocket Arena. In 2021, he was named CEO of the Cavaliers and REG. Barlage’s path to that role began with three seasons in suite and premium seating roles with the Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Bobcats, followed by five seasons with the Cavaliers, where he rose to Vice President of Sales and Service. He then returned to Phoenix as Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer for the 2013-14 season, leading the Suns’ premium and ticket sales and marketing efforts, before rejoining the Cavaliers in 2017.

Fulfilling the vision of REG Chairman Dan Gilbert, under Barlage’s leadership, REG has been recognized three consecutive times by Sports Business Journal as a “Best Place to Work in Sports” and transformed REG from a regional force into a global catalyst for change. The Cavaliers were recognized as the 2025-26 NBA Team of the Year and received the NBA Leadership Inclusion award for their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as a core business and community strategy. REG and the Cavaliers have also forged community partnerships across all levels, from local neighborhoods to international communities, amplifying their impact far beyond Northeast Ohio. This expansive reach has translated into tangible results: a total of over $27 million invested in community initiatives by the Cavs Community Foundation and more than 8,500 volunteer hours contributed by team members in just the last year. REG’s support extends to organizations tackling critical issues such as education, food security, wellness & recreation, social justice & equity and community investment.

Barlage also guides Bedrock’s strategic direction, helping redefine Cleveland and Detroit’s entertainment landscape, and has led REG’s transformative city-building investments in downtown Cleveland in partnership with Bedrock. Along the riverfront, this includes the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center, an industry-leading athletic training and health facility opening in 2027, and the adjacent, newly announced 6,200-seat outdoor amphitheater in partnership with Live Nation. Nearby, Cosm Cleveland will anchor the new Rock Block entertainment district across from Rocket Arena, while Cosm Detroit brings the same immersive shared-reality experience to that city. REG has also revitalized the historic Cleveland Public Hall as the new home of the Cleveland Charge. Together, these projects reflect REG’s use of sports and entertainment as drivers of Cleveland’s growth and cultural vibrancy.

With a deep commitment to community and city growth, Barlage extends his leadership beyond the organization through service on several influential boards. Barlage is a member of Cosm’s board, a global technology company that creates immersive “shared reality” entertainment, as well as the Chairman of the 2026 Rocket Classic. He also serves esteemed nonprofit institutions such as the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Clinic Pediatrics Leadership Council, Greater Cleveland Partnership and Hathaway Brown School.

A proud graduate of Saint John’s University (Minn.), Barlage earned a degree in Psychology in May 2006. He and his wife, Traci, have two daughters, Brooklyn and Kennedy.