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Bill Sutton

Bill Sutton

Sports Business Journal

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‘I’ in the office is not only acceptable but desirable

Through my time at the NBA and my consulting practice, I have seen time and time again how important transparent and inclusive communication is to...

06.04.2026 10

Sports Business Journal

Bill Sutton

How many arms does YOUR octopus have?

I was reminiscing with some colleagues about my NBA days and the early days of TMBO when a thought occurred to me. We were focused on ticket sales,...

16.02.2026 10

Sports Business Journal

Bill Sutton

An open letter to Santa Claus from a longtime — but now suffering — Pirates fan

Dear Santa: It was particularly hard to be a Pirates fan this year. My season hopes were dashed on Opening Day despite the Pirates having the best...

16.12.2025 30

Sports Business Journal

Bill Sutton

A worthwhile experience might start with sports, but it can be so much more

Some years ago in one of my SBJ Sutton Impact columns, I described the elements of WORTH and their importance in creating an experience. Those...

14.10.2025 10

Sports Business Journal

Bill Sutton

With planning and gratitude, we can close the talent development void

My good friend Dr. Andy Gillentine and I are writing a book based upon my last lecture at the USF Vinik program in 2019 called “WWID — What Would...

19.08.2025 10

Sports Business Journal

Bill Sutton

Oklahoma City Thunder corner the market on fan engagement

I unabashedly love Oklahoma and Oklahomans. I went to school there (three degrees from Oklahoma State), met my wife of 52 years there and still make...

01.07.2025 30

Sports Business Journal

Bill Sutton

The Sutton Rules: Advice for graduates and those pivoting in their careers

For 43 years I have been asked for career advice by students looking for their first opportunity and by alumni looking for a change. I have recently...

20.05.2025 10

Sports Business Journal

Bill Sutton

I never played the game, but …

In the 22-plus years I have written a column in this space, this is the first one I’ve written with the focal point being soccer. Much like Roy...

01.04.2025 10

Sports Business Journal

Bill Sutton

Ticket sales: Relationships and flexibility are paramount

For the past 30-plus years, I have written about ticket sales, consulted on ticket sales, trained ticket sellers, created ticket packages, developed...

18.02.2025 10

Sports Business Journal

Bill Sutton