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Bill Sutton

Bill Sutton

Sports Business Journal

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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 2

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 10

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 3

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 10

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 8

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 4

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 6

Sports Business Journal

Bill Sutton

Commissioner David Stern: A five-year memoir

When I had the idea for this column, I reached out to some of my former NBA colleagues to solicit their thoughts and remembrances. Their essays...

24.12.2024 3

Sports Business Journal

Bill Sutton