The University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management (HRSM) is gaining a new faculty member. Former NBA executive William A. Sutton is joining the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management as a professor of practice.

According to HRSM, Sutton is a distinguished academician and a sports marketing practitioner who brings with him a half-century of experience in the sports industry. He will join the top-ranked sport science program in the United States.

“After seven years at the NBA, I came to the conclusion that selling a million-dollar deal isn’t any better than placing a student in their first job,” said Sutton. “There’s a rush you get from starting someone off on their career and I’ve always enjoyed that”.

Sutton will work primarily with master’s students and says his main focus will be helping to prepare them for the workforce.

Department of Sport and Entertainment Management Chair Matt Brown said Sutton has been a friend of the deparment for a long time and he is excited to work with him.

“When the opportunity came along to bring him on board to work with our students and faculty, it was a no-brainer,” said Brown. “Bill will help our program as it continues to grow, serving as both a mentor to our students and faculty.”

Sutton is the founder and principal of Bill Sutton & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in strategic marketing, revenue enhancement and organizational chemistry. He has also held academic roles at various other universities.

His consulting clients include the NBA, NFL, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia 76ers, Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Mets. He served for six years as NBA vice president, team marketing and business operations.