Jon Spoelstra: Profile

Jon Spoelstra's reputation as one of the most innovative and successful sports marketers is well earned. He has demonstrated this at every stop in his career. As President and COO of the New Jersey Nets for three years, Jon dramatically increased ticket and sponsorship sales. During his tenure, the team set its all-time attendance record. Sellouts at Meadowlands Arena increased from zero to 25. Local sponsorship sales went up from $400,000 to $7,000,000.

In the 11 years with the Portland Trail Blazers as Senior Vice President/General Manager, Jon helped make the front office a model for all team sports. During his time there, there was never a game that wasn't sold out.

Currently, Jon is president of SRO Partners, a sports marketing consulting firm that works with teams in the NBA, NHL, MLB and teams in Japan.

He has written three books. How to Sell the Last Seat In the House is a workbook targeted to pro sports teams. It is considered the "ticketing bible" for teams worldwide. Your Profits Are Brought to You by Sponsorships has aided many teams in bringing radio and television broadcasts "in-house."

His latest book, Ice to the Eskimos: How to Sell a Product Nobody Wants, is a general marketing book based on his sports marketing strategies. The book is a lively blueprint on how to take any product that isn't the best in its field and jump-start sales and profits.

Jon was the focus of what was perhaps the strangest trade in sports history. Portland was in need of a guard to fill a hole created by injury. The guard that the Blazers wanted was the starting point guard for the Indiana Pacers. The compensation to the Pacers wasn't a player, but one week of Spoelstra's time. Jon played a key role in the restructuring of the Pacers front office during that time frame.

Jon is president of SRO Partners, Inc., a sports marketing company that specializes in team and event marketing. Clients are the Sacramento Kings, the San Francisco Giants, the Toronto Raptors, the LPGA tournament in Portland, the Portland Forest Dragons (the Arena Football League team in Portland), a pro soccer and pro basketball team in Japan, and other major and minor league teams in the U.S.

Articles by Jon Spoelstra:

• What`s It Gonna Take To Dominate?
  
• The Tylenon Cheers and Jeers Awards
  

SOPHIE'S CONTEST

• Please read this important advice FAQ before booking a speaker.
• Here are some valuable event planning tips.
• Please note that while this speaker's specific fee falls within the range posted (for Continental U.S. based events) at the top of this page, fees are subject to change without notice. For current fee information or international event fees (which are generally 50-75% more than U.S based event fees), please contact Speakers Platform.