Brian M. Byrnes
Senior Vice President, Business Operations
Senior Vice President, Business Operations
Brian Byrnes joined the organization in April 2005 and was instrumental in developing and executing the strategic sales and marketing efforts needed to launch business operations in Oklahoma City in 2008. Byrnes’ current responsibilities include oversight of all revenue & hospitality platforms, community engagement, brand architecture and content channels.
Capitalizing on the unique opportunity to build Oklahoma City’s first major league sports team from the ground up, Byrnes continues to design and implement initiatives that reach beyond the Thunder’s regional influence, marking the team as one of the pillars of the NBA’s global stage. The programs under Byrnes’ oversight span platforms including education, wellness, social justice, entrepreneurial development and meaningful guest experiences - diversifying the Thunder’s entertainment brand to elevate and advance Oklahoma City and Oklahoma alike.
Under Byrnes’ direction, these programs cultivate a culture of corporate leadership aimed at driving meaningful fan engagement with a relentless approach to creating conditions for people to thrive. This holistic effort is focused on bolstering the team’s commitment to its core values and maintaining emphasis on forward momentum and sustainability - all while building organizational legacy in real time.
Previously, Byrnes served as executive vice president of business operations for the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, guiding the organization through an organizational rebranding in conjunction with a transition to a new venue. Prior to joining the Coyotes, Byrnes built nearly 10 years of experience with the NHL’s Dallas Stars and MLB’s Texas Rangers.
Byrnes currently serves as an adjunct professor of sports marketing and management at the University of Oklahoma’s Price College of Business. Byrnes is also actively involved in the Thunder Community Foundation, Allied Arts, Leadership Oklahoma City, Leadership Oklahoma, National Sports Forum, Science Museum Oklahoma, Thunder Fellows and the Greater Oklahoma City Sports Consortium. A graduate of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Byrnes and his wife Ashley reside with their three children in Edmond.
