Paul Rivers is an accomplished sports executive with over 25 years of experience in leadership roles across sports, media, and technology. As the Chief Innovation Officer for Player 15 Group (Phoenix Suns/Mercury, Valley Suns, PHX Arena Operations), Paul is at the forefront of driving transformative strategies and forging strategic partnerships to elevate the impact of both organizations throughout the Valley.

With a proven track record of building and leading high-impact, performance-driven organizations, Paul utilizes his unique blend of expertise which has propelled him to the forefront of the sports industry's evolution, where innovation and strategic foresight are paramount.

Prior to his current roles, Paul held the position of President at Homefield, where he was an architect in the pioneering startup dedicated to reshaping the landscape of amateur sports and entertainment. Paul orchestrated the development of innovative real estate developments, curriculum-based sports programming, and content distribution, all while forging impactful public and private partnerships.

Paul's legacy in the sports world was solidified during his tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he played a vital role in multiple executive positions. As an organizational architect, he helped guide the Thunder through a monumental relocation from Seattle to Oklahoma City, setting the stage for the franchise to become an exemplar of sports science, facilities excellence, and performance culture within the NBA. His contributions spanned diverse areas including business and commercial strategy, long-range planning, facility development, operations, and staffing.

Paul's journey in the sports industry began on the frontlines of sports performance at the NCAA level at Central Michigan University and Michigan State University, reshaping the landscape of game preparation through the introduction of groundbreaking performance analysis tools, technologies, and methodologies. He then furthered his skills as a video coordinator with the Detroit Pistons and was a part of the championship-winning San Antonio Spurs in the NBA.

With a rich tapestry of experience that seamlessly weaves together sports, media, technology, and innovation, Paul Rivers continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of sports organizations. His passion for human-centered design and his commitment to revolutionizing the sports landscape make him an invaluable asset to Player 15 Group (Phoenix Suns/Mercury, Valley Suns, PHX Arena Operations) as they embark on a new era of innovation and excellence.

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