Danny Barth

An NBA executive since 1997, Danny Barth has served in his current position of executive vice president and chief administrative officer of the Oklahoma City Thunder since the team’s inaugural season in 2008. In this role, he oversees all aspects of the team’s business operations, driving its emphasis on building community partnerships and creating a first-class fan experience.

After overseeing the moving of the franchise’s business operations to Oklahoma City, Barth shifted his focus to the team’s growth and development, including overseeing the remodeling of Chesapeake Energy Arena to not only meet NBA requirements, but also to provide a strong fan-focused environment. The facility upgrades, which were completed in 2013, included new hospitality areas, enhanced seating and sightlines, modernized common areas and concourses, and the team’s permanent corporate office.

Under Barth’s leadership, the Thunder has become regarded throughout the industry as a leader in sports business and a model for best practices. The Thunder currently ranks number two in the NBA’s Net Promoter Score and overall game experience and has been consistently the highest or runner-up for many years. Within its first five seasons, the team was recognized by ESPN The Magazine in its Ultimate Standings as the No. 1 professional sports franchise in North America and awarded Sports Team of the Year by the Sports Business Awards, presented by the Sports Business Journal. The national Make-A-Wish Foundation has honored the team with a Chris Greicius Celebrity Award, and Leadership Oklahoma has recognized the team with its Statewide Community Leadership Award.

Prior to his work with the Thunder, Barth served as interim president and CEO for two seasons with the Seattle Supersonics, having previously held positions as chief financial officer, vice president and controller for the team. He began his career with Price Waterhouse LLC, spending six years in the audit division in the corporation’s Seattle and New York offices, where he specialized in retail and investment banking.

A graduate of Seattle University, Barth resides with his wife Julie and their two sons in Edmond.