Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
MISCELLANEOUS
Timeline
Generic

Declan Bolger

Sports Management Executive Leader
Denver

Summary

Senior level sports management executive with demonstrated ability in organization leadership, creating and implementing revenue-generation consumer marketing, brand positioning, consumer experience and communications strategies. Consistent pattern of success in repositioning sports franchises via a fan-focused approach. Collaborative leader with proven ability to develop cross-functional teams through a values-based management approach. Sports franchise management experience with five (5) professional sports leagues: NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS & NLL

Professional consultant with proven ability to drive impactful business outcomes through strategic planning and analysis. Demonstrated success in managing cross-functional teams and delivering comprehensive solutions that align with client needs. Valued for adaptability, collaboration, and results-driven mindset, with expertise in project management and stakeholder engagement.

Overview

39
39
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Consultant

Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
08.2025 - Current
  • Oversee all consumer facing marketing and branding strategies for KSE Denver with primary focus on the Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Mammoth (NLL), Altitude Sports (RSN) and overall management including financial success of Altitude Authentics (KSE in-house retail operations). Member of KSE executive leadership team operating all KSE Denver-based business units.
  • Restructured marketing functions: brand positioning, fan growth & engagement, digital/social media, in-house creative, event management, game presentation, media buying, non-technical/Marketing Communications, retail merchandise operations, youth marketing and community relations (85 full-time staff). Leveraged the extensive KSE portfolio of assets locally to drive revenue and relevancy for all KSE Denver properties.
  • Led the individual franchise brand research, vision and narrative strategy to implement distinct and unique brand positioning and experiences across all consumer touch points.
  • Introduced a organizational structure that provided for franchise specific cross functional collaboration for all fan connection touch points. Resulting in the creation of new revenue generating platforms, an improvements in overall consumer experiences. Fan growth increases of 34.92% for the Nuggets and increase of 51.30% for the Avalanche (Oct. ’21 vs. May ’25 - source YouGov).
  • Implemented analytical focused discipline within marketing functions, including business planning, creation of function specific dashboards/KPIs, platform evaluation and brand perception measurement.
  • Restructured content creation and distribution for Nuggets, Avalanche & Mammoth resulting in increases in engagement and followers, and the reduction in operating expenses. Leveraged KSE media assets to create team specific content to drive the growth of team’s social media channels.
  • Nuggets social platforms rank #5 in the NBA’s Aggregated Social Ranking (June ’25)
  • Avalanche social platform rank #1 in the NHL’s Aggregated Social Rankin (June ’25)
  • Refocused the KSE Game Presentation and Broadcast operations to embrace a fan and brand focused game-day approach. Introduced key metrics measurements resulting in increases in NPS for the Nuggets 44% Avalanche 25% and Mammoth 37%.
  • As a member of KSE executive team participated in key organizational initiatives and partnerships including: implementation of COVID-19 protocols and communications, Denver venues Food & Beverage partner selection, Denver properties ticketing partner selection, and the successful recruitment and debut of new venue naming rights partner - Ball Corporation.
  • Lead KSE in-house creative department, responsible for all team and venue specific creative direction, production and deployment.
  • Member of Altitude Sports (RSN) executive team that launched, programmed and marketed network’s digital streaming platform - Altitude+. Secured 32,000 plus subscriber base.
  • Delivered high-quality solutions for clients through comprehensive research and analysis of industry trends.

Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer

Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
06.2017 - 08.2027
  • Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
  • Enhanced company performance by implementing new strategies and streamlining operations.
  • Developed measurement tools, dashboards, and reports to track metrics on adoption and effectiveness of initiatives.
  • Restructured departments for increased efficiency, optimizing resource allocation and improving communication between teams.
  • Influenced organizational change initiatives that resulted in significant improvements in workplace efficiency and employee satisfaction.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement, leading by example to drive operational excellence across the organization.
  • Championed innovation by encouraging cross-functional teams to pursue creative solutions to complex challenges.
  • Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
  • Strengthened relationships with key stakeholders, fostering trust and collaboration across the organization.
  • Presented and discussed strategy and initiative progress with senior business leaders.
  • Developed and executed strategic initiatives to drive business growth, resulting in higher revenues and market share expansion.
  • Developed, coached and provided feedback to top-performing teams using strong leadership and analytical thinking skills.
  • Collaborated with executive leadership team members on long-term strategic planning that ensured sustainable success for the company.
  • Established and directed successful programs focused on fan growth, revenue generation and brand perception.
  • Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
  • Formulated and executed strategic initiatives to improve product offerings.
  • Developed and recommended product positioning, packaging and pricing strategy to produce highest possible long-term market share.
  • Leveraged YouTube and other viral marketing tools and channels to generate buzz.
  • Utilized detailed market research, specific population demographics and lifestyle data to identify product target markets.
  • Conducted and evaluated market research to adjust marketing strategy to meet changing market and competitive conditions.
  • Developed strategies to incorporate PR and media to further enhance brand and build market share.
  • Oversaw and guided brand marketing programs to optimize user product experience.
  • Planned and executed events and marketing programs to increase qualified leads.

Vice President, Club Service

Major League Soccer
04.2009 - 06.2017
  • Charged with providing management and business consulting services to MLS member clubs, during a period of dramatic change and growth within MLS.
  • Responsible for strategies related to individual MLS clubs’ organization structure, revenue generation, branding & positioning, consumer marketing and fan engagement.
  • MLS lead and advisor for the successful launch of MLS expansion clubs Portland, Vancouver & Orlando as well as new stadium debuts in Orlando, San Jose and Houston. Prior to leaving MLS was the lead advisor for expansion club LAFC and its successful MLS launch and new stadium debut.
  • Developed best practices for MLS clubs in the areas of brand positioning, fan engagement, marketing, communications, digital & social media, customer retention, ticket sales, guest match presentation and supporters’ culture.
  • Highlights of league-wide results achieved include (2008 vs. 2016 Final); 45% increase in total avg. tickets sold, total full season sales grew at an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6%, 62% increase in league wide average gross gate and 273% increase in league-wide gross club sponsorship revenue.
  • At the request of club ownership and MLS Commissioner oversaw the day to day operation of Chivas USA for the 2012 season, resulting in a stabilization of the club front office and 14% increase in revenues during the period.

President

Stoneybatter Inc.
04.2005 - 04.2009
  • President of a marketing agency specializing in the areas of brand management, marketing, organizational structure, communications and consumer experience. Client list included: National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, National Lacrosse League, United States Olympic Committee, Euro League, National Basketball League (Australia), Atlanta Spirit (Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers & Phillips Arena), New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, Newcastle United F.C. (EPL), Flash Seats, Camp Fire-USA (Portland, OR. Chapter) and “The Big Day” Travel.

Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer

Portland Trail Blazers
11.2003 - 04.2005
  • Key member of new executive management team charged with the task of rebranding and reconnecting the Trail Blazers franchise to the city of Portland. Directly responsible for the creation and organizational wide implementation of all franchise’s brand positioning efforts. Managed all Trail Blazers and Rose Garden revenue-producing areas.
  • Oversaw & managed the Trail Blazers’ initial brand research, discovery and implementation strategies that laid the foundation for the eventual turnaround of the NBA franchise. Created club’s first brand architecture and brand guide
  • Led implementation of brand-focused and fan-orientated strategies in order to reverse the erosion of the franchise’s season ticket base. Results included an increase in season ticket renewal rate from 42% to 86%, a 37% increase in group ticket sales revenue, 139% increase in inside sales revenue and a 38% increase in all new ticket sales.

Senior Vice President, Business Operations

Washington Capitals Hockey Club
06.1999 - 11.2003
  • First executive appointed by the Washington Capitals’ new ownership group. Responsible for leading the Capitals entire business function, completely rebranding the franchise by changing the public perception via restructuring the club’s messaging, brand positioning and event presentation. Managed the sales, marketing, fan engagement, public relations, community relations, media relations, publications, broadcasting, advertising, digital media, sponsorship and customer service functions of the Capitals. Reported to ownership on all Capitals business matters.
  • Increased team’s overall revenues by 67% (including tickets, sponsorship, merchandise, broadcast rights fees).
  • Oversaw ticket revenue growth from $14.5 million to $23 million in four seasons.
  • Developed a unified community relations platform “Caps Care.
  • Utilized social media strategies to increase communication to grow fan base and in the process developed award winning team website, www.washingtoncaps.com.
  • Assisted in the foundation and then served on the NHL’s six member CMO Advisory Board.

Vice President of Marketing

Florida Panthers Hockey Club
08.1996 - 06.1999
  • Administered and directed all aspects of Florida Panthers daily sales/marketing operations including tactical business operations plans, premium suite/club seat sales/service, advertising/promotions, media/community relations, marketing communications, broadcasting, brand management, event presentation, Hispanic marketing, publications and creative services. Additional responsibilities included the sales, marketing and service of the 19,200 seat National Car Rental Center (now Amerant Back Arena) with 70 suites and 2,300 club seats. Member of management team involved in planning, design, marketing and launch of new arena. Reported directly to ownership.
  • Developed and successfully integrated marketing and sales plan across all business operations functions.
  • Conceived marketing strategy that drove four consecutive season of attendance and season ticket holder increases by guiding sales, marketing and support teams in the implementation of targeted, tactical market plans. Resulted in three straight sellout seasons, season ticket holder base of 15,000 going into new arena (5th in NHL at that time) and the selling of all seventeen new building sponsor partners.
  • Created and implemented numerous cross channel marketing and promotional programs between the Huizenga Sports enterprises: Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins, Sports Channel Florida and the Florida Panthers.

Director of Promotions and Marketing Projects

Florida Panthers Hockey Club
06.1993 - 08.1996
  • Joined the Panthers in their inaugural season as member of club’s original business team that launched the NHL in South Florida. Responsible for all marketing, brand positioning and community relations strategies development and implementation.

Director of Broadcast Administration

Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Club
05.1988 - 06.1993
  • Initially hired as a broadcast department intern, promoted to Broadcast Administration Manager and in 1992 to the Director of Broadcast Administration. Responsible for growing & coordinating the Pirates in-house radio network and all elements of broadcast technical production.

Education

Bachelor of Education with Honors -

St. Mary’s College, University of London

Master of Science - Sports Management

University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA

Skills

Consulting

Project management

Teamwork mindset

Performance benchmarking

MISCELLANEOUS

  • University of Oregon, Lindquist College of Business Warsaw Advisory Board June 2017 to Present
  • University of Oregon, Lindquist College of Business Adjunct Instructor of Sports Business/Woodward Sports Business Fellow (MBA program instructor) August 2008 to June 2017

Timeline

Senior Consultant

Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
08.2025 - Current

Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer

Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
06.2017 - 08.2027

Vice President, Club Service

Major League Soccer
04.2009 - 06.2017

President

Stoneybatter Inc.
04.2005 - 04.2009

Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer

Portland Trail Blazers
11.2003 - 04.2005

Senior Vice President, Business Operations

Washington Capitals Hockey Club
06.1999 - 11.2003

Vice President of Marketing

Florida Panthers Hockey Club
08.1996 - 06.1999

Director of Promotions and Marketing Projects

Florida Panthers Hockey Club
06.1993 - 08.1996

Director of Broadcast Administration

Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Club
05.1988 - 06.1993

Master of Science - Sports Management

University of Massachusetts

Bachelor of Education with Honors -

St. Mary’s College, University of London

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Declan BolgerSports Management Executive Leader