Since earning IAVM’s 30|UNDER|30 recognition in 2023, Trevor Thomas has continued to advance in the sports and live event industry with impressive momentum. His trajectory reflects not only career growth but also a clear commitment to excellence and leadership at the highest levels of venue execution.
When Trevor received the award, he was working at UBS Arena, contributing to the successful operations of a major, newly opened venue in the New York area. In February 2024, he embraced a transformative opportunity and accepted a new position with the National Basketball Association (NBA). Now serving as Senior Director, Venue Execution & Logistics Lead, Trevor is based at the NBA’s Manhattan headquarters and plays a critical role in the planning and implementation of the league’s most visible and complex live events.
In this role, Trevor leads the facilities strategy and execution for a wide range of marquee NBA events. His responsibilities span NBA All-Star, the NBA Finals, the NBA Draft, NBA Global Games, and Neutral Site Games, along with oversight of venue operations for the Basketball Africa League (BAL). His expertise ensures that these high-stakes, globally broadcast events meet the league’s exacting standards for both operational excellence and guest experience.
The scope of Trevor’s work has grown exponentially, and his ability to adapt, communicate, and lead across international venues and diverse stakeholder groups has positioned him as a rising force in major event logistics. His transition from venue-side operations to league-side strategy marks a meaningful milestone in his career—a shift from managing single-site execution to overseeing large-scale, multi-location planning for global basketball fans.
Reflecting on his career shift, Trevor shares:
“Being part of the NBA’s marquee events is a dream come true. I’ve always been passionate about venue operations, but now I get to apply that knowledge on a global stage. Every event presents a new challenge, and I thrive on the pressure and precision it demands.”
Trevor’s story is one of continual evolution. From the local to the global stage, from venue management to international event leadership, he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in live sports production—bringing innovation, professionalism, and poise to every court he touches.
