Sports Management Commons^™

Analysis Of Careers In And Through Intercollegiate Compliance, Michael A. Odio, Grace Wright, Thomas J. Aicher

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

This study examines job movements entering, exiting, and between NCAA compliance-related positions using a sample of 100 LinkedIn profiles. The analysis of the 441 job movements establishes job and organizational tenure figures and patterns in how people matriculate through certain positions. Theory related to career boundaries is used to interpret the job movements and draw conclusions about patterns related to educational backgrounds (e.g., master’s and law degrees), the role of internships and graduate assistantships, and more. The findings provide new insight on career dynamics in NCAA compliance and underscore the need to focus on studying subsectors in college sport to …

Exploring Sport Leaders’ Sensemaking And Enactment Of Inclusive Leadership, Elizabeth Taylor, Sean Dahlin, Janelle Wells, Erika Gray

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

While diversity, inclusion, and leadership shape individual behaviors and organizational culture, historically they have been researched as independent theoretical streams. Examining these lines has been fruitful to advance our understanding of diversity, inclusion, and leadership separately; however, we lack an understanding of how leaders understand and engage in inclusive leadership. Thus, this study explores how college sport leaders make sense of and enact inclusive leadership. Through 16 semi-structured interviews with senior-level athletic administrators we constructed four themes: fostering employees’ uniqueness, strengthening team belongingness, learning centered development, and actioning values-based care. This work both bolsters and extends Korkmaz and colleagues’ (2022) …

House Rules: Athlete, Coach, And Staff Perspectives On The Shifting Ncaa Landscape, Daniel Springer

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

The House settlement is an inflection point in NCAA Division I athletics, ushering in a new model of institutional revenue sharing, roster regulation, and athlete compensation. While legal and financial analyses dominate public discourse, less is known about how these shifts are understood by those working and competing within athletic departments. This study draws on narrative analysis of interviews with 11 athletes, coaches, and staff across five anonymized Power 4 institutions to examine how the House settlement is being interpreted as it takes effect. Three narrative foci emerged: 1) financial prioritization and resource allocation, 2) shifting culture, relationships, and meaning, …

The Impact Of Geographic And Community Diversity On The Transitionary Experiences Of International College Athletes, Marek Taškár, Chris Corr, Nicole Sellars, Sarah Stokowski, Karina Jolly, Trevor Bopp

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

International college athletes migrating to the United States for athletic competition encounter unique challenges such as language barriers, cultural adjustment, and familial detachment. These obstacles can hinder international college athletes’ transition compared to those of domestic athletes. While supportive programming and personnel have been illustrated to ease the transition and foster acculturation among international college athletes, the impact of the geographic location of an institution may impact the acculturation process for international college athletes. Given the importance of acculturation to athletic and academic success, this study examined how cultural diversity within communities hosting NCAA member institutions affects international college athletes’ …

Examining The Evolution Of Coaches Issues In Interscholastic Sport, Tyler J. Ratts, Eric W. Forsyth, Zachary C. T. Evans, James E. Johnson, Michael Fraina, Warren A. Whisenant

Global Sport Business Journal

Central to interscholastic athletic programs are coaches who directly affect the developmental outcomes experienced by student-athletes through their participation (Blanton et al., 2024; Grant, 2024; O’Boyle, 2014). Forsyth et al. (2022) analyzed the key issues perceived by athletic administrators to affect the coaching position, with Coaches Education rated as the single most important issue and Finding Coaches and Retaining Coaches also deemed to be of very high importance. Over time, the coaching role has continued to evolve, as increased role demands (Ratts, 2025), changing stakeholder expectations (Johnson et al., 2019; Stoffer et al., 2021), and growing burnout and turnover (Martin …

The Athlete’S Nil Playbook: The Complete Guide To Owning And Profiting From Your Name, Image, And Likeness, Kelly Brummett

Global Sport Business Journal

This review discusses The Athlete's NIL Playbook: The Complete Guide to Owning and Profiting from Your Name, Image, and Likeness. Though aimed at high school and college students and their parents, the book is a practical guide for anyone interested in learning more about and navigating the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) marketplace. With examples from current and former student-athletes' lived experiences, Dosh offers guidance for developing a personal brand, contacting sponsors, and seeking NIL opportunities beyond social media marketing. In addition, Dosh shares her legal experience to highlight potentially one-sided contract terms and key questions to ask before signing …

Stay To Play: Multi-Level Stakeholders And Motivation In Youth Sports Tourism, Brumby Mcleod, Ph.D., John Grady, Ph.D.

Proceedings of the Recreation Experience Community Network Research Symposium

In this study, the stay to play model of hosting elite youth sports events was investigated by exploring the various stakeholder perspectives in staging youth sport events, specifically soccer. This research explored the motivations and gaps among the event organizers, the housing authorities (booking agencies), governing bodies and leagues, as well as the destination marketing organization. This study explored the relationship, unique value proposition, and gaps between the services provided by the stay to play organizers and participants. By exploring these concepts, a better understanding of the stay to play model is achieved, and destination marketers and management associations can …

Perceived Value Of Sport And Recreation In Aruba: Resident Perceptions Of Health, Lifestyle, And Physical Activity, Stephen L. Shapiro, Andy Gillentine, Jo-Anne Croes, John Wardlaw

Proceedings of the Recreation Experience Community Network Research Symposium

Sport and recreation play an important role in shaping community well-being, particularly in small island nations where health and tourism are integrated. This study examines how Aruban residents perceive the value of sport and recreation and how these perceptions vary based on the type of activity and children’s participation in these activities. A mixed-methods design was used across two phases. Phase I employed focus groups with residents, educators, and government stakeholders to explore themes of health, community impact, and education. Findings emphasized concerns over inactivity and identified sport and recreation as essential to promoting healthy lifestyles, sense of community, and …

High Turnover On The Menu - Understanding Post-Covid Employee Retention Rates Within Public Assembly Venues In New York City, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study explores food and beverage employee turnover rates within sport venues in New York City. The topic holds public interest due to the documented correlation between guest satisfaction and employee satisfaction. It is ethical and feasible, focusing on real-world management challenges in the hospitality industry. By narrowing the scope to a specific population, the study aims to provide actionable insights into employee retention in a post-Covid landscape.

Ai In Hospitality - Guest Satisfaction With Humanoid Robot (Aura) At The Las Vegas Sphere, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

Our topic focuses on guest satisfaction with the increasing use of AI in hospitality. The article “A.I. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence” shows how AI improves guest satisfaction and their overall experience. The Sphere in Las Vegas uses AI heavily in large-scale events, making it an ideal focus. We will use surveys and interviews with guests that could provide insight into satisfaction with AI (Figure 1). The questions we would use only gather opinions, staying within ethical standards. Focusing on one venue keeps the proposal manageable while offering valuable insight into how guests perceive AI in hospitality and tourism.

Balancing Pressure And Support - Examining Burnout And Mental Health In Teenage Athletes, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

Analyzing the relationship between coaching styles and athlete burnout. It is an important and interesting topic because over the last few years participation in youth sports has dropped, this is an issue because sports teach valuable lessons. The topic is plausible because it can survey athletes and use that information to help.

Development Pathways In Soccer - A Comparative Study Of U.S. Academies, Ncaa Programs, And European Systems, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study seeks to compare the soccer development pathways of U.S. youth club academy systems, NCAA collegiate programs, and European youth club academy systems. Along with this, the research aims to identify what creates a factor of success. Additionally, it will focus on what specifically the club and college systems are doing collectively to develop their rosters. This comparison offers value in that it provides cumulative information on the biggest developmental soccer programs in the world. Additionally, it brings to light the differences amongst the pathways to better showcase factors of success and allow for future improvements to be made …

Exploring Fan Engagement Strategies In Ncaa Division I Athletics - A Descriptive Study, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

College athletic programs live off the support of their passionate fans. Whether lifelong supporters or casual viewers, these fans help keep programs thriving. Despite strong environments and culture, some schools struggle to maintain fan engagement year after year. This study seeks to understand what top Division I programs do to keep fans engaged through attendance, financial giving, and viewership. The findings aim to address the problem of unengaged fans and help build stronger, more successful athletic programs.

Flipping Commitments - Exploring Factors Behind College Football Recruiting De-Commitments, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

While recruiting de-commitments are widely reported in the media, there is little scholarly research on their causes and implications. This study will help fill that gap by analyzing the factors influencing de-commitments in Power Four football.

From Snacks To Seats - Examining The Influence Of Concessions On Return Attendance For Liberty University Hockey, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study will explore the correlation between attendees’ levels of satisfaction with concessions at Liberty University men’s club sports D1 hockey games and their return attendance at future games. The insights derived from this research will inform collegiate hockey programs’ event concessions and attendance practices.

From Tradition To Transaction - The Role Of Nil In Shaping College Football Recruiting Culture, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study assesses how current changing rules with NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and revenue sharing are impacting the recruiting world—specifically how they influence prospective NCAA Division I football student-athlete decision-making. The topic is timely and ethical, addressing how recruiting strategies and athlete priorities are shifting due to evolving NCAA policies. It has drawn attention from fans, staff, and athletes, and even reached the Supreme Court, making it a relevant and impactful area of inquiry.

Leadership, Culture, And Sustained Success - Comparative Case On Belichick's Patriots And Reid's Chiefs, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study examines how transformational leadership and organizational culture contribute to long-term success in the NFL, focusing on two exceptional franchises: the New England Patriots under Bill Belichick and the Kansas City Chiefs under Andy Reid. By using the Multi-Factor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI), the research analyzes leadership behaviors and cultural values through player interviews, press conferences, NFL Films, and archival data. The rationale is to understand how leadership and culture—not just talent or tactics—drive sustained excellence in professional sports, offering insights applicable to both sports and non-sports organizations.

Nil And Gender Equality In Division 1 Athletics - Intergrating Institutional Support, Marketplace Dynamics, And Athlete Earnings, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study explores gender-based disparities in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities within Division I athletics, focusing on differences in institutional support and funding. The rationale highlights the unequal distribution of NIL earnings between male and female athletes and the need for more equitable access. By examining both quantitative earnings data and qualitative athlete perceptions, the study aims to promote fairer NIL practices across collegiate sports.

Private Equity And Llc Models In College Athletics - Emerging Revenue Strategies In The Power Four, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

Prompted by the University of Kentucky’s formation of a not-for-profit LLC as a revenue strategy, this study investigates the impact and future implications of LLCs and private equity in NCAA athletic departments. The rationale is rooted in the growing financial pressures and opportunities following the House settlement, with athletic directors seeking innovative ways to generate revenue. This research aims to understand how these models affect revenue generation and distribution across Power Four programs.

Social Media Behaviors & In-Person Attendance - A Mixed-Methods Study Of Small-Market Nba Teams, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study examines how social media behavior influences attendance at small-market NBA games. Social media behavior is categorized into two areas: marketing and fan engagement. The rationale stems from the inconsistency in attendance among small-market teams and the lack of research focused on these markets. Understanding how digital engagement affects live attendance can help teams refine their marketing strategies and boost ticket sales.

Social Media Marketing And Fan Engagement - A Quantitative Study Of Nba Strategies, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study investigates how different forms of social media marketing—specifically pictures, graphics, and reels—impact fan engagement in the NBA. As digital platforms increasingly replace traditional media, understanding which strategies most effectively engage fans is crucial for sports organizations. The study is grounded in existing research and uses Instagram analytics to assess engagement metrics, offering practical insights for marketing teams.

The Beauty Of Uniquity - A Regression Analysis Of Mlb Pitchers With Anomalous Arm Angles, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study examines the effect of arm angle on pitcher success and the potential for injury prevention based on arm angle. With the rise of advanced metrics like Statcast, pitcher mechanics—especially arm angle—have become key indicators of performance. The research explores how different arm angles influence pitch movement, velocity, and injury risk, suggesting that pitchers with a “low ¾ arm angle” may best balance performance and long-term arm health.

The Correlation Between Tommy John Surgery And Pitching Velocity, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study investigates the relationship between increasing fastball velocity and the rising number of Tommy John surgeries (UCL reconstructions) among Major League Baseball pitchers. The rationale is to understand whether higher pitching velocities contribute to injury risk and to equip coaches and trainers with tools to identify warning signs and prevent future injuries.

Televised Youth Sport And Athlete Well-Being - A Study Of The Little League World Series, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study analyzes the commercialization of the Little League World Series (LLWS) and its psychological effects on young athletes, including stress, identity, and enjoyment. The rationale stems from growing concerns about media pressure and public attention on children in sport. The study is ethical, feasible, and valuable for understanding how televised youth events may impact athlete well-being and development.

Event Tourism And Hotel Revenue Management - The Impact Of College Graduations On Lynchburg's Lodging Industry, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study explores the economic impact of college graduation weekends on hotel revenue in Lynchburg, Virginia. While hotels commonly adjust rates in response to seasonal demand, little research has focused on how recurring events in college towns influence revenue management practices. The project is both relevant and ethical, seeking to understand how hotels can maximize profitability during graduation weekends without engaging in price gouging. Ultimately, the findings aim to provide valuable insight into sustainable revenue management strategies for hotels in college towns.

The Shifting Landscape Of Ncaa Recruiting - Nil's Impact On Division 1 Football In Mid-Major Schools, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study examines how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies have reshaped recruiting outcomes at mid-major NCAA Division I football programs. The rationale is to understand how mid-major schools can leverage NIL opportunities to compete with Power Four institutions by building local partnerships and customized athlete branding, despite having fewer resources and less media exposure.

Traditions, Belonging, And Intent To Return - Testing Predictors Of Fan Loyalty At Liberty Football, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study explores how fan traditions and a sense of belonging influence long-term loyalty among Liberty University football fans. The rationale is to understand the psychological and sociological factors that drive fan engagement and return intent, which can inform marketing strategies and improve fan retention.

Sport Leadership Summit Summary, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

Monday, October 27, 2025

8:45 – 9:10 a.m. – Check-In

9:15 – 11:45 a.m. – Panel Discussions

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch & Keynote

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Research: Oral Presentations

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Panel Discussions

4:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Wrap-Up

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

8:45 – 9:10 a.m. – Check-In

9:15 – 11:45 a.m. – Panel Discussions

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch & Keynote

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Research: Poster Presentations

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Panel Discussions

4:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Wrap-Up

Games Played In The Off-Season: A Teaching Case Study On Major League Baseball Arbitration And Game Theory, Rebekah Ansbro

The COSMA Journal

Each January and February, professional baseball players with three to six years of Major League service time endure a process exclusive to Major League Baseball (MLB): arbitration. Though arbitration itself is not an unfamiliar form of dispute resolution, the structure MLB employs in contract arbitration is unlike any other industry, as it incorporates an all-or-nothing result that does not allow arbitrators to “split the pie” between parties. Because of this, teams and players are not only responsible for preparation of their own arguments and filed salary, but also for anticipation of their opponent’s filed salary. The hurdle of needing to …

Managing User Conflicts In A Water Aerobics Program On Behalf Of A Veteran’S Group: A Short Case Study, Hadley Blankenship, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., Jason L. Scott

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This article captures an experience in conflict management that happened during the summer of 2024 as a recreational therapy intern with an adaptive sport and recreation organization located in the Southeastern United States. The backdrop to the case is that a recreational therapy intern worked with various special needs populations – mainly with paraplegic (adult and youth) athletes and veterans. In many organizations, user conflicts and poor communication regarding service provision and scheduling hinder the implementation of programs for special populations, such as veteran groups. In this case, a problem occurred with the scheduling of a water aerobics program for …