LEXINGTON, Kentucky — of new The future of the Sports Research Institute University of Kentucky College of Education contributes to fostering conversations about contemporary issues facing the global sports industry.
The institute is headed by George and Betty Dr. Kwame Agyemang. Blanda is an endowed professor of sport leadership in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion.The department recently launched its first service Bachelor of Sports Leadershipwhich will be strengthened by the institute's focus on the future. sports industry.
Agyeman is passionate about the future of sport and has had no shortage of topics to cover in recent years.
“Think about Gen Z fandom, or lack thereof,” he said. “Many sports organizations are having to struggle with how to interact with artificial intelligence. Saudi Arabia has positioned the country as a center for sports and entertainment, and has thrown a curve ball at the amount it pays some of its players. There are growing calls to address social justice. We are seeing increased investor interest in women's sports. That would give college athletes the right to profit from their name, image, likeness, and the list goes on. ”
Agyeman talks about today's sports Organizations are not optimized to handle many of these changes and disruptions. as When new problems arise, the Institute collaborates with like-minded changemakers and innovators to discuss how to lead and manage change.
“I think sports are a microcosm of society, so there are many people who are passionate about sports. “Yet, while there is a lot of literature about the future of work in other industries, you don't see much about sports,” he said.
As director of the Future of Sport Institute, Agyeman is focused on bridging that gap.
The institute is We disseminate rigorous, high-impact research that can strengthen existing literature and provide sport leaders with useful tools to enhance their ability to create the future of sport.
Agimanconducts research that focuses on large-scale change in complex and uncertain environments, and in 2020, the need for this line of research has increased in response to societal demands on companies. Masu. Addressing racism and social justice. The North American Sports Management Association recently named him the 2024 recipient of the Joy Decensi Diversity Award for Inclusive Excellence.
“rear “The NBA and WNBA came back from COVID with social justice messages on their courts and jerseys,” Agyeman said. “Companies, including sports organizations, made calls denouncing racism and said they were willing to stand up and serve the Black community. Black employees then shared their own experiences working within those organizations. You'll hear people say, “This organization says Black Lives Matter, but this is my experience working for that company.'' ”
Leaders began contacting Mr. Agyeman and asking for help. In leading change.
“I'm currently writing a book to help leaders create better workplaces for Black people and people of color. Brown employees,” he said.
LAgyeman said it's important to have a purpose and understand that a sports team is more than just a sports team. Editor-in-chief of Sport Business and Management: An International Journal.
“There's a saying that was popularized by LeBron James and many other athletes: “Be more than an athlete.” I think the same thing applies to sports organizations and they recognize that they are bigger than themselves. They are not just profits. They're looking at the impact on society as a whole. ”
Agyeman envisions the institute to be a hub for sports professionals to talk and learn from each other. He welcomes interdisciplinary experts from the University of Kentucky and around the world to partner and collaborate with the Institute. In doing so, Agyeman hopes the institute can ultimately accelerate the sports industry's ability to grow amidst change and disruption.
in spite of Although he is focused on overcoming challenges, Agyeman is hopeful for the future.
“ah,We shouldn't be afraid of change because our lives are constantly changing. I always tell my students to embrace change and think of it like strength training. It hurts sometimes, but I do it because I want to build up my endurance and stamina,” he said.
Agiman He says the same advice applies whether you're a student, sports organization or business professional.
““I think we'll be better in the future as a result of what we're going through now,” he said.