Global Sport Business Journal
Aims and Scope
The Global Sport Business Journal (GSBJ) is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to advancing scholarship in the business of sport. As the official publication of the Global Sport Business Association (GSBA), the journal fosters interdisciplinary research that contributes to both theoretical advancement and practical applications in the global sports industry. GSBJ provides a platform for scholars, industry professionals, and policymakers to explore critical issues shaping the business of sport, with a particular emphasis on global perspectives in sport management.
The journal welcomes submissions from a range of business disciplines, including sport entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing, finance, analytics, management, law, and governance. GSBJ publishes original research articles, conceptual papers, case studies, and book reviews that critically examine emerging trends, industry challenges, and innovative solutions in sports business.
Potential areas of research for publication include:
- Sport Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Submissions focused on the entrepreneurial dimensions of sports, including new business models, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities, esports ventures, and innovative approaches to sport marketing and management.
- Sport Management Education: Research on how sport management programs are adapting to contemporary challenges, including the integration of experiential learning, career development opportunities for students, and the changing expectations of academic curricula.
- Global and Cultural Perspectives in Sport: Articles examining the international dimensions of sport management, such as the global expansion of sports leagues, cultural differences in sport administration, and the challenges faced when managing sports in regions outside of the United States.
- Sport Marketing and Fan Engagement: Research that investigates how marketing strategies, cultural influences, and technological innovations—such as the use of social media, mixed reality, and fan-driven content—are reshaping fan behavior and engagement in sports.
- Technology and Analytics in Sports: Cutting-edge studies exploring the role of data analytics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and other emerging technologies in enhancing fan experiences, team performance, and overall sport management practices.
- Sport Governance and Ethics: Research focused on governance structures within sports organizations, ethical dilemmas, regulatory challenges, and issues such as systemic abuse, corruption, and fairness in competitive environments.
- Fan Behavior and Market Research: Papers analyzing consumer behavior in the sports market, exploring fan motivations, and leveraging market research to optimize fan engagement strategies, including event marketing and merchandising.
- Leadership and Organizational Change: Research that explores leadership theories, including servant leadership, and their application within sport organizations. Topics also include navigating organizational change in both professional and collegiate sports settings.
- Sport Economics and Financial Management: Articles addressing the financial dynamics of sports organizations, including funding strategies, budget management, economic impact analysis, and the financial health of major sports leagues and teams.
- Women's Sports and Inclusion: Studies addressing the unique aspects of women’s sport business models, as well as ongoing debates surrounding issues like transgender athlete participation, equality in leadership roles, and the development of women’s sports leagues.
- Intercollegiate Athletics: Articles examining the evolving landscape of college sports, with a focus on challenges such as athletic administration, the financial arms race, and shifting governance structures within collegiate athletic programs.
- Sport Facility Management: Submissions examining the operation, design, and management of sports facilities, with an emphasis on sustainability, fan experience, and innovations in venue operations and maintenance.
- Mega Events and Legacy: Research on the planning, execution, and lasting legacy of large-scale sporting events such as the Olympics and World Cups, focusing on their social, economic, and infrastructural impacts on host cities and nations.
The Global Sport Business Journal seeks research that addresses both theoretical and practical applications in these areas, contributing valuable insights to the evolving field of sport management.
In addition to original research, the Global Sport Business Journal is also committed to showcasing practical insights and critical analyses through the publication of case studies and book reviews within the field of sports business and management.
- Case Studies in Sports Business and Management: The Journal welcomes case studies that provide real-world examples of business practices, strategic decision-making, organizational challenges, and innovative solutions within the sports industry. These case studies may focus on individual organizations, teams, events, or specific business models, offering valuable lessons and best practices that can inform both academic theory and practical applications in the field.
- Book Reviews: The Journal invites reviews of recent publications that contribute to the body of knowledge in sports business and management. These reviews should critically assess the content, relevance, and impact of the books, highlighting their contribution to advancing the understanding of contemporary issues, trends, and theories in the sports industry. Reviews may cover a wide range of topics, from sport marketing and leadership to economics, governance, and technological innovations in sport.
By publishing case studies and book reviews, the Global Sport Business Journal aims to provide a comprehensive platform for diverse perspectives, bridging the gap between academic research and real-world applications, and fostering an informed dialogue among scholars, professionals, and practitioners in the sports business field.
All manuscripts are subjected to a double blind review process. The lead author will be notified of the review outcome within 60 days of the manuscript’s submission. Manuscripts can be submitted by following the steps located through the Submit Article link in the navigation pane.