Guest Editors
- Dr. Liz Wanless, Indiana University Indianapolis
- Dr. Michael Naraine, Brock University
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the sport industry, transforming decision-making in ticketing, marketing, analytics, athlete performance, fan engagement, media, and operations (Chmait & Westerbeek, 2021; Kim & Ford, 2025; Wanless & Naraine, 2023). As AI tools proliferate professional sport organizations, higher education faces increasing pressure to prepare students not only to use AI, but to critically evaluate, design, and ethically govern it (Keiper et al., 2023; Wanless & Naraine, 2021).
This special issue of the Sport Management Education Journal (SMEJ) invites scholarly and applied contributions examining how AI is being integrated into sport management education across undergraduate, graduate, and professional contexts. We seek manuscripts that advance evidence-based pedagogy, document innovative instructional practices, and critically assess the ethical, workforce, and equity implications of AI adoption in sport management education (e.g., Kauppinen, 2024; Keiper et al., 2023). Consistent with SMEJ’s mission, submissions can be empirical, conceptual, and/or philosophical and should advance teaching and learning in sport management education to prepare future sport professionals.
Topics of Interest
Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following topical areas:
1. AI-Enabled Pedagogy in Sport Management
Designing assignments, courses, or curricula incorporating generative AI, machine learning, or predictive analytics. AI-assisted learning tools (e.g., copilots, tutors, grading aids) in sport management education. Scaffolded approaches to teaching AI literacy for non-technical sport students.
2. Teaching Sport Analytics and Decision-Making with AI
Integrating AI into sport analytics, ticketing intelligence, sponsorship valuation, and fan engagement coursework. Case-based or project-based learning using AI tools or real-world sport data. Bridging technical AI concepts with managerial decision-making frameworks.
3. Faculty AI Adoption, Training, and Resistance
Faculty perceptions, readiness, and professional development related to AI. Institutional supports and barriers to AI integration in sport management programs. Comparative studies across institutions, program types, or disciplines.
4. Ethics, Equity, and Governance in AI Education
Teaching ethical AI use in sport contexts (bias, transparency, privacy, surveillance). AI’s implications for equity, access, and inclusion in sport management education. Preparing students to be responsible AI users and decision-makers.
5. Assessment, Learning Outcomes, and Academic Integrity
Measuring learning outcomes associated with AI-enabled instruction. Rethinking assessment, originality, and academic integrity in the age of generative AI. Policy development and classroom governance strategies.
6. Industry-Engaged and Applied Learning Models
Partnerships with sport organizations leveraging AI in coursework or experiential learning. Practicum, consulting, or capstone models using AI-driven sport data. Workforce readiness and employer expectations related to AI competencies.
Manuscript Types
Consistent with SMEJ author guidelines, the special issue welcomes: 1) empirical research articles, 2) applied case studies, 3) innovative pedagogy and practice papers, and 4) conceptual or theoretical commentaries. Empirical submissions should demonstrate methodological rigor appropriate for the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) research. In all manuscript submissions, authors should explicitly address implications for sport management education.
Submission Guidelines
- Manuscripts should follow SMEJ author guidelines and APA formatting.
- Manuscripts must not have been previously published or be currently under review in another journal.
- Manuscript submissions will undergo double-anonymous peer review.
Important Dates
Manuscript Submission Deadline: January 31, 2027
Anticipated Publication: Fall 2027
Submission Process
Manuscripts should be submitted no later than January 31, 2027, using ScholarOne on the SMEJ website. When submitting, authors should select the “Special Issue” option within the ScholarOne system, and request their manuscript be considered for the special issue on Artificial Intelligence in Sport Management Education within their cover letter.
Contact Information for Guest Editors
Dr. Liz Wanless
Director of the Sport Innovation Institute
Associate Professor of Sport Analytics
Adjunct Associate Professor of Human-Centered Computing
Indiana University Indianapolis
lwanless@iu.edu
Dr. Michael Naraine
President, North American Society for Sport Management
Associate Professor, Department of Sport Management
Brock University
mnaraine@brocku.ca
