Advancing research and innovation in sports business
The 51Æ·²èCenter for Sport and Business Innovation is an interdisciplinary hub fostering research and innovation in sport management. It aims to generate knowledge, support academic enrichment, and engage students with industry professionals. The center promotes research, hosts events, and creates revenue-generating programs in the sports marketplace. By bridging theory and practice, it prepares you to be a future leader for the business of sports, offering hands-on experience and connections with industry experts.
Ways for Students to Engage with the Center
The Center for Sport and Business Innovation was designed to give our graduates the upper-hand in the world of professional sports. You’ll enter the workforce prepared to lead.
Real World Projects
Engage in industry-related projects with tangible outcomes.
Industry Networking
Connect with professionals and expand your network.
Hands-On Learning
Develop practical skills through experiential learning.
Reach out to center director Connor Blake to start your journey to sports excellence.
Meet the Team
Center for Sport and Innovation Manager, Connor Blake
Connor Blake brings extensive experience in sport, marketing, and media to UNE. With an MBA in business analytics and a B.A. in media studies, he has held roles such as Recruitment and Engagement Specialist at the University of Maine and Lead Team Photographer for the Maine Mariners ECHL. His background includes sports broadcasting and entrepreneurial ventures in media production. An active sports researcher with two co-authored peer-reviewed papers, Blake’s leadership provides invaluable insights and skills to students pursuing careers in professional sports.
Norm O’Reilly, Dean of UNE’s College of Business
Norm O’Reilly, dean of UNE’s College of Business, is a multifaceted leader in sports business and academia. An award-winning researcher with 20 books and over 160 peer-reviewed publications, he’s also a successful consultant, agency owner, and expert witness. O’Reilly's career spans academia, industry, and non-profit sectors, with a focus on inclusion and the Paralympic movement. A bilingual speaker and regular contributor to Sport Business Journal, he excels in teaching and research.
Advisory Panel
The Center for Sport and Business Innovation is in its early stages of development. We are in the process of building a robust advisory panel of industry experts and leaders. More information will be available soon.
Are you looking to Partner with The Center for Sport and Business Innovation?
Business, teams, and other sports organizations, 51Æ·²èwants to partner with you to move the practices of sports business forward. A partnership with 51Æ·²ènot only means that students will gain valuable skills from you — it means that you’ll have a head start on recruiting the next wave of industry leaders!
We’d love to hear from you, contact us and start the conversation.