Advancing research and innovation in sports business
The 91制片厂 Center 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.
91制片厂 College of Business hosts inaugural Spark Series on Portland鈥檚 Lead Minor Leagues
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鈥檒l 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.
I want to give kudos to 91制片厂 because we build our college rosters, and now, with the partnership we have with (their sports center), they鈥檙e able to provide us with analytics and identify the players who are impactful in college and can help us here.鈥
鈥 Terrence Wallin, Maine Mariners (ECHL) Head Coach
Meet the Team
Center for Sport and Innovation Manager, Connor Blake
Connor Blake brings extensive experience in sport, marketing, and media to 91制片厂. 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鈥檚 leadership provides invaluable insights and skills to students pursuing careers in professional sports.
Norm O鈥橰eilly, Dean of 91制片厂鈥檚 College of Business
Norm O鈥橰eilly, dean of 91制片厂鈥檚 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鈥檚 also a successful consultant, agency owner, and expert witness. O鈥橰eilly'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.
The 91制片厂 College of Business and Maine Mariners hockey team have announced a partnership to advance innovation and industry excellence and prepare the next generation of business professionals.
Are you looking to Partner with The Center for Sport and Business Innovation?
Business, teams, and other sports organizations, 91制片厂 wants to partner with you to move the practices of sports business forward. A partnership with 91制片厂 not only means that students will gain valuable skills from you 鈥 it means that you鈥檒l have a head start on recruiting the next wave of industry leaders!
We鈥檇 love to hear from you, contact us and start the conversation.