JMO Special Issue Call for Papers

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation in Sports Management

Guest Editors:

Jerónimo García-Fernández, PhD, Universidad de Sevilla, jeronimo@us.es
Helena Ferreira-Barbosa, PhD, Instituto Politécnico de Beja, helena.barbosa@ipbeja.pt
Alejandro Lara-Bocanegra, PhD, Universidad Loyola, alara@uloyola.es
Gabriel Cepeda Carrión, Phd, Universidad de Sevilla, gabi@us.es

Submission deadline: 30th October 2025

Special issue scope and objectives

John McCarthy defined artificial intelligence (AI) in 1956 as “the science and engineering of making intelligent machines” (Collins et al., 2021). While AI has been explored for decades, its use and application have expanded rapidly in recent years, transforming numerous sectors. In particular, the rapid advancement of AI and digital transformation is reshaping the landscape of sports management (Ratten, 2024). From performance analytics to fan engagement, AI-driven insights are revolutionizing decision-making processes in both professional and grassroots sports organizations.

This Special Issue aims to explore the multifaceted impact of AI, machine learning, and digital technologies on sports management, examining both the opportunities they create and the challenges they present. AI is playing a pivotal role in optimizing decision-making and professional training. According to Keiper et al. (2023), tools like ChatGPT can enhance efficiency in strategic planning, data analysis, and communication within sports organizations, thereby accelerating the sector’s digital transformation.

However, the increasing integration of AI into sports management research brings new ethical challenges. According to Trail et al. (2024), it is crucial to establish clear guidelines to ensure the validity, quality, and transparency of studies in this field, mitigating biases and safeguarding academic integrity. Beyond its implications for research and decision-making, AI is also reshaping the job market in the sports industry. According to Glebova et al. (2024), AI is creating new job opportunities while simultaneously redefining traditional roles, requiring professionals to adapt their skills in management and data analysis.

Given these developments, it is essential to analyze both the opportunities and challenges that digitalization and AI bring to sports management. The primary objective of this Special Issue is to provide an in-depth analysis of how AI and digital tools are transforming various domains within sports management. We invite high-quality contributions that offer theoretical perspectives, empirical insights, and practical implications for academics, practitioners, and policymakers in the field.

Topics of interest

We encourage submissions that explore, but are not limited to, the following areas:

AI-driven decision-making in sports management.
Predictive analytics for sport consumer.
Digital transformation in sports management and fan engagement.
The role of AI in optimizing sport management methodologies and sport strategies.
AI applications in sports event management and ticketing systems.
Ethical considerations and governance of AI in sports.
Machine learning models for sponsorship and revenue optimization.
Smart stadiums and digital infrastructure in sports venues.
Social media analytics and AI-driven brand management in sports.
AI applications in esports management and virtual sports.

Submission guidelines

Submissions should be original, unpublished works that contribute to the scholarly understanding of AI and digital transformation in sports management. All manuscripts will undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure academic rigor and practical relevance.

Authors should follow the journal's standard formatting guidelines, which can be found in the author instructions. Manuscripts should be submitted through the online submission portal by 30th October 2025.

For further information on this Special Issue, please contact the Guest Editors.

We look forward to receiving your contributions and advancing the discussion on AI and digital transformation in sports management.

Important dates

February 2025 Submissions open
30 October 2025 Submissions close
Late 2026 Publication

References

Collins, C., Dennehy, D., Conboy, K. & Mikalef, P. (2021). Artificial intelligence in information systems research: a systematic literature review and research agenda. International Journal of Information Management, 60, 102383, doi: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2021.102383.

Glebova, E., Madsen, D. Ø., Mihaľová, P., Géczi, G., Mittelman, A., & Jorgič, B. (2024). Artificial intelligence development and dissemination impact on the sports industry labor market. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 6, 1363892.

Keiper, M. C., Fried, G., Lupinek, J., & Nordstrom, H. (2023). Artificial intelligence in sport management education: Playing the AI game with ChatGPT. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 33, 100456.

Ratten, V. (2024). Sport Artificial Intelligence. In Sport Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: Technology Innovation Perspectives (pp. 79-91). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.

Trail, G., Kim, A., Bang, H., & Braunstein-Minkove, J. R. (2024). Ethics in quantitative sport management research: the impact of AI. International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, 25(5), 1147-1162.

About the Guest Editors

Jerónimo García-Fernández is Associate Professor in sports science in the department of physical education and sport at the Universidad de Sevilla, Spain. His research focuses on the management of sport organizations, customer behaviour, digital transformation, customer satisfaction, and analysis of professional profiles linked to the sport and fitness industry. He was President of the International Conference on Technology in Physical Activity and Sport in 2020, 2021 and 2022. He also belongs to the board of the Spanish Society of Sports Economy (SEED) and the Andalusian Association of Sports Managers (AGESPORT).

Helena Ferreira-Barbosa has extensive academic and professional experience. Her research focuses on the fitness industry, consumer behavior and sport digitalization. In addition to authoring scientific articles, book chapters, and presentations at international conferences, she also has hands-on experience as a fitness instructor and personal trainer. This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise enables her to take a comprehensive approach to improving customer experience and professional development in the fitness sector.

Alejandro Lara-Bocanegra has a distinguished academic and professional career in sports management and sports entrepreneurship, integrating research, education, and knowledge transfer. He is currently an Assistant Professor at Universidad Loyola Andalucía, within the Department of Communication and Education. His research focuses on intrapreneurship in sports organizations, sports management, and physical activity and sports education. He has also been actively involved in research, teaching innovation, and knowledge transfer projects, applying active learning methodologies in higher education. Through a multidisciplinary approach, he combines research, teaching, and practical application to advance the field of sports management, fostering innovation and academic excellence.

Gabriel Cepeda Carrión is Professor in the management and marketing department at the Universidad de Sevilla, Spain. His main research topics include knowledge management, absorptive capacity, dynamic capabilities, and organizational learning and unlearning. He is currently working on several research projects on leadership and soft skills in sports funded by the European Commission and the Spanish Government.