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Why are sports organizations reactive to cultural problems?

Why are sports organizations reactive to cultural problems?

Scandals in sports are occurring at an alarming frequency. A quick google news quiery reveals there are no shortage of stories: in the NFL, women staff and executives were promised an improved work-place culture that has fallen short; the Washington Commanders were fined $10 million dollars for having a culture that is “highly unprofessional” including bullying, intimidation, and multiple allegations of sexual harassment of women; and in the NHL it was found the Chicago Blackhawks ignorned a 2010 sexual assault accusation. While these cases are not dissimilar, each instance of malfeasance required each organization to retroactively take actions to correct illicit behavior, pay restitution, and adopt new policies. The question that must be asked is, “how do we shift sports organizations’ from being reactive to proactive?”The allure of winning at all costs sometimes motivates actors within sports organizations to violate industry rules and practices. Dismantling this behavior requires sports organizations and teams to prioritiz

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The Power of Coopetition

The Power of Coopetition

If you haven’t been watching Formula 1 this season, you are missing out, but let me get you up to speed. As we head into the summer break (mid-season), we have been gifted an incredibly entertaining season, especially with the continued resurgence of McLaren that started in 2024. Currently, their two drivers, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri, are locked in an inter-team battle for the drivers championship, with only 9 points between them as we head into the second half of the season. Here are a few quick stats to show you how close it is: Needless to say, the championship will most likely be won by either Lando or Oscar, as Max Verstappen is in a distant third (187 Points), and unlikely to catch the two McLaren drivers. Yet… uncharacteristically, as the season has narrowed, the pressure between and on the McLaren drivers has not boiled over to inter-team rivalry, or the team showing deference to one of the drivers. In a sport, where your most important benchmark is how you compare to your teammate, how is this possible? Especially in a most-likely champi

Culture Isn't Just a Vibe - It's a Strategy

Culture Isn't Just a Vibe - It's a Strategy

Culture (/ˈkʌltʃər/ KUL-chər) noun: the accepted beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of a group of individuals.In sports, “culture” is often treated as a catch-all explanation for success or failure. Coaches and commentators reference it constantly — a team “has a great culture” or “lost the locker room.” But for something that plays such a critical role, culture is rarely measured or managed with intent.Have you ever listened to Joe Mazzulla, the youngest coach in the NBA (Boston Celtics), speak about how he builds culture with his team? Spoiler alert - it has nothing to do with sport. Here is a clip to get you up to speed: “I’m not a basketball coach, I’m a person who cares about other people.”OK - is Joe Mazzulla a vibe or a strategy? Here is how we think through examining and building sports organizations’ culture.1. Culture is Built — Not AssumedSports organizations are complex organisms composed of athletes, coaches, administrators, and support staff — each bri

The Power of People Data Analytics in Optimizing Player and Team Outcomes

The Power of People Data Analytics in Optimizing Player and Team Outcomes

In the evolving landscape of sports analytics, people data analytics is emerging as a game-changer in optimizing player performance and team success. By leveraging behavioral insights, psychological profiling, and communication analysis, organizations can fine-tune their approach to talent management, leadership development, and overall team cohesion. Here’s how people analytics is transforming player and team outcomes:1. Enhancing Team Chemistry with Behavioral InsightsTeams are now using advanced analytics to evaluate personality traits, communication styles, and leadership tendencies. By understanding how players interact, organizations can build well-balanced teams that foster stronger chemistry, reduce conflicts, and enhance collaboration on and off the field.The New York Mets, under the leadership of manager Carlos Mendoza, have placed a strong emphasis on understanding player personalities to foster a collaborative team environment. In a recent interview, Mendoza highlights the importance of aligning player traits with team culture to enhance chemistry and performance.2. AI-Powered Performance AssessmentsArtificial intelligence is enabling teams to assess

The Future of Sports Analytics - Trends to Watch in 2025

The Future of Sports Analytics - Trends to Watch in 2025

In recent years, sports analytics has expanded beyond performance metrics and game strategy to include a critical but often overlooked aspect—people analytics. As we move into 2025, teams and organizations are increasingly using data to enhance team dynamics, optimize talent management, and foster a winning culture. Here are some of the most significant trends shaping the future of people analytics in sports.1. Data-Driven Team ChemistryUnderstanding how players interact and collaborate is becoming just as important as tracking their physical performance. By analyzing behavioral data, communication patterns, and leadership influence, teams can create environments that maximize synergy and cohesion, leading to better performance both on and off the field. At IntelliSport Analytics we continue to partner with clients to conduct high performance reviews to better understand how and why certain sporting outcomes occur. Using original data as our lens, we can inform strategic decision-making that will improve how teams and organizations operate.2. AI in Talent Acquisition and DevelopmentAI-driven scouting and recruitment tools are revolutionizing how teams identify and develop talent. Machine learning models analyze vast amounts of data on players’ psychological profiles, adaptability, and team fit, helping organizations make smarter recruitme

Money < Leadership & Culture

Money < Leadership & Culture

One week after Ohio State University claimed the national championship, Ohio State Athletics Director Ross Bjork made a compelling statement: “You can have all the money, all the collectives you can have, but if you don’t have a foundation of leadership, culture, and chemistry, then it’s not going to matter.” In today’s college athletics landscape, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) collectives are spending millions to recruit and retain top talent. Ohio State, like other top programs, leveraged NIL deals to secure elite athletes. However, can money alone guarantee success? While NIL played a role in Ohio State’s championship run, simply attracting talented players with lucrative deals isn’t enough. Once those players join a team, the real challenge begins—building a cohesive unit with a shared purpose. As Bjork highlights, leadership and culture ultimately determine whether a collection of great athletes can transform into a championship team. The Blueprint for Building a Championship TeamThe most successful teams, including Ohio State, focus on these core strategies to cultivate strong leadership and culture: 1. Define a Clear and Inspiring Goal Establish a

Why Does Scandal Continue to Occur in College Sports?

Why Does Scandal Continue to Occur in College Sports?

In the past few months, we have learned about several scandals in college sports – hazing at Northwestern University, sports betting by Alabama’s baseball coach, and racial insensitivity and misconduct by basketball coaches at West Virginia University and Texas Tech University. Impropriety on higher education campuses is not new, but why does it continue to occur?Scandals occur in college sports for a variety of reasons, often involving a combination of factors related to competition, money, pressure, and the complex dynamics within the sports industry. The factors influence leaders to make decisions that do not align with personal, professional or institutional values. Below is a brief overview of the underlying factors that cause scandal in college sports: Competition and Pressure: the pressure to

2023 Summer Associates Announcement - IntelliSport Analytics

2023 Summer Associates Announcement - IntelliSport Analytics

IntelliSport Analytics is excited to announce the addition of two summer associates for 2023. Norah Czajka and Gregory Lederer will join the company to provide direct support with research and business lead generation. Norah and Gregory bring important experience in data science, sport exposure, engineering and technology that will position the company to better serve its clients and deliver on its mission to conduct industry leading research and strategy. IntelliSport looks forward to their contribution to the company: Norah Czajka, of Rochester, New York is a sophomore at Carnegie Mellon University, double majoring in Materials Science & Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. She is interested in the intersection of engineering and business and how this can be harnessed to impact the future of the sports industry by connecting quantitative data to team dynamics and culture. Norah is a member of the varsity cross country and track and field teams at CMU as well as the orchestra where she plays the cello. Norah enjoys being outside, exploring with friends, and traveling.Gregory Lederer, from Glen Mills Pennsylvania, is a freshman at the Un

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