Game-Changing Insights: Research & Analysis
Explore our collection of research papers examining the intersection of sports, business, and innovation. From market trends and fan engagement to sponsorship strategy and emerging technologies, our work offers insights that drive the future of the sports industry.
ShowNxt: A New Model For College Recruiting
🏟️ Rewriting the Rules of College Recruiting 🏟️
For decades, college recruiting has operated on a “pay-to-play” model—where access often matters more than ability. ShowNxt is working to change that. Founded by former Division I and professional athletes, this emerging sports tech startup is building a data-driven, coach-first recruiting marketplace that prioritizes fit, efficiency, and equity.
By shifting costs away from athletes and toward programs, ShowNxt’s AI-powered platform aims to surface overlooked talent while helping coaches recruit more effectively—especially in non-revenue sports where resources are limited. What could this mean for the future of college recruiting, competitive balance, and access to opportunity?
View the full analysis in the latest SBIN Research article.
MLB Lockout: Reasonings, Comparisons, and Future Outlook
Major League Baseball is riding strong momentum this year. Attendance and TV ratings have climbed, helped by faster games, new rules, and a competitive postseason race. But behind that success, tension between players and owners is growing as the collective bargaining agreement nears its expiration, which is raising concerns about a potential lockout in 2027.
For a more in depth analysis, check out this article!
Boston Celtics Sold to New Owner for $6.1 Billion
The Boston Celtics have been sold for a record $6.1 billion to a group led by private equity executive Bill Chisholm. The deal, split into two phases, will see Chisholm take majority control this summer, with full ownership by 2028. This historic sale highlights the rising role of private equity in sports and could influence future NBA expansion plans.
For a more in-depth analysis, read our article below.
MLS Introduces Intra-League Cash Trading
Major League Soccer has introduced a groundbreaking rule allowing teams to trade players for cash, moving beyond traditional assets like Allocation Money or draft picks. This shift has already enabled high-profile deals, such as Jack McGlynn's $3.5 million move to Houston Dynamo and a multi-team trade involving stars like Luciano Acosta.
For a more in-depth analysis, read our article below.
Fighting For Fair Pay: UFC’s Antitrust Battles & The Future of Fighter Compensation
The UFC has agreed to a $375 million settlement in the Le v. Zuffa antitrust lawsuit, compensating over 1,100 fighters who competed between 2010 and 2017. This case highlighted the organization's dominant market position and the disparity in revenue-sharing with its athletes. While this settlement marks significant progress, a separate lawsuit, Johnson v. Zuffa, continues to seek further reforms in fighter compensation and contractual practices.
For a more in-depth analysis, read our article below.
Game Changer: How NIL is Revolutionizing College Sports
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have transformed college sports by allowing student-athletes to profit from their personal brands. While top athletes like Bryce Young have secured million-dollar endorsements, the median NIL income highlights disparities in earnings. This shift has intensified recruitment battles, favoring wealthier programs and raising concerns about fairness and the commercialization of college athletics.
For a more in-depth analysis, read our article below.
What are the Enhanced Games?
The Enhanced Games, set to debut in Las Vegas from May 21–24, 2026, is a controversial new sporting event that permits and encourages the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Founded by Aron D’Souza and backed by investors like Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr., the Games aim to redefine athletic competition by embracing scientific advancements to push human performance boundaries.
For a more in-depth analysis, read our article below.
The Changing Landscape of College Basketball
College basketball is undergoing impacts shifts, driven by the transfer portal and NIL deals that have redefined recruiting, roster building, and program strategy. Athletic departments are now hiring full-time General Managers to navigate this complex landscape — combining roles in recruiting, NIL coordination, fundraising, and roster management.
For a more in-depth analysis, read our article below.
The Viability of Professional Pickleball
Professional pickleball is rapidly evolving—from a backyard favorite to a legitimate career path, with pro leagues like PPA, MLP, and the UPA delivering high-stakes tournaments, increased media coverage, and lucrative sponsorships. Female athletes, in particular, are now earning top-tier salaries that even surpass those of WNBA and NWSL stars.
For a more in-depth analysis, read our article below.
The History of Sports Marketing
Sports marketing has evolved dramatically—from tobacco trading cards and early stadium signage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to athlete endorsements (like Gene Sarazen’s with Wilson) and landmark sponsorships such as Coca-Cola’s Olympic partnership starting in 1928. Today, the industry thrives on digital platforms, social media, and influencer-driven campaigns that engage fans in real time and redefine brand authenticity.
For a more in-depth analysis, read our article below.
Analyzing the Effect of Pitch Clocks on Fan Engagement in the MLB
Major League Baseball’s 2023 introduction of the pitch clock significantly accelerated game pace—reducing average durations by roughly 20–30 minutes—and sparked a shift in fan sentiment, with many initially skeptical fans growing more supportive as the season unfolded. Data also shows that this change boosted fan engagement metrics such as buzz, satisfaction, and perceived quality across demographic groups. For a more in-depth analysis, read our article below.
Formula 1: Sustainability Update
Formula 1 is making steady progress toward its Net Zero by 2030 goal, introducing initiatives like sustainable aviation fuel, renewable energy at races, remote broadcasting, and more efficient logistics. These efforts show how the sport is balancing rapid global growth with a commitment to sustainability. For a more in-depth analysis, read our article below.
The Value of Running Backs
The NFL's evolving approach to team-building has led to a decline in the value of running backs, as teams increasingly rely on cost-effective alternatives like backups, mid-to-late-round draft picks, and low-risk free agents. This shift has resulted in lower contract values and a decrease in the franchise tag value for running backs, making it the least valuable offensive position in terms of franchise tag designation.
For a more in-depth analysis, read our article below.
The Changing Landscape of the MLB Postseason
Major League Baseball's postseason format has evolved to include 12 teams—six from each league—up from the previous 10-team format. This expansion introduces a best-of-three Wild Card Series, replacing the single-elimination Wild Card Game, and aims to increase fan engagement by providing more teams with postseason opportunities. The revised structure also emphasizes the importance of regular-season performance, as higher-seeded teams receive first-round byes, enhancing the competitive balance of the playoffs.
For a more in-depth analysis, read our article below.
Origins of The PWHL
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) emerged from a collective effort by elite players seeking a sustainable and professional platform for women's hockey. In 2023, the Mark Walter Group, led by Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter, partnered with Billie Jean King to acquire the assets of the Premier Hockey Federation, effectively establishing the PWHL. This move followed years of advocacy by the PWHPA, which had boycotted existing leagues to demand better conditions and opportunities for female athletes.
For a more in-depth analysis, read our article below.
The Recent Growth of American Interest in Soccer
Soccer is experiencing unprecedented growth in the United States, driven by factors such as the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, increased youth participation, and rising viewership of both domestic and international leagues. In 2024, over 50 million Americans watched international soccer matches not involving the U.S., marking a 60% increase since 2018.Additionally, 45% of Americans report growing interest in soccer, with 70% expressing heightened excitement for the 2026 World Cup due to its North American location
For a more in-depth analysis, read our article below.
Stadium Saga: Oakland Athletics’ Ongoing Ballpark Battle
The Oakland Athletics' pursuit of a new ballpark has been marked by years of stalled negotiations and public disputes, culminating in the team's decision to relocate. After failed lease extension talks with Oakland, the A's are set to play temporarily at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento starting in 2025, while a new stadium is under construction in Las Vegas.The relocation has sparked debates over public funding and the future of baseball in Oakland.
For a more in-depth analysis, read our article below.
