The IU Indianapolis Sports Innovation Institute leverages the power of students and faculty from across the university to attack today’s sports-industry problems with innovative solutions. We are a collaborative hub that combines resources, disciplines, and expertise areas to deliver unique and innovative solutions.
Indianapolis has a rich history of attracting and hosting major sporting events. The region also plays home to many national sports organizations. Generally speaking, sports represents a multi-billion-dollar North American industry, and is a significant driving force behind Indiana's thriving economy.
$83 billionSize of the North American sports market in 2023
$3.4 billion Revenue of sports organizations in Indianapolis
We are the front door to connecting with expertise in technology, sports performance, innovation, entrepreneurship, design, and sports leadership at IU Indianapolis. Faculty and students across the IU Indianapolis campus collaborate frequently with organizations and industry leaders locally and globally to develop innovative solutions, products, and services in the sports world.
Institute Director
lwanless@iu.edu
As the Sports Innovation Institute leader, Liz Wanless, Ed.D., and her students collaborate on the business side of sports with the likes of the Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis Indians, NCAA, Incrediplex, Grand Park, Beyond Monumental, and more. Wanless' work in sports fan experiences, marketing, and management, delivers evidence-based solutions to clients.
Project/Media Manager
gnsherma@iu.edu
Geoffre N. Sherman, Ph.D brings a decade of industry experience that includes work with professional teams and in college athletics. He and his students work with the Indianapolis Colts and Indians as well as the Indiana Pacers and Fever, transforming the classroom and offering client solutions via industry-based consulting projects.
Project Manager
dpierce3@iu.edu
David Pierce, Ph.D., is the founding editor of the Sports Innovation Journal and served as the director of the Sports Innovation Institute from 2017–2024. He is a driven problem solver who specializes in innovation in youth sports. He serves as director of the technical team for the Center for Sports Transformation working with Indiana communities to build a healthy youth sports ecosystem using the principles of long-term program development.
Located in downtown Indianapolis, faculty from these schools collaborate to help you deliver the results your consumers and stakeholders deserve.
