Global Institute of Sport Partners With Rotman School of Management for Executive Education Course Designed for Leaders in Sports

A new executive education course will provide participants with practical insight into how the sports industry operates at the highest level. The Executive Edge in Sport is delivered by the Global Institute of Sport (GIS), the leading provider of university degrees in sport, in partnership with Rotman Executive Programs, the executive education arm of the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. 

The Executive Edge in Sport is a unique, immersive program offering a stand-alone virtual learning experience, with an optional in-person stadium component. Sports Leadership Essentials, the online course, is designed for current and future sports industry leaders who want to equip themselves with the knowledge to lead in a rapidly changing global industry, as well as those who wish to transition into leadership positions within sports including athletes.

Delivered over seven weeks beginning in June 2026, the program is led by Sharona Friedman, JD/MBA’ 04, President & CEO, Global Institute of Sport, who is the Chief Edge Officer for the course, and Walid Hejazi, a Professor of Economic Analysis and Policy at the Rotman School, who serves as Academic Director.

“We are delighted to partner with the Global Institute of Sport on this unique program,” says Stephanie Hodnett, Executive Director of Rotman Executive Programs. “Toronto has a strong reputation in the sports industry globally, making Rotman an ideal place to bring together current and future leaders in the profession.”

Modules will cover Sports Leadership & Strategy; Governance & Ethics in Sport; Finance & Revenue in Sport; Marketing & Fan Engagement; Sporting Event Operations; and AI & Technology Applications in Sport. Modules will also include Masterclasses with senior sports industry leaders who are shaping global sports and sessions with leading academic and practitioner experts from the Rotman School.

Participants can also choose to add an in-person Sports Leadership Lab experience to the online program, combining virtual learning with a 4-day in-stadium summit held at BMO Field in Toronto. Hosted by GIS in partnership with the Rotman School and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the Sports Leadership Lab blends academic insight with hands-on access to elite sport operations.

“The sports industry is evolving faster than ever, and tomorrow’s leaders need more than technical expertise. They require global perspective, business acumen rooted in world-class management thinking and direct exposure to how the industry truly operates. This program was designed to bridge that gap, combining business insight from Rotman faculty with applied learning alongside senior industry leaders to equip future sports executives with the skills, networks and confidence to lead modern sports organizations and create immediate impact in a complex, global landscape,” says Friedman.

Interested participants can click here to register their interest or purchase the course now.

The Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is a world-leading provider of university degree programs for the global sports industry. GIS delivers innovative online, on-campus and blended learning to an international audience, supported by a powerful global network of industry leaders and iconic sports venues across the UK, US, Canada, Australia and Europe.

Renowned for its deep industry integration and graduate outcomes, GIS was ranked number one globally for career advancement and industry network in the 2026 SportsBusiness Postgraduate Rankings. With a strong focus on employability, GIS equips ambitious professionals with the skills, experience and connections to lead the future of sport.

The Rotman School of Management is part of the University of Toronto, a global centre of research and teaching excellence at the heart of Canada’s commercial capital. Rotman is a catalyst for transformative learning, insights and public engagement, bringing together diverse views and initiatives around a defining purpose: to create value for business and society. For more information, visit www.rotman.utoronto.ca