<p><span class="p-body">Charles Melillo brings his extensive experience in sports media and technology to the classroom at NYU SPS, where he teaches in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/certificates/sports-technology-and-innovation.html" target="_blank">Certificate in Sports Technology and Innovation</a> program. With an undergraduate degree in finance from The College at Old Westbury, an MBA from the New York Institute of Technology, and advanced studies in the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports at Harvard Business School, Melillo complements his academic background with real-world expertise.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Melillo’s teaching approach is grounded in his own experiences as a learner. “When I was a young man, learning from a textbook was not always the most productive for me,” he explains. “I gained the most out of a lesson when the professor was bringing real world examples into the classroom discussion.” Inspired by this, Melillo emphasizes practical application and industry relevance in his classes, drawing from his experiences working with major sports brands like the NBA, ESPN, and UFC.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">In his courses, Melillo explores the fast-paced evolution of sports technology, including wearable devices, AI, and virtual reality. “Technology moves very fast, and this is especially true in sports,” he says. His curriculum addresses how these technologies are used to enhance player development, improve fan experiences, and optimize revenue opportunities. He brings in real-world examples, such as how wearable technology is used to monitor player health or how smart concession technology can streamline in-venue experiences.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Melillo is particularly fascinated by the rapid advancements in AI and the shift in the sports media landscape toward streaming and interactive technologies. “The sports broadcast has become so much more than ‘watching’ the game,” he notes, pointing out how fans can now personalize their viewing experiences with interactive data presentations and VR.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Melillo challenges his students to think critically and creatively about real-world problems. In one project, students were tasked with solving long concession lines at sports venues using technology. “The project required more than a simple response of ‘just build an app,’” he recalls, emphasizing the need for thorough research and practical solutions.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">For Melillo, the ultimate goal of the program is to inspire students to continue learning and growing in the sports industry. Join the next generation of future-builders when you pursue a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/certificates/sports-technology-and-innovation.html" target="_blank">Certificate in Sports Technology and Innovation</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>