<p>At NYU SPS, the MS in Sports Business program stands out as a clear path to a wide range of sports business jobs—from sports administration and sports marketing to sports public relations and sports law. Celebrating NYC's reputation as the sports capital of the world, the program is the ideal place for students to take their places at the center of the industry.<br /> </p> <p>Faculty in this program offer their industry expertise day in and day out. Gerard Akindes is one instructor whose track record of success in sports business gives his classes a real-world edge. We recently spoke with Akindes about his background, his advice for students, and his future predictions for the world of global sport.</p>

<p>Gerard Akindes holds a Master's in Sports Administration and a PhD in Media and Arts Studies from Ohio University. He has taught sports management at esteemed institutions such as Ohio University, Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Chengdu Sports University, and Northwestern University in Qatar. From 2014 to 2020, he served as a research and insight senior manager at the Josoor Institute in Qatar, an entity established to prepare for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.&nbsp;</p> <p>Akindes' research primarily focuses on international sports management, the economics of sports, television and media, sports broadcasting, and athlete migration. He co-edited significant books like Identity and Nation in African Football: Fans, Communities, and Clubs and Sports in Africa, Past and Present. In 2004, Akindes co-founded the SportsAfrica Network, which supports African sports research and organizes conferences and webinars. Daniel Kelly II suggested he join the NYU SPS MS in Sports Business program as adjunct faculty, where he started in spring 2022.</p>

<p>Akindes was drawn to teaching by his desire to share knowledge and contribute to students' growth. He finds motivation in sharing his industry expertise with students and acknowledges the reciprocal nature of teaching. &quot;Teaching dynamic content like sports management also contributes to my own learning and development as a faculty member,&quot; he explains.</p> <p>So far, Akindes describes the students' experience in the program as excellent. &quot;They are learning from academically accomplished faculty with extensive professional experience in both US and global sports,&quot; he adds. Akindes measures success by how well students perform on their capstone projects and their engagement in classes. While not directly involved in advising and placement, he focuses on ensuring students are well-prepared and actively participating in their academics.</p>

<p>Staying ahead in a fast-paced industry like sports business requires a forward-thinking mindset that Akindes is familiar with. There are national trends that will shape the future of the sports industry.</p> <p>In Akindes' classroom, he incorporates his real-world knowledge through case studies and encourages students to question their understanding of the sports industry. This approach facilitates discussions and reflections that enrich the learning experience. Additionally, he aims to uplift social responsibility in his courses by questioning the status quo in the sports industry and encouraging more critical thinking. He shares, &quot;The significant global labor movement of athletes in the sports industry requires greater social responsibility.&quot;</p> <p>Ready to take your place at the heart of all things sports business? Join the next cohort of&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-sports-business.html" title="MS in Sports Business">MS in Sports Business</a>&nbsp;students today.</p>