Sports Innovation Lab, in collaboration with Microsoft and its Women’s Sports Club, has announced the launch of the AI Advantage Program—a groundbreaking nine-month certification program designed to equip sports and entertainment executives with actionable AI knowledge. The initiative bridges the gap between AI hype and practical adoption by teaching participants how to apply cutting-edge tools for immediate business impact.
Program Overview: From Theory to Real-World Execution
The AI Advantage Program aims to “skill up” sports and entertainment professionals by combining strategic education with hands-on demonstrations and real-industry case studies.
1. Purpose-Driven AI Education
- Created to help executives navigate AI vendor landscapes and adopt the right tools for measurable results.
- Structured to offer domain-specific applications in sports, entertainment, media, and fan engagement.
2. Strategic Partnership with Microsoft
- Sessions begin April 17 at the Microsoft Garage in NYC, a hub for innovation and collaboration.
- Microsoft and Sports Innovation Lab will lead practical workshops and real-world AI partnership explorations.
3. Behind-the-Scenes Industry Access
- Executives will gain insight into “behind the deal” AI collaborations currently transforming the industry.
- Offers exposure to high-impact AI case studies and in-market success examples.
Learning Areas for Participants
The program emphasizes AI as a driver of revenue, efficiency, and creativity through curated learning tracks. Topics include:
1. Fan Intelligence & Segmentation
- Learn to use AI to analyze fan behavior, interests, and demographics for targeted engagement.
2. Advertising & Media Optimization
- Discover how AI improves media planning and delivers higher ROI for campaigns.
3. Creative Automation & Personalization
- Understand how machine learning personalizes fan content at scale and speeds up content creation cycles.
4. Sponsorship & Revenue Growth
- Explore AI-driven techniques for identifying new sponsorship opportunities and increasing deal value.
5. Measurement & Performance Analytics
- Gain hands-on skills in using AI for real-time performance analysis and business intelligence.
Program Details and Eligibility
The AI Advantage Program is limited to 100 executives, ensuring a highly personalized and high-impact experience.
Who Can Apply
- CMOs, content strategists, media and advertising professionals, sponsorship leaders, and data experts in the sports & entertainment space.
Women’s Sports Priority Seats
- The first 50 seats are reserved for executives from women’s sports brands and properties, underscoring a commitment to democratizing access to advanced tech education.
Learning Format
- Includes in-person sessions at innovation hubs and virtual learning events with AI tool demos throughout the year.
- Concludes in December with participants receiving the Certified AI Advantage Credential from Sports Innovation Lab.
A Vision for the Future of AI in Sports
“Let’s ‘level down’ the AI pontification and ‘skill up’ the executives,” said Gina Waldhorn, CMO at Sports Innovation Lab, emphasizing the program’s mission to deliver tangible AI education to business leaders.
By demystifying AI and making it accessible, Sports Innovation Lab and Microsoft are helping decision-makers future-proof their strategies and accelerate digital transformation across sports and entertainment sectors.
Building AI Fluency Across the Sports Industry
The AI Advantage Program is more than just an education initiative—it’s a strategic investment in the future of sports leadership. With exclusive access to tools, real-world insights, and industry mentors, participants will emerge with the AI fluency needed to lead innovation and growth in a fast-evolving landscape.
As the sports industry enters an era of AI-driven transformation, this program ensures its leaders are not just ready—but ahead of the curve.
