Global Sport Matters August digital issue examines ongoing battle between changemakers and leadership in sport

As 'More of a Movement' Forms Around Diversity in Sports Leadership, Progress is Stalling

By Shalise Manza Young

In this piece by professor and sports writer Shalise Manza Young, Young shares how despite the rules encouraging diverse hires in sport leadership has shown noticeable progress, the progress hasn't really been that substantial. Young looks at how the NBA has been able to diversify their coaching and leadership positions while also examining how leagues like the NFL and MLB have fallen short in diverse hirings despite their respective 'Rooney Rule' and 'Selig Rule'. “As we see with basketball, things can get better,” said Global Sport Institute founding CEO Kenneth Shropshire “But we’ll still be having the conversation.” While there is optimism for the future with the progress that has been made, there are those who emphasize the importance of a continuing and wonder if this progress can continue trending upwards for all professional sports leagues.

'Buy-In Across the Board': Inside the West Coast Conference in Year 1 Under the Russell Rule

By Brendon Kleen

Global Sport Institute's Senior Coordinator of Digital Content Brendon Kleen examines the West Coast Conference and the strides they have made to diversify its leadership and coaching positions. The WCC instituted the Bill Russell Rule, named after the recently deceased Hall of Fame basketball star who fought for civil rights and social justice off the court. The Russell Rule requires one candidate from a "historically underrepresented background" to make it to the final round for each athletic department and conference office hire. Kleen breaks down how the WCC was able to implement the Russell Rule across all 10 of their schools and outlines the parameters of its hiring commitment, the record of data, and the keeping of public accountability. 

Read the full issue here.