Center for Olympic Studies
Welcome. The Center for Olympic Studies at Arizona State University expands interdisciplinary research and education on the Olympic Movement and its global impact, shaping the future of sports thought leadership.
One of only three U.S. research centers in the Olympic Studies and Research Centres network
Expanding student access to the Olympic Games where mega events become the classroom
Deepening understanding of the Olympic Movement and its impact on communities
Mission
Housed within the Department of Marketing at ASU's W. P. Carey School of Business, the Center for Olympic Studies serves as a hub for interdisciplinary scholarship, education, and community engagement focused on the global Olympic Movement from across ASU. We aim to be a leading authority in international sports research and education. Contact Daniel McIntosh, the center's director, to learn more about what we do.
Recognized by the IOC Olympic Studies Centre as a member of the global Olympic Studies and Research Centres network, we are one of three centers in the United States. We are part of an elite global network of academic and research institutions, positioning ASU at the forefront of global sports thought leadership.
Goals and objectives
The Center for Olympic Studies is dedicated to advancing the teaching, research, and engagement of Olympism, the Olympic Games, and the broader Olympic Movement. We support faculty, engage students in experiential learning opportunities, and build partnerships with scholars and practitioners.
As a member of the global Olympic Studies and Research Centres we expand research and learning opportunities for ASU faculty and students. We unify Olympic-related programming at ASU to meet the IOC's academic and research standards.
Research
Our active participation in peer-reviewed publications, global academic conferences, and scholarly networks expands ASU's presence in the international Olympic studies community. We connect scholars, practitioners, and policy leaders on Olympic and IOC-related research, while supporting faculty and students in pursuing IOC grants.
Teaching
We expand the scope, strength, and reach of Olympic-focused courses available at ASU by providing structure and collaboration opportunities for faculty members. With our Olympic-related academic expertise, we disseminate knowledge about athletes and coaching, communication and media, history, legacy and sustainability, and marketing.
Community and industry engagement
We provide a forum for industry discussion and analysis of Olympic and international sport issues by hosting a panel during the annual W. P. Carey Sports Business Symposium. Additionally, the center will develop a schedule of events and guest speakers to engage with local, national, and international stakeholders interested in Olympic topics.
“This Olympics experience has been a profound journey of personal and professional growth. The lessons I've learned in marketing, brand methodologies, global mindset, and cultural awareness have enriched my professional skills and transformed me personally. I am deeply grateful for this experience and the self-discovery it has brought."
Kyra Mickey (BA Sports Business)
Student experiential learning
The center is committed to enriching student learning by growing ASU's biannual Olympic Games study abroad programs. Past trips have included the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics and 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, with more planned for the future.
These programs give students a unique opportunity to be embedded in the world's biggest sporting event and explore different cultures. Participants attend events, learn from Olympic sponsors and partners, and gain practical experience in global branding and sports marketing. They also get an insider's view of how international marketing teams operate and make decisions in real time.
The center helps ASU undergraduate and graduate students get involved in the International Olympic Case Study Competition, where student teams tackle strategic management challenges facing international sport organizations. Students also have access to center-led projects, mentorship, and research experiences as part of their experiential learning.
Learn from top executives
Students are embedded in the Olympic Games, learning how the world's biggest sporting event works from top executives of Olympic sponsors and partners.
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Experience the Olympic Games
Students have the opportunity to attend Olympic events and see the on-site efforts of leading companies.
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See how countries come together
Students gain an appreciation for sport and its ability to connect people across the globe.
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Reports and publications
The center aims to create and disseminate impactful knowledge that explores the business, impact, and future of the Olympic Games. Our interdisciplinary research brings together key faculty across ASU, each with expertise spanning business, public policy, media, data science, sports performance, and more.
We submit an annual teaching and research report to the IOC that highlights activities from the past year and outlines our plans for the upcoming year. Additionally, we produce an insights brief each semester, drawing from academic research, classroom-based learning, and direct engagement with the Olympic Games. We investigate emerging patterns and strategic tensions, examining how the Olympic Movement reflects and influences broader societal challenges in sustainability, race, gender, economics, politics, and culture.
Read insights briefMeet the team
The Center for Olympic Studies is supported by faculty members from the Department of Marketing at ASU's W. P. Carey School of Business and other areas across ASU. Our interdisciplinary team facilitates and amplifies initiatives about Olympic history, governance, marketing, and sport performance.