This research is based on a single case of co-branding an international sport management program and a convenience sample of industry professionals who are part of the authors’
networks. Thus, any generalization of the findings should be cautious and future research should include a broader sample of industry professionals. Practically, a template for an innovative co-branding strategy through a double degree program is provided that other program directors and university administrators can adopt and use. All sport management programs should assess and, potentially, implement these types of partnerships as a way to
innovate and enhance programming along with practical opportunities and job placement as a way to remain relevant and current within the ever-changing and global-centric sports industry.
A second limitation is that this program only started recently. A soft opening started in the Fall of 2018 and the official launch was July 2020. Thus, the authors do not yet have feedback from graduates. This postbaccalaureate assessment will also be delayed with the advent of the 2020 Covid-19 global pandemic, which, likely, will affect enrolment and graduation from the program for the next 1−2 years. Future studies must ask graduates to evaluate the program and how it influenced their career. The double degree explored in this case study will be assessed as it progresses over the next 5–10 years. Other studies can assess the impact of students who graduate from this program or similar programs elsewhere.
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