Sports Communication and AI from Organizational Perspectives: Transforming Culture, Practices, and Ethical Standards

Call for Papers: Sports Communication and AI from Organizational Perspectives: Transforming Culture, Practices, and Ethical Standards

Journal: Journal of Global Sport Management
Publisher: Routledge – Taylor & Francis Group
Manuscript Submission Deadline: 1 October 2026

About the Special Issue

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming communication practices across the global sports industry. From media production and journalism to public relations, fan engagement, and organizational decision-making, AI technologies are reshaping how sports organizations communicate, operate, and connect with stakeholders.

As AI-powered systems become increasingly integrated into sports communication, organizations are experiencing significant shifts in information management, strategic communication, content creation, audience engagement, and workplace practices. At the same time, concerns surrounding algorithmic bias, data privacy, digital surveillance, transparency, authenticity, and workforce displacement continue to generate important ethical and managerial debates.

This Special Issue seeks to explore the organizational implications of AI in sports communication, examining how emerging technologies are transforming communication cultures, professional practices, stakeholder relationships, and governance frameworks within the global sports ecosystem.

The Journal of Global Sport Management invites conceptual, empirical, methodological, and case-based contributions that advance understanding of AI’s role in shaping the future of sports communication.

Topics of Interest

Submissions are invited on topics including, but not limited to:

• AI-generated media content and sports journalism
• AI-driven public relations and press communication
• Chatbots and automated fan engagement systems
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications in sports communication
• AI-enhanced crisis communication and reputation management
• Organizational transformation of communication departments through AI adoption
• AI and innovation in sports media production
• Bias and fairness in AI-generated sports narratives
• Data privacy, surveillance, and athlete information management
• Transparency and authenticity in AI-generated communication content
• Workforce transformation and labor displacement in communication roles
• Regional and global differences in AI adoption across sports organizations
• AI-mediated communication during mega sporting events
• Online image management and digital reputation strategies using AI
• AI, fan culture, and global sports commercialization
• Future scenarios and emerging trends in AI-powered sports communication

Key Research Questions

The Special Issue particularly welcomes studies exploring:

• How sports managers and decision-makers are adapting to AI-driven communication transformation
• Ethical challenges associated with AI adoption in sports media organizations
• The role of AI in managing information flow during major sporting events
• Investment and strategic decision-making regarding AI technologies in sports organizations
• Emerging professional challenges for communication practitioners using AI tools
• The impact of AI on communication practices between sports organizations and fans
• The role of AI in crisis management and organizational reputation protection

Special Issue Editors

Mahdi Latififard
Department of Sports Sciences
Tarbiat Modares University, Iran
Email: mahdilatififard@gmail.com

Sean R. Sadri
Department of Journalism & Creative Media
The University of Alabama, USA
Email: srsadri@ua.edu

Daniel Jackson
Department of Media and Communication
Bournemouth University, United Kingdom
Email: jacksond@bournemouth.ac.uk

Submission Guidelines

• Manuscripts must not exceed 8,000 words, including references, tables, figures, and appendices.
• All submissions must follow APA 7th Edition formatting and citation guidelines.
• During submission, authors must select the Special Issue title “Sports Communication and AI from Organizational Perspectives: Transforming Culture, Practices, and Ethical Standards” within the journal’s online submission system.
• All manuscripts will undergo the journal’s standard peer-review process.

Important Date

• Manuscript Submission Deadline: 1 October 2026

Why Submit?

This Special Issue offers an opportunity to contribute to one of the most rapidly evolving areas of sport management and communication research. As AI continues to redefine communication strategies, organizational structures, media practices, and fan experiences, this issue aims to generate critical insights for academics, practitioners, policymakers, and sports industry leaders worldwide.

About the Journal

The Journal of Global Sport Management is an international peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing research and practice in sport management from a global perspective. The journal publishes innovative scholarship on sports organizations, governance, marketing, communication, leadership, technology, and emerging issues shaping the future of sport worldwide.

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