The global sports industry has experienced profound transformation over recent decades, driven largely by rapid technological advancement, globalization, commercialization, and increasing professionalization of sports organizations. Consequently, sports management has evolved beyond the traditional administration of games and competitions to encompass strategic planning, policy formulation, governance, marketing, athlete welfare, facility management, and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Within this dynamic and competitive environment, innovation has emerged as a critical instrument for achieving efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainable development in sports organizations. Innovation in sports management entails the adoption of new ideas, technologies, policies, and administrative practices aimed at improving the organization, delivery, and governance of sports programmes. Effective innovation is underpinned by sound policies that provide direction and regulatory support, as well as structured management processes that guide the development and implementation of creative solutions.