Sport Intelligence: The Canadian Perspective

In the final episode of Sport Intelligence: The State of Sport in Canada, Dr. Ann Pegoraro joins us to explore how shrinking attention spans are reshaping sport. The conversation includes the rise of "snackable" formats like 3v3 basketball and Rugby Sevens, to athletes building personal brands that rival their teams. Paralympian Liam Hickey and Swimming Canada CEO Suzanne Collins join the conversation to share how social media and sponsorships (like Summer McIntosh's Red Bull deal) are changing the game. The episode wraps with a look at private equity's growing role in youth sport and what it will take for Canadian sport organizations to lead this shift rather than react to it.

This special edition limited-series podcast is brought to you by the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, and produced by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.

Money is moving through sport in new ways and not always where people expect. In Episode 2 of Sport Intelligence: The State of Sport in Canada, host Paula Baker and Lang Chair Dr. Ann Pegoraro from the University of Guelph explore how sports betting, private investment, athlete branding, and shifting consumer behaviour are reshaping the economics of sport. As new revenue streams emerge, so do new questions about athlete protection, affordability, and who ultimately benefits. You'll also hear from Basketball Canada CEO Michael Bartlett, who shares how national sport organizations are navigating rising costs, changing sponsorship landscapes, and growing pressure to do more with less. As sport evolves into a more complex business environment, are organizations equipped to manage the opportunities and risks that come with it?

This special edition limited-series podcast is brought to you by the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, and produced by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.

What do rising costs, global instability, loneliness, and immigration have in common? According to Dr. Ann Pegoraro, Lang Chair in Sport Management at the University of Guelph, they’re all reshaping the future of sport in Canada. In this episode, SIRC's Paula Baker speaks with Pegoraro and Ontario Soccer CEO Johnny Misley about the pressures transforming participation, funding, community sport, and the role sport plays in Canadian society. From affordability and newcomer engagement to the opportunities surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this conversation explores why understanding the broader environment may be the most important challenge facing sport leaders today.

This special edition limited-series podcast is brought to you by the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, and produced by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.

Youth sport doesn’t happen without parents—but their role is far more complex than carpooling and cheering. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Nick Holt, Dean of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary, longtime coach, and parent, about how parents shape their child’s sporting experience—for better or worse. Drawing from 2 decades of research in youth sport and development, Holt explores the fine line between support and control, why sideline behaviour matters, and how clubs and coaches can work with parents to foster positive environments. Because in youth sport, parents aren’t just on the sidelines—they’re part of the team.

Resources:
> Parental involvement in youth sport settings
> Positive Youth Development through Sport 
> Exploring sport parents' emotion abilities 
> Parents and emotions in youth sport: A scoping review

This podcast is brought to you by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along with SIRC's francophone podcast to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.

What really makes sport fun for kids—and why does it matter? Dr. Erin Sharpe joins the podcast to explore FUN MAPS, a research-based tool reshaping how we think about fun in youth sport. From redefining coaching strategies to boosting retention, discover how effort, teamwork, and challenge are key to keeping kids engaged—and enjoying—the sport experience.

Resources:

> Paper: The Fun Integration Theory: Towards Sustaining Children and Adolescents Sport Participation 
> Short summary paper: The FUN MAPS: A Youth Sport Scientific Breakthrough 
> Blog: What makes playing sport fun is...
> Webinar: Dr. Amanda Visek | What is FUN? The Fun Integration Theory 

This podcast is brought to you by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along with SIRC's francophone podcast to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.

Athletes train to be stronger, faster, and more skilled but what happens when their toughest opponent is their own reflection? In this episode, we explore the impact of body image and body surveillance in sport, from how uniforms influence participation to the subtle ways coaching language shapes self-perception. Dr. Catherine Sabiston, an expert in sport psychology, reveals how negative body image affects confidence, performance, and mental health. We discuss strategies for athletes, coaches, and sport leaders to foster a healthier culture, one that values performance over appearance. Because true athletic success isn’t just about how you look, it’s about what you can do.

Resources:

> Dr. Catherine Sabiston’s Research

This podcast is brought to you by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along with SIRC's francophone podcast to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.

In the debut episode of Sport Intelligence: The Canadian Perspective, host Paula Baker looks at the intricate world of talent identification and athlete development with Dr. Joe Baker, a leading expert from the University of Toronto. Explore the myth of talent, the unpredictability of athletic success, and how countries like Australia are pioneering innovative approaches to nurturing future champions. Dr. Baker shares insights on how psychological factors, feedback, and even gaze behaviour play pivotal roles in identifying and fostering 'sleeper' athletes — those who surprise everyone by excelling later in their careers. Join us as we challenge traditional methods, discuss the impact of a caring and thoughtful selection process, and consider the broader implications of talent management across an athlete's lifespan. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports enthusiast, this episode will reshape your understanding of what it takes to succeed in sports.

Resources:

> SIRC article: Beyond the Stats: Understanding Sleeper Athletes with Dr. Joe Baker 
> Learn more about Joe Baker's research: https://www.bakerlab.kpe.utoronto.ca/
> Learn more about Joe Baker's Publications:  https://www.bakerlab.kpe.utoronto.ca/publications
> Book: The Tyranny of Talent

This podcast is brought to you by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along with SIRC's francophone podcast to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.