Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Ingram, Marcus

Area of Concentration

Financial Economics

Abstract

This paper examines the economic viability of the sports academy industry, focusing on its rapid growth and underlying market dynamics. The analysis begins by outlining the rise of sports academies from niche training facilities to fully integrated institutions that combine academics, elite athletic development, and commercial operations. It highlights how the increase in competition in youth sports has created a demand for elite training facilities and pathways to collegiate and professional athletics. Sports academies are able to meet this demand providing exclusive training programs along with strong academic programs that will prepare them for the next step. The paper then evaluates the industry’s structure using the Structure-Conduct-Performance framework and explores competitive dynamics through Porter’s Five Forces. This section shows how high barriers to entry, brand reputation, and significant upfront investment requirements contribute to market concentration and sustained pricing power. It also analyzes the industry’s value chain and the roles of key stakeholders, including families, institutions, and corporate partners. A detailed case study of IMG Academy provides insight into how leading institutions generate revenue and maintain competitive advantages through tuition growth, enrollment expansion, and strategic partnerships with major brands and technology providers. The analysis also highlights how IMG leverages brand reputation, graduate success, and global recognition to sustain premium pricing and attract top athletic talent, all of which strengthen its ability to generate revenue. The paper concludes by arguing that while the sports academy industry presents a compelling investment opportunity, its long-term sustainability depends on addressing structural inefficiencies and prioritizing holistic athlete development. Overall, the industry is best understood as a complex system in which economic success is influenced not only by performance outcomes, but also by market structure, perception, and demand-driven expectations.

Rights

The author has granted New College of Florida the nonexclusive right to archive, make accessible, and distribute for educational purposes this work in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The copyright of this work remains with the author.

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