Calling All Young Guns: Help Us Find Sport’s Next Generation of Leaders Under 30

The future of the sports industry is being built right now, not just on the court or field, but behind the scenes.

Across clubs, leagues, governing bodies, agencies and startups, a new generation of high-performing sports executives under 30 are driving innovation, shaping fan engagement, building commercial partnerships and modernising how sport operates.

We’re turning the spotlight onto the next generation of leaders shaping the business of sport.

We’re launching our Top 20 Young Guns in the Business of Sport. A curated editorial series spotlighting the most promising young professionals in sport administration, commercial, marketing, operations, strategy, governance and leadership roles across Australia and beyond.

And we want your nominations.

Why We’re Doing This

The business of sport is changing faster than ever. New technologies, new revenue models and new expectations are reshaping the industry and young professionals are often leading that change from the inside.

By showcasing emerging leaders, we aim to:

• Celebrate outstanding young talent in sport administration
• Elevate role models for the next generation of industry professionals
• Give visibility to future executives, innovators and changemakers
• Strengthen the overall sport business ecosystem

This is not an awards program. There are no entry fees, no trophies and no gala dinner.

It’s about recognition, visibility and opportunity.

Who Should Be Nominated?

We’re looking for professionals who are:

Eligibility Criteria:

• Aged under 30 years old
• Working in the business of sport (not athletes)
• Based in Australia / New Zealand
• Demonstrating leadership, innovation, commercial impact or industry contribution

Roles may include (but are not limited to):

• Club or league administrators
• Commercial and partnerships managers
• Marketing, media and communications professionals
• Operations and event managers
• Policy, governance or strategy professionals
• Agency, startup and sport-tech leaders
• Community sport executives

If someone is helping move the industry forward we want to hear about them.

How To Nominate

Nominations are open now and close soon.

Nominations Close: Friday 6 February

You can nominate:

• A colleague
• A team member
• Someone you admire in the industry
• Yourself

All submissions will be reviewed confidentially by the Ministry of Sport editorial team.

Nominate here.

The Future of Sport Starts With Its People

The next generation of sport leaders are already in the room building, negotiating, creating, managing and innovating.

Now it’s time to shine a light on them.

If you know someone under 30 who deserves recognition for their impact on the business of sport nominate them today.

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