Adaptive Learning in the Sports Ecosystem: The Application of Artificial Intelligence and Smart Classrooms in Shaping Next-Generation Sports Managers and Marketers

Sardar Mohammadi is a Full Professor of Sport Management in the Department of Physical Education at the University of Kurdistan, Iran. Beyond his teaching and research roles, he serves as the Director-in-Charge of Sport Marketing Studies, where he actively bridges academic insight with industry practice. His scholarly interests revolve around sport marketing, digital transformation, sport communication, and sport media, with a particular passion for understanding how emerging technologies reshape the way sport organisations connect with their audiences. Currently, his work centres on the intersection of artificial intelligence and adaptive learning environments, aiming to prepare the next generation of sport managers and marketers for a rapidly evolving digital world. He has published extensively in both national and international journals and has been involved in several major projects on digitalisation and smart technologies in sport.

Mike Rayner is an Associate Professor and Head of the School of Psychology, Sport, and Health Sciences at the University of Portsmouth, UK. A passionate educator and practitioner, he works closely with elite athletes, coaches, national governing bodies, and government agencies to bridge the gap between sport management theory and real-world practice. His expertise spans sport marketing, human resource development, and education, with a strong commitment to preparing future leaders for a rapidly changing sport industry. Mike is a Principal Fellow and National Teaching Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and holds fellowships with several professional institutes. He serves as section editor for Cogent Social Sciences and sits on editorial boards of leading sport management journals, contributing actively to academic and professional communities.

Halmat Nasir Salih Zorab is a Lecturer in Sports Management at the College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Sulaymani, Iraq. His academic work is deeply rooted in understanding how sport systems function and evolve, with a particular focus on sports governance, sports economics, and sports policy. He is especially interested in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where he has explored multi-level governance frameworks and the strategic role of sport in addressing crisis conditions. His research also extends to sports tourism and regional development. With an h-index of 11, he has contributed meaningfully to the field through several published studies, aiming to bridge policy, economics, and management to strengthen sport at both regional and national levels.