Select A Fictional Sports Team, Organization, Or Athlete
Select A Fictional Sports Team Sports Organization Or Athletic Depa
Select a fictional sports team, sports organization, or athletic department. You can select any level you desire (youth, high school, college, or professional). Develop a comprehensive "Business Plan" which must be detailed, specific, realistic, and demonstrate accuracy in terms of content developed.
- Title (include your name as well as organization's/program's name)
- Table of Contents (identify each slide's title to inform audience of information to be discussed during presentation)
- Company/Program Conceptual Description (include historical development of organization/program, organization's/program's location)
- Executive Summary (identify organization's/program's product and services, marketing strategies, management team - organizational chart, financial status and need)
- Mission Statement (provide statement of organization's/program's of philosophy, future vision, and major operational goal)
- Long-Term Goals (3-4 goals which may be accomplished within 5-8 years)
- Short-Term Goals (3-4 goals which may be accomplished within 1-4 years)
- SWOT Analysis (analyze organization's/program's Strengths, Weaknesses, Threats, and Opportunities)
- Human Resources Plan (identify hiring procedures, staffing requirements, disciplinary/separation, compensation/benefits, employee training)
- Marketing Plan (discuss Marketing Mix --- Product, Price, Place, and Promotion concerning organization's/program's business operations)
- References
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Developing a comprehensive business plan for a fictional sports organization or athletic department requires meticulous planning and strategic foresight. This paper outlines the essential components necessary to establish our fictional college basketball team, the "Lakeside Lions," including its conceptual foundation, strategic goals, marketing approaches, and operational structure. The goal is to demonstrate a realistic, detailed blueprint that pioneers sustainable success within the collegiate sports landscape.
Company/Program Conceptual Description
The Lakeside Lions are a collegiate basketball program situated in a mid-sized university located in the southeastern United States. Established in 2005, the department emerged from the university's growing emphasis on athletics as a vehicle for student engagement, school spirit, and community outreach. The program evolved from an intramural activity into a competitive NCAA Division II team, intentionally positioned to cultivate local talent and foster regional sports rivalries. The campus, nestled near a sizable lake, offers scenic views that enhance community outreach efforts and promote a positive image of the program.
The program's development traces back to initial funding campaigns and community partnerships, gradually increasing athletic scholarships and facilities. The university's strategic location—accessible to regional talent pools—facilitates recruitment and scouting efforts from local high schools and club teams. The department’s facilities include a cutting-edge gymnasium, training center, and dedicated staff committed to athletic excellence and academic success of student-athletes.
Executive Summary
The Lakeside Lions basketball program offers competitive men's and women's teams, player development clinics, summer camps, and community outreach initiatives. The primary revenue streams encompass ticket sales, sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, and fundraising events. The program employs a marketing strategy focusing on community involvement, social media engagement, and local partnerships to bolster visibility and support.
The management team includes a Director of Athletics, a Head Coach, assistant coaches, athletic trainers, and administrative staff. An organizational chart illustrates a structured hierarchy ensuring operational efficiency. Financially, the program has maintained steady growth, with initial investments covering facilities and recruiting expenses. Current financial needs include further facility upgrades, scholarship funding, and expanded marketing efforts.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to cultivate student-athletes' athletic and academic excellence, promote community engagement, and develop leadership through competitive basketball and values-driven programs. Our future vision aims to elevate the Lakeside Lions to regional prominence, foster lifelong skills among participants, and serve as a beacon of integrity and sportsmanship in collegiate athletics.
Long-Term Goals
1. Achieve top 4 regional rankings within 5 years.
2. Build a new state-of-the-art training facility by year 7.
3. Increase scholarship offerings by 50% within 8 years.
4. Develop alumni networking and mentorship programs to support current athletes.
Short-Term Goals
1. Win at least 60% of scheduled games in the upcoming season.
2. Enhance community outreach programs with monthly events.
3. Secure at least two new sponsorship agreements within 2 years.
4. Implement a comprehensive athlete academic support system within 12 months.
SWOT Analysis
- Strengths: Dedicated staff, committed local fanbase, robust recruitment channels, quality facilities.
- Weaknesses: Limited funding compared to larger programs, reliance on regional recruiting, relatively new program reputation.
- Opportunities: Growing community support, regional talent pools, potential sponsorship partnerships, rising popularity of college basketball.
- Threats: Competition from larger universities, economic downturn affecting funding, changes in NCAA regulations, athlete turnover.
Human Resources Plan
The program’s staffing includes a Head Coach with NCAA experience, assistant coaches specializing in offense and defense, athletic trainers, and support staff. Hiring procedures involve a formal application process, interview panels, and background checks. Employee training encompasses NCAA compliance, safety protocols, and diversity training. Compensation packages include competitive salaries, health benefits, and performance bonuses. Staff evaluations are scheduled biannually, with clear disciplinary procedures aligned with university policies.
Marketing Plan
The marketing strategy revolves around the four Ps:
- Product: The Lakeside Lions basketball experience, emphasizing athletic excellence, academic achievement, and community involvement.
- Price: Affordable ticket prices with discounts for students and seniors; premium seating for donors and sponsors.
- Place: Games held in a modern gymnasium easily accessible on campus, with broadcasts available online to reach remote supporters.
- Promotion: Active social media campaigns, local media partnerships, community outreach events, and merchandise sales to foster brand loyalty and increase attendance.
Conclusion
The Lakeside Lions basketball program demonstrates a detailed and realistic blueprint for establishing a successful college athletic department. Through strategic planning encompassing operational structure, marketing, and long-term vision, the program aims to build competitive success and foster community pride. This business plan underscores the importance of sustainability, community engagement, and athlete development as foundational pillars for collegiate sports excellence.
References
- Bass, R. (2020). Strategic Planning in College Sports. Journal of Athletic Administration, 36(2), 106-115.
- Green, D. & Brown, A. (2019). Marketing Strategies for College Athletic Programs. Sports Management Review, 22(3), 345-360.
- Johnson, P. (2018). Human Resources in Collegiate Athletics. College Sport & Fitness, 8(4), 28-34.
- Kelley, S. & Scott, M. (2021). SWOT Analysis Applications in Sports Organizations. Sport Management Review, 24(1), 45-58.
- Lee, T. (2017). Funding and Financial Planning in College Sports. Journal of Higher Education Athletics, 13(3), 234-248.
- Mitchell, L. (2020). Community Engagement in College Sports. Journal of Sports and Society, 45(2), 189-203.
- Rodriguez, M. (2022). Facilities Development for Collegiate Athletics. Sport Facility Management Journal, 15(4), 219-232.
- Smith, J. (2019). Recruitment and Talent Acquisition in College Sports. International Journal of Sports Science, 11(4), 231-245.
- Williams, K. & Parker, E. (2018). Ethical Standards and Diversity in Athletics. Journal of Sports Ethics, 14(1), 22-33.
- Zhang, X. (2021). Branding and Promotion in College Sports. Journal of Sports Marketing, 27(2), 102-116.