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SSE establishes a new chair in Sports and Business

Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) is establishing a new chair with a focus on sports and business – the first of its kind in the School's history. The new professorship is made possible by a donation from Malin and Stefan Linder and will be held by Martin Carlsson-Wall.

Martin Carlsson-Wall has been part of the faculty at the Stockholm School of Economics since 2011. In 2015, he founded the School's Center for Sports and Business, an interdisciplinary research center striving to create a more research-driven sports world. This donation and the new endowed professorship will bolster SSE’s prominent international position in the field, adding to the Center’s established international network of academics, executives, and professionals in the sports industry. The goal is to conduct research and teaching on sports as a financial asset class, how sustainability efforts can be integrated into federations, leagues, and clubs, and the role new technology can play in the development of Swedish and international sports.

The establishment of The Linder Chair in Sports and Business marks an important milestone for the Stockholm School of Economics. The Center for Sports and Business, with support from Swedish sports, has made significant progress towards becoming a leading international research center. The funding will enable more research projects and closer collaboration with both Swedish sports and selected international clubs, leagues, and federations.

"The global sports sector is facing many challenges. It is becoming increasingly commercial while traditions, identity, and volunteer work remain critical success factors. The establishment of a professorship in this subject at the Stockholm School of Economics strengthens the School's strategy to identify global issues that are also important in many people's daily lives. This is a positive development, and we hope to contribute to strengthening the international competitiveness of Swedish sports," says Martin Carlsson-Wall, Professor and Head of the Center for Sports and Business.

Sports – a force for good

SSE alumni Malin and Stefan Linder have a great interest in both sports and social issues such as education, equality, and youth health. Through this donation, they want to contribute to the School's continued success, both academically and in society.

"We are both passionate about the Stockholm School of Economics and the development of sports – something we believe has the potential to be one of the strongest positive forces in our society. We have a history of being active in sports and as leaders, and with a family deeply involved in a variety of sports at both grassroots and elite levels, we are proud to support the continued development of the Center for Sports and Business. We are very pleased to be able to contribute to a strategic initiative where world-leading research can strengthen leading sports organizations," Malin and Stefan Linder conclude.

For further information, please contact:

Martin Carlsson-Wall
Professor, Linder Chair in Sports and Business
Tel: +46-730 440 900
Email: martin.carlsson-wall@hhs.se

About the Center for Sports and Business

The Center for Sports and Business was founded in 2015 with the aim of contributing to a more research-based sports world. The center conducts research and teaching related to the connection between sports and strategy, accounting, sustainability, marketing, and innovation. A crucial part of the center's work is strategic partnerships with the following organizations: the Swedish Sports Confederation, the Swedish Olympic Committee, Parasport Sweden, Swedish Professional Football Leagues, the Swedish Hockey League, the Swedish Golf Federation, Svensk Travsport, the Swedish Equestrian Federation, the Swedish Football Association, the Swedish Ski Association, Svenska Motionslopp, and Commercial Sports Media.

About the Stockholm School of Economics

The Stockholm School of Economics is rated as a top business school in the Nordic and Baltic countries and enjoys a strong international reputation. World-class research forms the foundation of our educational offering, which includes bachelor, master, PhD, MBA, and Executive Education programs. Our programs are developed in close cooperation with the business and research communities, providing graduates substantial potential to attain leading positions in companies and other organizations. 

The School is accredited by EQUIS, certifying that all of its principal activities – teaching as well as research – maintain the highest international standards. The Stockholm School of Economics is also the only Swedish member institution of CEMS and PIM, which are collaborations between top business schools worldwide, contributing to the level of quality for which our school is known. 

Press contact

Ylva Mossing
Content and Media Relations Manager
Email: ylva.mossing@hhs.se
Phone: +46 730 97 26 16

For more information about the Stockholm School of Economics, or see all of our press releases, please visit our website.

SSE Sports and Business News Press release