Sports Analytics Gets a New Pulse

The MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference is marking its 20th year, growing from a small classroom idea into a massive event that draws athletes, tech experts and business leaders alike. At its heart is Jessica Gelman, a former Harvard basketball player who turned her curiosity about high‑pressure performance into a career in data science. She has spent the last decade leading Kraft Analytics, and now she celebrates a decade as CEO while watching her conference expand. What began as a partnership with Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey has become a global gathering. This year the Boston Convention Center will host 2, 500 people from 42 states and 31 countries, including 130 universities and 80 sports teams. The growth mirrors the explosive rise of digital data—reports say it doubles every two years—making sports analytics more relevant than ever. The conference thrives on relevance. In 2022 it tackled diversity, equity and inclusion, covering topics from the NFL’s Rooney Rule to transgender athletes. This year it will feature a panel called “Heated Revelry, ” celebrating LGBT+ inclusion with guests like Harrison Browne, the first openly transgender professional hockey player. Other highlights include a one‑on‑one with WNBA legend Sue Bird and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, as well as discussions on prediction markets that are under legal scrutiny.Beyond talks, the event serves as a talent pool. Companies such as Fanatics and DraftKings recruit directly from MIT Sloan students who help organize the conference. Alumni like NBA executive Evan Wasch and Olympic ticketing strategist Allison Katz‑Mayfield return to share insights, showing how the conference nurtures a cycle of learning and giving back. Gelman says keeping the event fresh means staying true to its geeky roots. “We don’t want a conference that feels stale, ” she says. Morey echoes this, noting the importance of evolving while maintaining authenticity. Together they aim to keep the conference exciting each year without chasing celebrity appearances. The result is a dynamic forum where data meets sport, business meets culture, and future leaders are shaped. It’s not just a celebration of analytics; it’s a living laboratory for the next wave of sports innovation.