About Sports Conflict Institute
Transforming Sport’s Greatest Challenges Into Competitive Advantages Since 2013
In sport, the margin between success and failure is razor-thin. Unseen conflicts—in governance, culture, and negotiation—erode trust, drain resources, and destroy championships. SCI transforms these hidden liabilities into your greatest competitive advantages.
TRUSTED BY SPORT’S HIGHEST LEVELS
Olympic Committees • Professional Leagues • NCAA Division I • International Federations
30+ Years Experience • 5 Continents • 100% Confidential
Understanding the Cost of Conflict in Sport
Our Origin: From Personal Experience to Global Impact
SCI began with a defining moment in founder Joshua Gordon’s collegiate athletic career. When a coaching change abruptly ended his journey as a student-athlete, there was no process, no advocate—just silence. That experience revealed sport’s vulnerability without systems of fairness and support.
This sparked a 30-year career spanning mediation, arbitration, sports law, and governance. In 2013, the Sports Conflict Institute was founded to embed these capabilities across sport—commercial, competitive, and cultural.
Today’s reality: Conflict isn’t just relational; it’s structural. When addressed strategically, it becomes your competitive edge.
The True Cost of Conflict
- Financial: Legal fees, settlements, lost revenue
- Reputational: Public scandals, sponsor exodus
- Performance: Lost games, fractured teams
- Human: Careers ended, potential wasted
- Organizational: Toxic culture, staff turnover
The SCI Approach: Building Championship Cultures
The SCI Method: Find → Fix → Sustain
FIND
Rapid diagnostic assessment reveals root causes—not just symptoms. We uncover hidden conflicts undermining your success.
FIX
Strategic interventions tailored to your situation—from mediation to culture transformation to negotiation strategy.
SUSTAIN
Build organizational capability to prevent future conflicts. Transfer skills so you’re self-sufficient.
Result: Conflict becomes your competitive advantage, not your Achilles’ heel.
Our Three Core Domains
1. Performance & Culture
The Sports Playbook™
Culture transformation rooted in behavioral science. Build teams that outperform year after year through alignment of talent, character, and clarity.
Conflict Coaching & Mediation
Private, expert support during high-stakes moments. Resolve team conflicts before they destroy seasons.
2. Governance & Integrity
External Ombuds & Systems Design
Build fairness and early resolution into your operations. Prevent crises before they occur.
Arbitration & Advisory
Trusted neutral serving CAS, FIFA, MLB, USOPC. Expert witness and governance consulting.
3. Commercial & Negotiation
Strategic Negotiation
Deal-making aligned with strategy and values. From sponsorships to CBAs to broadcast rights.
Keynote Speaking
Delivered at NCAA Final Four, NIL Summit, International Bar Association, and leading conferences.
Proven Impact Across Sport
$10M+
Saved in Avoided Litigation
500+
Leaders Trained
95%
Resolution Rate
24hr
Crisis Response
SCI’s Comprehensive Approach to Sports Conflict
Leadership & Expertise
Joshua Gordon, JD, MA
Founder & Senior Practitioner
- Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Arbitrator
- FIFA Mediator & Arbitrator
- MLB Salary Arbitrator
- USOPC & SafeSport Arbitrator
- University of Oregon Professor & Faculty Athletics Representative
- Author: The Sports Playbook & Strategic Negotiation
Academic & Professional Bridge
SCI uniquely combines academic rigor with practical application. Our team includes professors, practitioners, former athletes, and industry experts who understand sport from every angle.
Why Organizations Choose SCI
Complete Confidentiality
As neutral arbitrators and mediators, we’re bound by the highest ethical standards. Your challenges never become public.
Sport-Specific Expertise
We understand sport’s unique dynamics—from governance to culture to commercial realities. No learning curve.
Proven Methodology
Our Find → Fix → Sustain approach delivers measurable results. We don’t just solve problems; we prevent their return.
Our Consulting Process
Every engagement follows our proven six-stage methodology:
1. Alignment
Define objectives, confidentiality, success metrics, and scope.
2. Agreement
Formalize scope, deliverables, timelines, and investment.
3. Assessment
Data collection through interviews, surveys, and analysis.
4. Report
Present findings and recommend specific interventions.
5. Intervention
Implement solutions tailored to your specific needs.
6. Sustainment
Build internal capability for long-term success.
Ready to Transform Conflict Into Your Competitive Edge?
Don’t wait for the crisis. The best time to address conflict is before it costs you everything.
100% Confidential • Response Within 24 Hours
