The XXVI International Sport Management Congress / 26th Sport Management Congress, held on 11 and 12 December 2025 at the Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa, in Vilamoura, brought together researchers, academics, professionals, and practitioners committed to the advancement of Sport Management in Portugal and beyond.

Each year, APOGESD’s congress provides an important platform for presenting and discussing the professional and academic work developed throughout the year, recognising those who contribute most significantly to the growth and enhancement of Sport Management. In 2025, the congress was hosted by Vilamoura Marina, specifically at the Hilton Hotel, in partnership with APOGESD, under the central theme “Sport, Society and Artificial Intelligence – Factors for the Social Enhancement of Sport”.

At an international level, Sport Management continues to focus on a wide range of contemporary themes, including Tourism and Sporting Events; Digital Transformation, Innovation and Technology; Leadership and Employee Motivation; Strategy, Leadership and Stakeholder Management in Sport; Sport Management Education; Governance, Policy and Law in Sport; Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Management; Consumer Behaviour in Sport; Sport, Media and Communication; Sport Development and Sociocultural Perspectives; Sustainability and Sport Management; Sport Marketing and Sponsorship; and Public Health, Well-being and Physical Activity Management.

Within the national context, however, particular prominence was given to the themes that emerged most strongly from this congress: Digital Transformation, Innovation and Technology; Diversity, Inclusion and Sociocultural Development; Health, Well-being and Leadership; and Tourism, Media and Governance. These themes reflect current priorities and challenges in the Portuguese sport sector and provide meaningful directions for future research and professional practice.

The congress was designed for professionals who value theory as a foundation for practice, for academics who see practice as an opportunity to apply research and generate impact, and for coaches, managers, teachers, psychologists, researchers, athletes, and sports practitioners who recognise Sport Management as a key driver for improving national sport systems.

A special emphasis was also placed on supporting emerging scholars through the Albino Maria Award, an important initiative aimed at promoting excellence in Sport Management research among young researchers. This award provides an opportunity for early-career scholars to present and discuss their work with the support of senior academics and researchers, encouraging collaboration, mentorship, and the development of academic and professional networks.

The scientific quality of this event was further strengthened by the participation of distinguished national and international researchers in the field of Sport Management, creating a dynamic environment for learning, reflection, debate, and scientific exchange.

As editors and members of the scientific coordination team, it was a great privilege to be part of the organisation and scientific development of this congress. We extend our sincere gratitude to all authors who submitted oral presentations, projects, and full papers, as well as to all participants who contributed to the richness of discussion and knowledge sharing throughout the event.

We hope that this publication reflects the scientific excellence of the congress and serves as a valuable contribution to the continued development of Sport Management research and practice.