Ron Wade, MA

Ron Wade is a clinical assistant professor of sport management at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology. Prior to his time at U-M, he was the director of marketing for the Detroit Tigers. Wade received his Master of Arts in sports administration at Wayne State University.

Wade's primary areas of interest are in the business of sport, with a focus on sports marketing, ticket sales, sponsorship, experiential marketing, fan development, and audience engagement. He is passionate about creating innovative strategies that connect organizations, brands, and fans through meaningful experiences that drive revenue, increase attendance, and build lasting relationships.

Additionally, he is particularly fascinated with storytelling in sport and how compelling narratives can strengthen brand identity, deepen fan loyalty, and elevate the athlete, team, and event experience. His work explores the intersection of digital marketing, content strategy, and customer relationship management (CRM) to enhance fan engagement and support sustainable business growth.

His interests also include the growth of Olympic and Paralympic sports, global sports development, and expanding opportunities for sport to create social, cultural, and economic impact around the world. He is committed to advancing initiatives that promote inclusion, accessibility, innovation, and international collaboration across the sports industry.

As a lifelong learner, Wade is dedicated to career development in the sports industry, staying informed on emerging trends in sports business, sponsorship activation, fan experience, global sports marketing, and leadership. He is driven by opportunities to contribute to organizations that value creativity, strategic thinking, and meaningful connections between sport and society.