The Green Sports Alliance proudly announces the release of its latest comprehensive resource: the Strategy Playbook, a groundbreaking guide designed to help sports and entertainment organizations embed sustainability into core business strategy. As billion-dollar stadiums rise and championship moments captivate the world, the climate crisis is quietly emerging as the industry’s toughest opponent. The Strategy Playbook responds to this challenge with a clear message: sustainability isn’t just the right thing to do鈥攊t’s a smart business move.
“Every team owner, athlete, and entertainer has beaten the odds to reach the pinnacle of success,” said Roger McClendon, Executive Director of Green Sports Alliance. “They are the A Team; they have the potential to increase revenue, mitigate risks, and provide leadership that results in a legacy of health and prosperity, not just for sport but for all of humanity.”
The Strategy Playbook offers a framework鈥攔ather than a technical manual鈥攆or creating a sustainability strategy that drives measurable business value. Drawing on expertise from over 30 contributors and leading organizations. This playbook was written in collaboration with the following Play to Zero members: 3R Sustainability, APTIM, CheckSammy, Delaware North, Keramida, Okapi Environmental Services, Populous, RWDI, Think Beyond, URT Solutions, and WM; along with the following corporate members: Agendi, D’Niche, Energy Sage, and TripleWin.
Strategy听Playbook offers actionable insights for teams at every level鈥攆rom collegiate to professional leagues. It includes case studies from Golden State Warriors, Denver Zoo, Hard Rock Stadium, Moody Center, Gillette Stadium, University of Illinois, Penn State University, Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Reds, Florida Panthers, Chicago Cubs, FIFA, Austin FC, Saint Paul Arena Company, Ashton Gate Stadium, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, and the Minnesota Twins. Extreme weather, regulatory pressures, and shifting fan expectations have made the business case for sustainability. As McClendon puts it: “We’re not just playing for today’s wins; we’re planning for tomorrow’s future.”