Green Sports Alliance Launches Strategy Playbook to Embed Sustainability into the Business of Sports

MIAMI, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, 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—it'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—rather than a technical manual—for 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 Playbook offers actionable insights for teams at every level—from 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."

The Strategy Playbook is available at https://www.greensportsalliance.org/resources/playbooks

About Green Sports Alliance:
The Green Sports Alliance leverages the cultural and market influence of sports and entertainment to promote healthy, sustainable communities where we live, work, and play.

The Green Sports Alliance convenes and educates professional and collegiate sports industries, the entertainment industry, and their partners to inspire environmental and social impact and to create a resilient and sustainable future for the next generation.

SOURCE Green Sports Alliance