FRISCO (UNT), Texas — The University of North Texas officially opened its Sports Innovation Space (SIS@UNT) in Frisco, bringing together students, faculty, and industry leaders for a ribbon-cutting celebration at The Star. The hub is designed to connect students with global sport-tech companies and provide hands-on career opportunities.

The ceremony marked the next chapter in UNT’s nationally recognized sport business programs, building on the momentum of SIS@UNT’s launch earlier this year. Attendees heard from leaders in professional sports, including Rob Matwick, executive vice president of public affairs for the Texas Rangers; Jimmy Smith, COO and CFO of FC Dallas; and Ronnie Fauss, senior vice president of business development for the Dallas Mavericks in a panel discussion moderated by Matt Walker, professor of sport management.

“The new space we are opening here today is a natural extension of our momentum,” said Marilyn Wiley, dean of the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. “It signals our commitment not only to preparing students for the careers of today, but for the careers of tomorrow.”

Housed inside the Plug and Play Sports Tech Center at the Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research Center, the 6,000-square-foot co-working and event space provides UNT students with opportunities to work directly alongside international startups, local companies and professional sports organizations. SIS@UNT is supported by the Frisco Economic Development Corporation and Plug and Play Sports Tech, one of the world’s leading innovation platforms.

“This isn’t just a UNT project,” said Bob Heere, professor of sport management. “It is a launchpad where students, entrepreneurs and industry leaders will come together to explore new ideas and create the next big thing in sports and entertainment.”

For UNT students, the space offers more than networking. It is a gateway to hands-on projects, internships and even startup incubation. Elliot Stockdale, a graduate student from England pursuing his MBA in Sport Entertainment Management, said the space has already given him access to experiences that set UNT apart.

“I moved here from England because there’s no better place on Earth than the U.S. for sports,” Stockdale said. “What drew me to UNT was how well the program connects us to the industry. In my first semester I worked with the PGA of America, and that hands-on experience set me up for real opportunities.”

Through SIS@UNT, Stockdale has launched a company focused on bringing audio description commentary, commonly used in European soccer to make live games more accessible, to U.S. sports.

“Through the Sports Innovation Space, I’ve been able to launch my own company and connect with industry leaders,” Stockdale said. “It’s the kind of support that makes a huge difference for students like me.”

The launch of SIS@UNT adds to UNT’s reputation as a leader in sport business education. Earlier this year, the university’s online MBA in Sport Entertainment Management was ranked the No. 1 online program of its kind worldwide. By embedding SIS@UNT into the student experience, UNT is positioning students to be part of one of the fastest-growing sports markets in the country.