What do rising costs, global instability, loneliness, and immigration have in common? According to Dr. Ann Pegoraro, Lang Chair in Sport Management at the University of Guelph, they’re all reshaping the future of sport in Canada. In this episode, SIRC's Paula Baker speaks with Pegoraro and Ontario Soccer CEO Johnny Misley about the pressures transforming participation, funding, community sport, and the role sport plays in Canadian society. From affordability and newcomer engagement to the opportunities surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this conversation explores why understanding the broader environment may be the most important challenge facing sport leaders today.

This special edition limited-series podcast is brought to you by the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, and produced by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.