How to Create a Sports Commission

Figure out your funding
Before you can move forward, you have to identify realistic, sustainable sources that will pay for necessities like staff, trade shows, marketing and other operating expenses.
John Gibbons, executive director of the Rhode Island Sports Commission, says starting an independent sports commission has become increasingly difficult. “Stand-alone sports commissions typically raise their own money through corporate donations, or they may run their own events,” he says. “It’s a real struggle to operate that way because if your events or sponsorships start to drop, then you don’t have a steady revenue stream. It’s like a roller coaster ride.”
The Rhode Island Sports Commission is funded primarily through the Providence Warwick CVB, though tourism tax dollars. Gibbons says when they were first getting the commission off the ground in 2010, they also received state grants of about $70,000 for the first two years. This money went toward bolstering the commission’s brand with new logos, a trade show booth, photography and sponsorships with local sports teams. “We went above and beyond in our marketing and advertising,” says Gibbons.

Foster community support
Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission,  focused on fostering local relationships when he joined in 2004. “Through that effort we’ve been able to grow exponentially over the past 12 years,” he says. “Between the facilities, hotels and local municipalities, everyone has to be on the same page.”
Paul says that while her commission shares a similar mission and vision with the Dallas CVB, it still has freedom to focus on special community initiatives. “Getting your community leaders’ support is a top step in starting a sports commission,” she says.