Gelman: The Architect of Modern Sports Analytics

Jessica Gelman, originally a psychology student and basketball player at Harvard, has become a leading figure in sports analytics over the past thirty years. Her leadership as CEO of Kraft Analytics Group celebrates ten years, while next week marks the 20th MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. Gelman co-founded this conference in 2006 with Daryl Morey, then a colleague teaching a class. What began as a small seminar has transformed into a significant annual event.

The conference now draws 2,500 attendees from 42 states and 31 countries, including representatives from academic institutions and sports leagues. Gelman acknowledges the conference's unexpected scale, attributing its growth to technological advancements and the increasing availability of data. The event has become essential for navigating the sports world's data-driven landscape.

Attracting a diverse audience of data experts, technologists, and business professionals, the conference consistently addresses current industry issues. Recent themes have included diversity, equity, and inclusion, with sessions on the NFL's Rooney Rule and transgender athletes. This year's lineup features discussions on LGBT+ inclusion, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Sue Bird's conversation with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and panels on prediction markets and the rise of DraftKings.

Moreover, the conference serves as a vital hub for recruitment, with MIT Sloan students assisting in its organization and many former students returning as panelists. Notable alumni participating include Evan Wasch from the NBA and Allison Katz-Mayfield involved with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The organizers aim to maintain the conference's 'geek roots' while ensuring its continued relevance and fresh appeal each year.