Darin W. White, Ph.D., is the Margaret Gage Bush Distinguished Professor and Executive Director of Samford University's Sports Industry Program and Center for Sports Analytics, both of which he founded. The Center was the nation's first sports analytics center housed within an AACSB-accredited business school. As a recognized expert in sports analytics and business strategy, he leads the development of cutting-edge research and programs that bridge academic rigor with industry innovation
With a proven track record of forging partnerships with over 250 of the world's premier sports organizations—including the Los Angeles Dodgers, NBA, Atlanta Braves, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, Bayern Munich F.C., Celtic F.C., and Denver Broncos—Darin has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor in the sports industry. He has also collaborated with leading corporate sponsors, including Coca-Cola, Nike, TransAmerica, Mutual of Omaha, Toyota, Chick-fil-A, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Phillips 66.
Darin is a highly sought-after commentator whose insights have been featured in top media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, L.A. Times, Washington Post, NPR, and Sports Illustrated. He is a frequent speaker at industry events worldwide, including at Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, and served as a judge at the Yahoo Sports Technology Awards in London. He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed academic articles and conference proceedings throughout his career.
A former college soccer coach, Darin was inducted into the Union University Sports Hall of Fame in 2023 after leading his team to the 2003 NCCAA National Championship and earning Coach of the Year honors from Adidas and the NSCAA. After leaving college coaching, his elite youth soccer teams reached the state championship game 13 times in 15 years, winning nine state titles.
In his spare time, Darin enjoys traveling to Europe with his family to attend Leeds United F.C. matches, reading about Ancient Near East culture and history, and teaching Biblical theology classes at his church. He and his wife, Laura, have seven children and four grandchildren.
Degrees and Certifications
- Ph.D., Marketing/Strategy University of Alabama
- M.A., Marketing/Strategy, University of Alabama
- B.S., Business/Mathematics, Birmingham-Southern College
Expertise
- Sports Marketing; Sports Business Analytics; Sponsorship-Linked Marketing; Licensing; Fan Psychology & Engagement; Soccer Analytics
- Generation Z Consumer Insights; Brand Personality Archetype Theory; Marketing Strategy Development
Selected Publications
- Journal of Business Research
- Journal of Business Ethics
- Journal of Personal Selling & Sales Management
- European Journal of Marketing
- Journal of Services Marketing
- Journal of Strategic Marketing
- Journal of Global Marketing
- Christian Business Academy Review
- Sports, Business & Management: An International Journal
- International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship
- Leadership
- Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies
Selected Presentations
- American Marketing Association Summer Conference
- American Marketing Association Winter Conference
- European Marketing Academy
- European Academy of Management
- Academy of Management
- Atlantic Marketing Conference
- Academy of Marketing Science
- Southern Marketing Association
- Cambridge University Sports & Society Conference
- University of Oregon Research Conference in Sports Marketing
- Cross-Cultural Research Conference
- University of London Economics & Psychology of Football Conference
- Association for Consumer Research
- Thought Leaders International Conference on Brand Management
- International Conference on Sports and Entertainment Business
- Society of Business Ethics Conference
- Organizational Science
- Contemporary Issues in Retailing and Marketing
Chaired Dissertations
- “Motivations for Engaging in Electronic Word-of-Mouth in a Social Networking Setting”
- “Self-Congruity and the MOA Framework: An Integrated Approach to Understanding Volunteer Participation in Social Cause Communities”
- “Understanding the Relationships Between Loyalty Program Rewards and Loyalty Among Premium Customers”
- “Stage of Change Readiness in Social Marketing”
- “The Significance of Personal Factors in the Service Quality Experienced by Customers and the Effect of Employee Psychological Empowerment on the Relationship”
- “Toward a Greater Understanding of Spirit at Work: A Model of Spirit at Work and Outcomes”
Selected Interviews for News Organizations
