Assumption University Launches Sports Institute
The new program honors late Red Sox executive Larry Lucchino and will offer scholarships to future students.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Baseball
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Assumption University has established the Larry Lucchino Institute for the Study of Sports, supported by a multimillion-dollar investment from the Lucchino Family Foundation. The institute will integrate sports business studies into the university's liberal arts curriculum.
Why it matters
The institute aims to prepare students for the industry by connecting professional sports experience with traditional academic training. It honors the legacy of the late Red Sox leader who was instrumental in modernizing the franchise.
Each selected Lucchino Scholar will receive a $4,000 annual scholarship for up to four years of study. The program will also leverage the experience of inaugural director Dr. Charles Steinberg, who worked with Lucchino for 45 years.
The players
Larry Lucchino
He was a prominent sports executive who served as president and CEO of the Boston Red Sox from 2002 to 2015.
Dr. Charles Steinberg
He is the inaugural director of the institute and has a long history of professional collaboration with Lucchino spanning 45 years.
Assumption University
This is a private Catholic liberal arts university located in Worcester that is establishing the new sports institute.
The details
The program will facilitate mentorships, internships, and guest speaker series to complement new coursework in sports marketing. Students will explore the industry through various lenses developed by university faculty to bridge the gap between academic theory and the business of sports.
Timeline
Larry Lucchino served as Red Sox CEO from 2002 to 2015.
Larry Lucchino delivered the Assumption University commencement address in 2022.
Larry Lucchino died in 2024.
Assumption University announced the new institute on October 20, 2026.
The program and its first scholarship awards begin in the fall of 2027.
The Big Picture
The establishment of this institute follows the precedent set by the construction of Polar Park, which was built under Lucchino's direction in Worcester. This move extends Lucchino's influence on the local community by shifting from infrastructure development to academic programming.
Students pursuing a sports marketing degree will gain access to specialized mentorship and internship pipelines beginning in 2027. The program also creates a dedicated funding stream for qualified undergraduates, offsetting tuition costs by $4,000 each academic year.
The takeaway
This institute formalizes the intersection of professional sports management and liberal arts education. Students interested in the business side of athletics should track the university's development of the major sports marketing program.
What happens next
The institute is scheduled to welcome its first class of scholars in the fall of 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments at Worcester Baseball.
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