Executive MBA in Sports Management

This accelerated 12-month Executive MBA in Sports Management program equips students with the business knowledge, leadership skills, and industry insight needed to succeed in today’s competitive business and sports landscape. Students build the leadership and strategic decision-making skills needed to lead organizations and succeed in the business of sport through an interactive cohort learning experience.

This degree is offered online only.
Now enrolling for Fall 2026!

Program Overview

The Executive MBA in Sports Management is an accelerated 30-credit hour program designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in the competitive sport industry. Through a cohort-based learning model, students gain advanced business knowledge, strengthen their leadership skills, and explore core business disciplines such as leadership, finance, analytics, and strategic planning, while also developing specialized insight into the business and management aspects of sports organizations. This program can be completed in 12 months and prepares graduates for leadership and executive-level roles in collegiate athletics, professional sports franchises, and international sport federations.

WHY CHOOSE THIS PROGRAM

Our fully online Executive MBA is designed for professionals and aspiring leaders who are ready to advance their careers in athletic administration and the business of sport. This accelerated 12-month program combines advanced business expertise with specialized sports management knowledge, offering the flexibility to continue working while gaining the leadership skills needed to compete and grow in today’s sport industry.

Learn from sports industry experts

Learn from experienced faculty and sports industry professionals who have held leadership roles across the field. Their real-world expertise and practical insights will help you better understand how to navigate the challenges, complexities, and opportunities within the sport industry. As part of the Executive MBA experience, you will also have exclusive opportunities to connect and engage with leaders in the sport industry.

MBA Capstone project

Students gain practical experience by applying business strategies, leadership concepts, and sports management knowledge to real-world challenges within the sport industry.

Compare by Numbers

Compare

By Numbers

The ussu EXECUTIVE MBA

12

Months to
completion

30

Credit Hours

20

Maximum
Class Size

$12,000

Total Cost

AVERAGE EXECUTIVE MBA

18

Months to
completion

48

Credit Hours

None

Maximum
Class Size

$125,000

Total Cost

Program Overview

The Executive MBA in Sports Management is a 30-credit hour program designed to equip students with advanced business knowledge and leadership skills tailored to the competitive sports industry.

This program blends core business disciplines—such as leadership, finance, economics, and strategic planning—with specialized insights into the unique operational and economic aspects of sports organizations. Graduates are prepared to excel in leadership and executive-level roles within collegiate athletics, professional sports franchises, and international sport federations.

The program is structured to be completed in 12 months, allowing working professionals to advance their careers efficiently while balancing their professional and personal commitments.

Why choose this program

Our fully online program is designed for professionals and aspiring leaders who want to advance their careers in athletic administration and the business side of the sports industry. This flexible program combines advanced business expertise with specialized sports management knowledge while allowing you to balance your education with existing commitments, and can be completed in 12 months or less.

Learn from sports

industry experts

Learn from experienced faculty and industry professionals who have held leadership roles within the sport industry. Their insights and real-world expertise will teach you how to navigate the complexities and opportunities within the global sports industry.

Get hands-on experience

Gain practical skills and insights by connecting with alumni and industry professionals through internships and networking opportunities, allowing you to apply business strategies in real-world sports settings.

Program Overview

The MBA in Sports Management is a 36-credit hour program designed to equip students with advanced business knowledge and leadership skills tailored to the competitive sports industry. This program blends core business disciplines—such as leadership, finance, economics, and strategic planning—with specialized insights into the unique operational and economic aspects of sports organizations. Graduates are prepared to excel in leadership and executive-level roles within collegiate athletics, professional sports franchises, and international sport federations.

Why choose this program

Our fully online program is designed for professionals and aspiring leaders who want to advance their careers in athletic administration and the business side of the sports industry. This flexible program will help you gain a competitive edge by combining advanced business expertise with specialized sports management knowledge—all while allowing you to balance your education with your existing commitments.

Learn from sports

industry experts

Learn from experienced faculty and industry professionals who have held leadership roles within the sport industry. Their insights and real-world expertise will teach you how to navigate the complexities and opportunities within the global sports industry.

Get hands-on experience

Gain practical skills and insights by connecting with alumni and industry professionals through internships and networking opportunities, allowing you to apply business strategies in real-world sports settings.

Careers in Sports Business

Our MBA in Sports Management prepares graduates for leadership roles across the sports industry, including professional teams, collegiate athletics, and sports organizations. Career paths such as athletic director, general manager, sports agent, and marketing director require a strong foundation in business strategy, operations, and revenue generation. This degree equips students with the skills needed to lead organizations, manage talent, and drive success in a competitive and growing sports business landscape. Careers include:

Athletic Director  •  General Manager  •  Sports Agent  •  Club President

Director of Player Personnel  •  Marketing Director  •  Business Consultant

Facility & Event Manager  •  Director of Operations

Executive MBA Courses

The Executive MBA in Sports Management curriculum combines core business principles with specialized sports industry coursework to prepare students for leadership roles. Students develop skills in leadership, finance, analytics, and strategic decision-making, while gaining industry-specific knowledge in areas such as sports marketing, facility management, and revenue generation. This balanced approach ensures graduates are prepared to manage and grow organizations within the sport industry.

Executive MBA Courses

The Executive MBA in Sports Management curriculum combines core business principles with specialized sports industry coursework to prepare students for leadership roles. Students develop skills in leadership, finance, analytics, and strategic decision-making, while gaining industry-specific knowledge in areas such as sports marketing, law, facility management, and revenue generation. This balanced approach ensures graduates are prepared to manage and grow organizations within the global sports industry.

Fall (12 Hours)

Session 1 (8 Weeks)

  • Leadership and Strategic Planning
  • Sports Marketing and Sponsorship

Session 2 (8 Weeks)

  • Finance & Accounting for Decision Making

  • Managing People and Performance in Sports Business

Fall (12 Hours)

Block 1 (8 Weeks)

  • Leadership and Strategic Planning
  • Finance & Accounting for Decision Making

Block 2 (8 Weeks)

  • Leadership and Strategic Planning
  • Finance & Accounting for Decision Making

Spring (12 Hours)

Session 3 (8 Weeks)

  • Managerial Economics

  • International Sports Management

Session 4 (8 Weeks)

  • Business Analytics for Decision Making

  • Revenue Generation and Fundraising in Sports Business

Spring (12 Hours)

Block 1 (8 Weeks)

  • Leadership and Strategic Planning
  • Finance & Accounting for Decision Making

Block 2 (8 Weeks)

  • Leadership and Strategic Planning
  • Finance & Accounting for Decision Making

Summer (6 Hours)

Session 5 (8 Weeks)

  • Sports Facility and Event Management

  • MBA Capstone Project

MBA Courses

The MBA in Sports Management curriculum combines core business principles with specialized sports industry coursework to prepare students for leadership roles. Students develop skills in leadership, finance, analytics, and strategic decision-making, while gaining industry-specific knowledge in areas such as sports marketing, law, facility management, and revenue generation. This balanced approach ensures graduates are prepared to manage and grow organizations within the global sports industry.

Core Courses (6 Semester Hours)

  • Business Analytics

  • Managerial Economics

  • Leadership and Strategic Planning
  • Finance & Accounting for Decision Making

  • Managing People & Performance in Sports Business

Major Courses (18 Semester Hours)

  • International Sports Management

  • Sports Law & Risk Management

  • Sports Marketing & Sponsorship

  • Sports Facility & Event Management

  • Revenue Generation & Fundraising in Sports Business

Career Pathway

Our Executive MBA in Sports Management prepares graduates for leadership roles across the sports industry, including professional teams, collegiate athletics, and sports organizations. Career paths such as athletic director, general manager, sports agent, and marketing director require a strong foundation in business strategy, operations, and revenue generation. This degree equips students with the skills needed to lead organizations, manage talent, and drive success in a competitive and growing sports business landscape. Careers include:

Athletic Director • General Manager • Sports Agent • Club President • Director of Player Personnel • Marketing Director • Business Consultant • Facility & Event Manager • Director of Operations

Affordability

Our master’s programs are designed to advance your career, whether you’re transitioning from undergraduate studies or returning as a working professional.
We offer affordable tuition, zero out-of-state tuition fees, and an opportunity to earn your master’s degree in as little as 12 months.