Sports Business Specialization

The competitive edge—that's what graduates of the Oregon MBA who specialize in sports business gain.

From the program's winning combination of challenging coursework, numerous hands-on learning opportunities, and a network of connections in the sports industry, students receive an education that is second to none. Integration with the Warsaw Sports Business Center provides students with the necessary leg-up to enter the competitive, ever-changing world of sport.

The Oregon MBA
mbainfo@uoregon.edu
541-346-3306
Lillis 145

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What You'll Learn

  • Ever wonder why teams like the Dallas Cowboys are worth billions? Uncover the economic factors—such as stadium size, media rights, and home city—that contribute to a professional sports team's valuation.
  • What makes brands like Nike so successful? Learn all about the sports product realm, from ideation, design, storytelling, and retailing.
  • Why should other companies care about sports? Dive into the world of sponsorship to see how partnerships increase value for brands, teams, leagues, and fans.

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Warsaw Sports Marketing Center students discuss sponsorship ideas at Autzen Stadium
"The Economic Aspects of Sport course pulled back the hood on many top sports leagues and teams to provide an in-depth look at revenue sources, business models, and valuations. It weaved together current trends, fan behavior, and financial data into a compelling narrative about best practices and the economic impact of sports."
—Natalie Abele, MBA ’23

Where You'll Go

  • New York City is the sports hub of the United States. Embark on a journey to the Big Apple to meet reps from organizations like Google, NBA, NBC Sports, MLB, NFL, NHL, Wasserman, and many more.
  • Represent UO and battle to bring home the trophy against other universities in the National Sports Forum's annual case competition.
  • Travel across the pond to Europe for a lesson on international business. One thing you're sure to learn—how football (soccer, as we call it) dominates fandom around the globe.

See Opportunities

Rocky Liu
"Visiting the NBA headquarters in New York City and having the opportunity to speak with Mark Tatum was truly an enriching and inspiring experience. His insights into the global expansion of basketball, the power of branding, and the importance of social responsibility in the sports industry provided us with valuable lessons that we can apply to our own careers. As sports business MBA students, we're grateful for such an incredible opportunity to learn directly from industry leaders."
—Rocky Liu, MBA ’23, MS in Finance ’23

Who You'll Meet

The power of the Warsaw Sports Business Center network is real. There are Warsaw Center alumni working in influential roles at companies across the globe, including:

  • Adidas
  • MLS
  • Nike
  • NFL
  • Wasserman

During a weekly seminar with your sports business classmates, hear directly from industry professionals willing to share their personal journeys, industry expertise, and day-to-day details of their current job responsibilities.

Explore Connections

Brendan Valentine
"A visit from the president of esports at Riot Games was an experience that highlighted what truly modern sports could be. Riot Games is innovating on the fan experience and utilizing tech in a way that traditional sports needs to take notes from. It was exciting to see how they're blazing the trail towards making esports sustainable at all levels."
—Brendan Valentine, MBA ’23

What You'll Do

Hands-on experience is key and at Oregon, you'll get more opportunity than anywhere else. Students have worked internships in operations for global events like the World Athletics Championships and FIFA World Cup; media coverage for teams like the Portland Trailblazers; and athlete representation with agencies like Wasserman. There are plenty of career paths to pursue when it comes to sports. Recent graduates of the program are located around the globe with diverse roles within the industry, including:

  • Apparel brands like Nike and Columbia
  • Professional teams like the Arizona Cardinals
  • Professional leagues like the NFL and NBA
  • Intercollegiate athletics like the University of Tennessee
  • Media companies like NBC Sports
  • Agencies like MKTG

Discover Careers