Online MBA with a Sports Management Specialization
Build business expertise for leadership across the sports industry.
Concordia University Chicago’s online MBA with a Sports Management specialization combines graduate business coursework with study in sport economics, finance, law, and diversity. The 36-credit degree includes a 24-credit MBA core and 12 credits in sports management coursework.
Explore how business decisions shape sports organizations, teams, talent management, collegiate athletics, sports media, events, and recreation facilities. The program pairs foundational study in analytics, accounting, finance, leadership, design thinking, and applied artificial intelligence with four courses focused on the business of sports.
Program Highlights
What to know |
|---|
36 credits total |
24-credit MBA core |
12-credit Sports Management specialization |
Four 3-credit sports business courses |
Online program; confirm course scheduling with an advisor |
With 6 convenient start dates, you can begin when it works best for you!
Please visit the Admission & Tuition page for important application deadlines and start dates.
Why Pursue an MBA with a Sports Management Specialization?
Sports organizations operate at the intersection of business, entertainment, competition, and community. Teams, leagues, colleges, talent agencies, event venues, media companies, and recreation organizations make decisions about budgets, contracts, facilities, marketing, governance, and the people they serve.
CUC’s Sports Management specialization examines the economic forces, financial decisions, legal frameworks, and diversity issues that shape sport. The MBA core adds business analytics, accounting, financial management, leadership, design thinking, and applied artificial intelligence to that industry-focused study.
- Analyze economic concepts and models as they apply to professional and amateur sport.
- Examine financial tools and complex finance concerns in the sports workplace.
- Study laws, regulations, and ethical issues affecting athletes, leagues, and sports organizations.
- Consider how gender, race, and culture shape sport and leadership.
Business Challenges in Sports
Sports leaders balance financial performance with the expectations of athletes, fans, sponsors, communities, governing bodies, and ownership. Their work may involve budgeting and revenue, talent and contracts, facility and event operations, marketing, legal compliance, and fair access to opportunities.
The specialization provides a business framework for examining these issues. Students connect sport-specific topics to broader MBA concepts in data analysis, finance, ethical decision-making, and organizational leadership.
Career Outlook and Data
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish one occupational outlook for sports management as a field. Entertainment and recreation managers are a related occupation: BLS projects 6% employment growth from 2025 to 2035 and about 5,100 openings each year, on average. The national median annual wage was $79,520 in May 2025. Within performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries, the median annual wage for this occupation was $82,110.
For talent representation and business management, BLS reports that agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes had an $82,890 median annual wage in May 2025, with projected employment growth of 10% from 2025 to 2035 and about 2,400 annual openings. That occupation also includes work outside sports. Pay and job outlook vary by role, employer, location, experience, and industry; these figures are not specific to sports management or CUC graduates.
6%
Projected employment growth, 2025–2035
5,100
Average annual openings, 2025–2035
$79,520
Median annual wage, May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Entertainment and Recreation Managers. The $79,520 figure is the national occupation median; the separate $82,110 figure above is the median in performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries.
Where Can Sports Management Apply?
Sports management knowledge can apply across professional and amateur sports, collegiate athletics, talent agencies, sports media, event organizations, sports training facilities, and recreation businesses. Relevant business functions may include administration, operations, finance, marketing, event management, and talent representation.
The degree can support further study and professional development for people interested in sports business leadership. Employers set their own experience and education requirements, and the MBA does not guarantee a particular role, salary, or promotion.
Sports Management MBA Curriculum
The Sports Management MBA totals 36 credits: 24 credits of MBA core coursework and 12 credits in the specialization. Each of the four sports management courses is worth three credits. The current academic catalog is the source for degree requirements and official course titles.
| ID | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MBAS 6800 | Economics of Sport | 3 |
| MBAS 6805 | Sport Finance | 3 |
| MBAS 6810 | The Essentials in Law of Sports | 3 |
| MBAS 6815 | Level the Playing Field: Diversity in Sports | 3 |
The 24-credit MBA core includes business analytics, economics or global marketing, accounting, financial management, design thinking, applied artificial intelligence, leadership and ethical decision-making, and a capstone. Consult the catalog and an academic advisor for the complete core sequence and course options.
Build responsible AI judgment
CUC students have access to BoodleBox, a shared generative AI workspace, and the MBA core includes Applied Artificial Intelligence. In sports business, AI may help organize public information, compare market signals, or explore event and fan-engagement questions. Students should check generated output against reliable evidence, applicable law, course guidance, data rights, and professional judgment. Do not enter confidential or sensitive information, and follow instructor direction for AI use in coursework.
Lead with Purpose
Sports leadership affects athletes, fans, employees, and communities. At Concordia Chicago, MBA study connects business knowledge with the university’s values of Truth, Freedom, and Vocation. Leading with purpose means making sound decisions, treating people fairly, and considering how sports organizations can serve the communities around them.
A Faculty Perspective
Dr. Lynn Hunnicutt, Dean of the College of Business, discusses how CUC’s values and MBA curriculum shape the way students approach business problems.
Who Should Consider This MBA?
This specialization may be a fit if you lead or support teams, organizational development, operations, human resources, or business transformation and want to deepen your leadership and change management knowledge within a broader MBA curriculum. Students bring different academic and professional backgrounds. Review admission requirements and discuss your experience, goals, and course plan with an Admissions counselor.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees depend on the current academic year, course plan, and applicable charges. Review current graduate tuition, financial aid, employer assistance, and military education benefits with Admissions and Student Business Services.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet Concordia University Chicago’s current graduate admission requirements. Typical MBA application materials include an objective statement, official transcripts from degree-granting institutions, and two letters of recommendation. Review current requirements, deadlines, and any applicant-specific documentation with Admissions.
- A completed graduate application.
- An objective statement describing your education and career goals.
- Official transcripts from each institution that granted a degree.
- Two letters of recommendation.
FAQ
The 2026–27 CUC catalog lists 36 credits: 24 credits in the MBA core and 12 credits in the Sports Management specialization.
The four 3-credit courses are The Economics of Sports, Sport Finance, The Essentials of the Law in Sports, and Level the Playing Field: Diversity in Sports.
CUC lists an online Sports Management MBA pathway. Confirm current modality, course sequencing, and availability with an academic advisor.
Depending on experience and employer requirements, related career areas may include sports administration, team or venue operations, collegiate athletics, sports marketing, event management, media, recreation, and talent representation. The MBA does not guarantee a specific role or salary.
BLS does not publish one outlook for sports management as a field. Related data include entertainment and recreation managers, with 6% projected growth from 2025 to 2035 and a $79,520 median annual wage in May 2025. These figures are not specific to CUC graduates or every sports business role.
Plan Your Next Step
Explore whether the Leadership and Change Management specialization fits your experience and goals. An Admissions counselor can help you review current program requirements, course availability, costs, and application steps.
Start on your schedule!
Now with 6 convenient start dates, you can begin your MBA degree when it works for you.
