How the Major Leagues Built Their Business Models

Examine how the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL generate revenue and manage operations. Compare how each league evolved its business model while identifying career pathways across franchises and front offices.

What Makes a Sports Franchise Worth Billions

Calculate franchise valuations using revenue-based models while examining factors like media contracts, scarcity, and demographics. Evaluate how ownership decisions and intangible elements like prestige influence long-term value and investment behavior.

Stadiums: Who Pays, Who Benefits

Identify financing strategies and construction considerations for stadiums and arenas, including public-private partnerships and location decisions. Compare trade-offs between renovating existing venues and building new facilities while assessing the impacts on franchise valuation.

The Battle for Broadcast Rights and Digital Audiences

Distinguish between traditional broadcast models and digital platforms while analyzing how leagues negotiate and distribute media contracts. Explore how technology transformed fan consumption, revenue generation, and the growth of league-owned networks.

What's Next: Esports, Globalization, and New Markets

Investigate how globalization, esports, and women's sports are expanding markets and revenue opportunities. Describe how technological developments increase fan engagement while learning how leagues adapt to cultural and political shifts globally.

Building Your Career in the Business of Sports

Apply valuation methods and market trends by evaluating a franchise and proposing a strategic plan in your capstone project. Discover how these skills support different types of careers — from sports management and marketing to analytics, operations, and beyond.

A Capstone Project With Real-World Relevance

• Analyze a professional sports franchise's valuation and competitive position, then develop a five-year strategic plan to enhance franchise value.
• Propose recommendations across stadium operations, fan experience, marketing, media rights, and technology that drive revenue growth and sustainability.

Instructional Guidance And Mentorship

• Receive feedback from course TA’s and as you refine analysis, recommendations, and presentations.
• Strengthen strategic and analytical thinking through guided review of written and presentation-based work.

Flexible Learning With Clear Expectations

• Engage with online coursework designed to support steady progress alongside academic or professional responsibilities.
• Complete assignments and the Final Capstone Project on a structured timeline that supports independent planning.

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Admissions

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Frequently Asked Questions

How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.

Scholarships

We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition. 

• If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.  
• If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.