Gain Business Expertise and Leadership Skills in Sport Management
Sports is a multibillion-dollar global industry that relies on skilled professionals to manage teams, events, marketing, and operations. The sport management and leadership degree at Wisconsin’s Viterbo University provides a business-focused education that prepares future sports leaders to meet this demand.
Through hands-on learning, internships, and expert faculty mentorship, our bachelor’s in sport management and leadership prepares you for careers in professional and collegiate athletics, community recreation, sports marketing, and event management.
As a sport management major, you’ll develop the skills to:
- Lead and manage sports organizations at all levels
- Navigate the financial and legal aspects of the sports industry
- Market teams, athletes, and events to engage fans and grow revenue
- Gain real-world experience through partnerships with Viterbo Athletics, professional sports organizations, and community programs
Sport Management and Leadership (BBA)
The BBA in Sport Management and Leadership provides a comprehensive business education with a specialized focus on the sports industry. Our sports business degree prepares you for leadership roles in team operations, sports marketing, event management, and athletic administration.
You’ll gain hands-on experience through internships, case studies, and industry partnerships, allowing you to apply business and management principles in real-world sports settings. Along the way, you’ll build expertise in financial planning, sponsorship, facility operations, and strategic leadership—skills that set you apart in a competitive job market.
Sport Leadership Minor
The minor in sport leadership is an ideal addition for students majoring in business, marketing, or communication. It emphasizes sports business principles, leadership development, and the management of teams and organizations. Coursework in areas like sports marketing, event planning, and facility management builds valuable skills for careers in sports administration, athletic event management, and community recreation.
Bachelor’s in Sport Management and Leadership Highlights
Our sport management majors don’t just learn in the classroom—they gain real-world experience that prepares them for leadership roles in the industry. Through internships, networking, and hands-on projects, you’ll develop the business acumen and professional connections to step confidently into the sports industry.
- Hands-on learning: Gain real-world experience by working with the Viterbo athletics department and the La Crosse Loggers, a summer collegiate baseball team. Develop skills in event management, game-day operations, marketing, athletic administration, fan engagement, sponsorship, and facility operations.
- Industry-connections: Well-connected faculty with direct experience in the sports industry provide valuable insights into current trends, strategies, and practices. Small class sizes foster personalized mentorship and career guidance.
- Networking opportunities: Build relationships through alumni connections, networking events, and guest speakers from major sports organizations, including former Olympic Games Committee members. These opportunities provide valuable insight, internship leads, and career support.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Sport Management Degree?
Whether you’re interested in managing teams, coordinating large-scale sporting events, or driving brand engagement, our bachelor’s degree in sport management equips you with the business expertise and industry connections for leadership roles in sports organizations, corporate partnerships, and community recreation.
Our BBA in Sport Management and Leadership graduates apply their skills in professional and collegiate athletics, sports marketing agencies, and event management firms in Wisconsin and beyond. With hands-on experience and a strong foundation in sports finance, marketing, and leadership, you’ll be ready to enter a field with diverse career opportunities and strong earning potential.
Jobs you can get with a sport management degree include:
- Athletic director
- College athletics compliance officer
- Community recreation director
- Event and facilities manager
- Game-day operations manager
- Sports agent or athlete manager
- Sports apparel and merchandising executive
- Sports business analyst
- Sports marketing manager
- Sponsorship and partnerships coordinator
- Youth sports program director
Additionally, with Viterbo’s 4+1 MBA pathway, you can earn your Master of Business Administration in just one additional year, expanding your leadership opportunities in sport management.
Financial Aid for Sport Management Majors
Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin, provides a range of financial aid options to make our sport management degree more affordable. Through the Dahl School of Business, students may qualify for scholarship opportunities such as the Marv & Annette Friedwald Business Scholarship, the Jessica Simon Abnet Endowed Scholarship, and the Russell & Vera Smith Foundation Scholarship.
Examples of Sport Management Courses
Viterbo’s flexible, business-focused sport management major allows you to tailor your education through elective courses and internship placements in areas like sports marketing, facility operations, and event management. Key courses include:
- Sports Marketing and Sponsorships
- Event and Facility Management
- Finance for the Sport Leader
- Legal Environment of Sport
- Sports Leadership and Team Management
Additionally, the Servant Leadership Embedded Certificate, which promotes ethical decision-making, effective communication, and service to the greater good, is part of the core business curriculum and is awarded to all School of Business graduates.
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Related Programs at Viterbo University
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