Executive Master's in Global Sports Operations & Strategy
Course Details
The coursework required for the Executive Master’s in Global Sports Operations & Strategy includes five required courses. Below represents a sample of course offerings. Format and content may change.
Core Courses
Strategic Leadership: Building Future-Ready Sports OrganizationsThis course is designed to produce forward-thinking sports leaders capable of elevating their organizations to new heights. Students will explore the dynamic processes and priorities that form the foundation of organizational excellence in the sports industry.
Through real-world examples from professional sports—including football (soccer), basketball, tennis, golf, and more—students will explore established theories of leadership, management, and strategic decision-making. The course will also examine talent management and the integration of inclusive practices to cultivate a diverse workforce. Students will engage with contemporary trends, such as the growth of women's sports, while identifying the challenges and opportunities that sports leaders and managers face. Additionally, they will develop strategies to foster critical discussions around innovation, resilience, and adaptability in an ever-evolving landscape.
By integrating case studies, interactive discussions, and practical applications, this course will equip students with the insights and tools necessary to drive excellence in professional sports organizations.
Business Sports Operations: Strategy, Systems, and Success
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the essential disciplines needed to operate a successful sports organization, with a dynamic focus on the following:
- Infrastructure
Understanding the complexities of infrastructure development and renovations, including growing trends to build 365 venues designed to be a destination for sports, business, pleasure, and retail
- Marketing and Event Management
Strategies for planning and marketing captivating live experiences and events that resonate with audiences and drive organizational success and profitability
- Fan Engagement
Exploring new methods for enhancing fan experiences, including augmented reality applications and digital media strategies.
- Intercultural Engagement
Understanding the distinct cultural differences in sports business practices across global markets
- Business Optimization
Identifying and analyzing the primary assets of a sports organization (e.g., players, the game, and facilities) and how to make strategic executive decisions to enhance business productivity.
- Sustainable Practices
Sustainable environmental practices and safety and emergency management protocols for venues of all sizes and scales
Through innovative case studies and hands-on experiences related to Manchester City and several of Washington D.C.'s major venue development projects (e.g., RFK Stadium campus—football, Nationals Park—baseball, and Capital One Arena—basketball/hockey), students will demonstrate their understanding of how to successfully manage professional sports business operations.
Residency: Students will be required to participate in a five-day residency experience at Manchester City’s headquarters in the United Kingdom.
Sports Governance: Ethical Issues, Legal Frameworks, and Financial Strategies
Ethics course requirement
In today’s dynamic sports landscape, executives must navigate complex challenges and opportunities that span ethical, legal, and financial dimensions.
Students will engage with consequential topics, including:
- Ethical Leadership in Sports
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the ethical issues facing the industry, focusing on the responsibilities of governing bodies and key decision-makers. Explore frameworks for ethical decision-making that foster integrity and trust within organizations. Understand the distinctions and ethical challenges that arise between different-sized football clubs and other organizations. Also, discussions of the social impact of large venues on local communities and the economy.
- Legal Frameworks and Compliance
Delve into the legal principles that underpin professional sports, analyzing key issues such as contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. Students will also learn the fundamentals of governance for professional team and league-based sports (e.g., Fédération Internationale de Football Association) vs. individual sports and tours (e.g., International Professional Golf Association).
- Financial Strategies in Global Markets
Discover the financial tools and structures that empower executives to optimize operations and drive growth, including infrastructure development across international markets. Learn about traditional and innovative revenue generation methods, including sponsorships, digital monetization, and investment strategies. This course combines expert insights, case studies, and interactive discussions to provide a holistic view of the strategic standards that underpin successful sports organizations.
Future Frontiers: Emerging Technologies and Innovations in Professional Sports
This course explores the transformative impact of emerging technologies and innovative practices within the realm of professional athletics. Students will engage with a range of topics, including data analytics, wearable technology, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and blockchain, examining how these advancements are reshaping training, performance evaluation, fan engagement, and business operations in Sports.
Key components of the course will include:
- Technology Integration
Analyzing how teams and organizations adopt new technologies to enhance athletic performance, injury prevention, player health, and the overall game.
- Data-Driven Decision Making
Understanding the role of big data and analytics in player recruitment, engagement, and performance metrics; game strategy; and operational efficiency.
- Future Trends
Investigating upcoming technologies and innovations that could further revolutionize the sports industry, preparing students to anticipate and adapt to these changes. Examples include the growing use of biometrics for venue ticketing.
Through case studies, guest speakers from the sports technology sector, and hands-on projects, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage emerging technologies to drive success in professional athletics. The course aims to equip current and future executive leaders with the insights and skills necessary to navigate and shape the future of sports in an increasingly tech-driven landscape.
Residency: Students will be required to participate in a five-day residency experience at Manchester City’s new stadium headquarters in New York, expected to open in 2026.
Playbook to Success: A Global Sports Capstone
Capstone Course Requirement
This capstone course offers students the opportunity to synthesize and apply their knowledge from the program by developing a comprehensive final project. Students will conduct in-depth analysis and reflection on a relevant topic related to professional sports organizations. Under the guidance of faculty, participants will create a substantial deliverable that demonstrates their ability to address real-world challenges and propose actionable solutions tailored to a professional sports context.