Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports Business

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Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports Business

What Will I Learn in the Sports Business Major?

Leverage your passion for sports into an exciting career with University of Portland’s Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports Business. In this multidisciplinary program, you’ll learn how data, brand culture, and community intersect across all facets of the fast-growing sports industry. You’ll develop a strategic mindset and apply it through hands-on experiences and world-class networking opportunities within Portland’s vibrant sports ecosystem. This is learning by doing. Through applied coursework and a capstone embedded in University of Portland Athletics, you’ll gain experience in marketing, sponsorship, fan engagement, and operations, graduating with in-demand skills and ready to contribute from day one. 

Sports Business Major Courses

The Sports Business major is designed to develop analytical, creative, and strategic leaders who can shape the future of the sports industry—not just manage it. You’ll get broad, integrated, hands-on exposure to marketing, finance, analytics, law and ethics, and product innovation, preparing you to think strategically across the industry, from global brands to teams, agencies, and sports properties such as the Portland Timbers. You’ll apply tools like data analysis, market research, pricing strategy, and fan engagement design to solve real industry challenges while working with local Portland teams and brands such as Nike, adidas, HOKA, Columbia Sportswear, and Portland Trail Blazers.

Course Topics Include:

  • Sports Media, Culture and Society
  • Sports and Outdoor Products Strategy
  • Sports Finance
  • Sports Law
  • Sports Business Analytics

University Core 

University of Portland’s Core Curriculum provides a foundation of knowledge that empowers you to successfully navigate a complex world. You will learn to use multiple lenses to address enduring questions of human concern, integrating the humanities, arts, and sciences with the University mission to gain the skills, values, and insights needed to thrive no matter where your career path takes you. 

The Core

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More Than A Degree

Professional Preparation Program

Every business major at UP benefits from unparalleled career development resources through our integrated P4 program. Advisors provide guidance and support to help you secure impactful internship experiences where you can put your coursework into action.

Career Ready Skills

The sports business major emphasizes data-driven decision making and a holistic view of the business of sport. You will develop a breadth of expertise in a range of disciplines at the core of the sports industry, preparing you to analyze complex business challenges. You'll use industry-standard software and tools to assess market trends, optimize operational processes, and analyze consumer behavior, all of which are increasingly valued by employers in today's data-driven marketplace.

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Holy Cross Tradition

Guided by our Holy Cross values of dignity, community, inquiry, ethics, engagement, and hope, UP’s sports business major develops your skills in business excellence as well as in ethical decision-making. You will learn how to think strategically across disciplines while exercising your commitment to the greater good.

The UP Difference

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One of five business schools in Oregon accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Average Business class size

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Of Business Students Participate in an a High-Impact Internship

Careers and Outcomes

Our sports business major leverages UP’s prime location and deep connections in Portland’s thriving sports industry to set you up for success the moment you graduate. 

Jobs with a Sports Business Degree

A sports business degree from University of Portland is incredibly versatile, positioning you for a wide range of career paths within the $600+ billion global sports industry. Career possibilities include: 

  • Sports Marketing Manager 
  • Corporate Partnerships Manager 
  • Sports Agent 
  • Sports Data Analyst 
  • Athletic Director 
  • Public Relations Manager 
  • Event Coordinator 

Graduate Studies

The sports business bachelor’s degree provides an excellent foundation that you can build on through graduate programs. Graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees such as a masters in sport management, masters in sports analytics, MBA with a sports concentration, and JD with a sports law focus.  

Alumni Employers

UP’s sports business degree develops a breadth of expertise that sets our graduates apart, and our close industry connections with major brands headquartered right here in Portland mean you’ll have incredible opportunities to gain hands-on experience. Our alumni enjoy successful careers at major players in the sports industry such as: 

  • adidas 
  • Arc'teryx 
  • Columbia Sportswear 
  • Nike 
  • On  
  • Portland Trail Blazers 
  • Portland Thorns 
  • Under Armor

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Score the Future You've Dreamed Of

With a degree in sports business from University of Portland, you can turn your passion into a rewarding career. Take the next step in your journey today!

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