Sport Business, BBA
Program Details
- Location
- Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Academic Pathway
- major
- Degree/Program Type
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Format
- In-person
- Course Info
- Course Info
- College
- Dean's Office, College of Business
- School/Department
- Department of Management
Program Contact
- CoB Undergraduate Advising
-
CoB Undergraduate Advising
330-972-7042
Overview
The Bachelor of Business Administration in Sport Business at The University of Akron combines a strong business foundation with specialized sport business coursework, including Strategic Leadership in Sport Business, Financial Issues in Sport and Applied Sales in Sport. And with Akron about an hour from three major professional franchises — the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Guardians — you’ll have opportunities to connect what you learn in class to the business of professional sports.
Get closer to the action. Through partnerships with professional sports organizations, you’ll have opportunities to gain real-world experience.
- Students lead University of Akron Day at Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians, gaining hands-on experience in event planning, game-day operations, ticket sales, team coordination, and event evaluation.
- Through the Cleveland Cavaliers Hackathon, students use simulated data to tackle business challenges inspired by projects from the Cavaliers' Business Intelligence team.
- UA faculty and front office staff at the Cleveland Browns collaborate to develop and deliver Sport Business courses, bringing real-world industry insights and expertise directly into the classroom.
The award-winning Sport Analytics and Business Association (SABA) adds even more opportunities for networking, experiential learning and behind-the-scenes access to sport venues.
You’ll also learn what it really takes to build a career in the sports industry. Sales is one of the most common entry points into sport business, and Applied Sales in Sport gives you dedicated preparation alongside coursework in operations, licensing and facility management.
More interested in the data behind the game? The Sport Analytics BS shares these partnerships and SABA opportunities. Explore both paths and work with your advisor to find the one that fits your goals.
Admissions Requirements
The University of Akron Bulletin acts as a guide for degree requirements, however official requirements are established at the time of transfer and admission to the degree-granting college. Once enrolled, students should refer to the degree progress report which is definitive for graduation requirements.
See degree requirements for the BBA in Sport Business here.
See a recommended sequence of courses here.
Career Outcomes
A degree in sport business paves the way for career opportunities in the sport industry and beyond.
Job titles
• Ticket sales and premium sales account executive
• Corporate partnerships and sponsorship coordinator
• Game day and event operations manager
• Facility operations manager
• Licensing and branding specialist
• Athletic department administrator
• Community relations coordinator
Where you will work
• Professional franchises and their venues
• College athletic departments
• Sports marketing agencies
• Facility and event management companies
Q&A
The Sport Business program is part of the College of Business Department of Management.
Real titles: ticket and premium sales account executive, partnerships and sponsorship coordinator, game day and event operations, facility operations, licensing and branding, athletic administration. Entry to the industry typically runs through sales and operations, and the curriculum trains both deliberately.
As the Official University Partner of the Cleveland Browns, The University of Akron provides students with distinctive access to professional sports through hands-on learning and career-building opportunities. Students can gain experience through volunteer opportunities and internships, attend fireside chats with industry professionals, and participate in course experiences that include behind-the-scenes tours of the stadium, offices and other team facilities. These connections help students build their résumés, expand their professional networks and explore careers in the business of sports.
Business if you want the revenue, operations and partnership side of the industry; Analytics if you want the data side informing personnel and strategy. The two programs share the franchise partnerships and SABA, and advising helps you pick.
Yes. The Sports Business BBA sits in the College of Business which holds dual AACSB accreditation, a standing shared by roughly the top 1% of business schools worldwide.
Browns, Cavs, Guardians
Stated partnerships with three professional franchises.
SABA
The Sport Analytics & Business Association, an award-winning student association with behind-the-scenes venue access.
Sales
Applied Sales in Sport: the industry's front door, taught deliberately.
Top 1% worldwide
One of the few business schools with dual AACSB accreditation for business and accounting.
Rankings and Accreditation
A data sibling
Akron's Sport Analytics BS program is one of a few nationwide and shares the same access to partnerships and career connections.
The Akron Advantage
Our experience-rich, career-focused program will set you up for success after graduation.
All College of Business students are required to complete the Experience Guarantee professional development program, which includes résumé workshops, LinkedIn and Handshake profile development, career fairs, mock interviews, company visits and leadership development. Accounting students also participate in School of Accountancy events, including Fall Kickoff, EWA and Experience Accounting, connecting them with professionals to explore career paths and network for internships and full-time opportunities.
All College of Business students are required to complete the Experience Guarantee professional development program, which includes résumé workshops, LinkedIn and Handshake profile development, career fairs, mock interviews, company visits and leadership development. Accounting students also participate in School of Accountancy events, including Fall Kickoff, EWA and Experience Accounting, connecting them with professionals to explore career paths and network for internships and full-time opportunities.
Ways to Get Involved
As a student majoring in sport business, you’ll find countless ways to get involved beyond the classroom, from student organizations to networking events, competitions, and honor societies that connect you with top firms and real-world experience.
Keep Exploring
Take the next step. Learn more about joining the Akron Zips community.
“My Sport Business major connected me with amazing people and opened the door to internships that gave me real experience in the sports world, helping me land a role doing work I’m passionate about.”