Demand drives new sport management option in WVWC MBA program

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Blending foundational business competencies with sports-specific applications, West Virginia Wesleyan College is launching a new sport management concentration in its Master of Business Administration program under the Thomas H. Albinson II School of Business.

Beginning in fall 2026, students accepted into the traditional two-year MBA program, 5-year MBA program or eMBA programs may choose sport management as a concentration. Students will take the same seven core courses as all MBA students, then complete five courses specializing in sport management, taught by subject-matter experts with academic and professional experience in the sport industry.

The concentration prepares graduates for leadership roles within professional sports franchises, collegiate athletics, sports agencies, governing bodies and emerging global sports enterprises. Emphasis is placed on revenue optimization, ethical governance, contract analysis, risk management and strategic communication in an industry defined by financial intensity, regulatory oversight and rapid technological evolution.

Dr. Kim Conrad, director of the MBA program, said, “The sport business major is the second largest major in the School of Business and experienced a 20% increase from 2018 to 2023. There have been multiple inquiries about a sport management concentration, and we are pleased to begin offering this program in the fall. With such a high focus on sport as well as a large percentage of sport business enrollment being student-athletes, showing our support and providing an opportunity for advanced learning in the sport profession directly aligns with our undergrad programs.”

An MBA with a sport management concentration opens pathways to leadership and executive roles across professional teams, collegiate athletics, marketing agencies, governing bodies and sports-related corporations.

Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kyle Hoffman MBA ’06 added, “With the rapid growth of sport-related positions opening in the job market, this concentration will allow our students to be better positioned for success. We continue to see more students wanting to work in sports, and this allows us to support this pathway.”

A graduate certificate in sport management is also available for those who want to advance their skills without earning an MBA. Completers would need to take Sport Finance, Revenue Models and Contracts; Sport Marketing and Strategic Communication; Sport Law, Policy and Governance; Sport Facility and Event Management; and Leading Teams and Individuals. Those courses can later be applied toward the MBA degree.

Alumni of West Virginia Wesleyan College accepted to the eMBA program are eligible for a 10% discount.

To learn more, visit www.wvwc.edu/mba or www.wvwc.edu/emba.