Business of Sports: Beyond the Field
Ready to discover the business moves that drive championship teams to success? In this course, you’ll learn how professional sports teams operate behind the scenes, from player evaluation and scouting to front office decision-making. Uncover how data analytics and technology are transforming talent development and game strategies; explore revenue generation, sponsorship deals, and market expansion. Understand the full spectrum of how sports organizations thrive, and create your own strategy for a new expansion team.
Program Dates
Choose the course length that works for you: 2-week and 4-week sessions
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Individual Course Fees
$1,795
Master the Business Behind Sports
Inside the Front Office: Teams and Tactics
Explore the split between business and sports operations, and learn how data-driven strategies shape modern front office decision-making and team success.
Scouting and Analytics: Building a Winning Roster
Master player evaluation techniques, analyze scouting tools, and understand how data and technology drive recruitment and roster decisions across pro sports.
Revenue Playbook: Maximizing In-Stadium Experience
Discover how teams generate revenue through ticket sales, concessions, and corporate sponsorships, while learning how fan engagement drives business success.
The Future of Women's Sports Leagues
Explore the growth and challenges of women’s professional sports, focusing on revenue, investment opportunities, and strategies for expanding fan bases and media coverage.
Expansion and Ownership: New Teams, Big Decisions
Learn the fundamentals of sports ownership and team expansion, examining key factors like market share, league health, and long-term team profitability.
Build Your Dream Team
Apply course concepts to create your own expansion franchise. From scouting to business operations, design a winning strategy for your team’s success.
How You Will Benefit
- Gain insight into how professional sports teams operate through real-world examples and expert guest speakers.
- Understand the latest industry trends and innovations shaping the sports industry.
- Sharpen your analytical skills and master the use of data and technology in decision-making processes for scouting, player development, and front office strategies.
- Explore the diverse career opportunities within sports organizations, including business operations, sports science, and analytics, opening doors to various career paths in sports.
- Complete a Final Capstone Project to demonstrate what you’ve learned.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Northwestern University.
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
Final Capstone Project
- Choose a professional league and build a front office, focusing on either business operations or sports operations based on course concepts.
- Craft and present your strategic plan for team success, covering areas like player development, market share acquisition, and competitive positioning.
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Expertise in each course’s particular field
- Encouragement and feedback on all assignments
- Inspiration, motivation, and confidence to help you succeed in your studies
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule
- You’ll learn through engaging video lessons. Watch anytime that works for you
- 20-30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
All course options have the same educational content, learning materials, and number of assignments. We are offering a condensed version of the course in order to accommodate students’ individual schedules.
Course Designed by Northwestern Faculty
Katie Krall
Adjunct Professor
Professor Krall is a former Development Coach with the Boston Red Sox, where she integrated data into player development and oversaw pitch design. She previously served as a Baseball Operations Analyst for the Cincinnati Reds, focusing on roster construction, analytics, and scouting. With experience at Google and Major League Baseball's Commissioner’s Office, she brings a wealth of knowledge in sports business, strategy, and operations.
How To Apply:
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Just provide some basic information and tell us why you wish to take this program.
Note: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided application process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Admissions
Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you're admitted? Find answers to your questions here.
Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your Profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.