Director Lauren Anderson explores the unique advantages of the University of Oregon’s MBA with a specialization in Sports Business. From global study tours to real-world consulting projects, this program bridges the gap between academic theory and the competitive reality of the multi-trillion-dollar global sports business industry.
If you want to lead in the multi-trillion-dollar sports industry, you must look beyond the sidelines and master the boardroom. The Oregon MBA Sports Business program at the University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business provides exactly that edge. As the first program of its kind within a business college, it offers a rigorous academic foundation paired with unparalleled industry access.
Lauren Anderson, the Director of the Warsaw Sports Business Center and a proud alumna, emphasizes that the program was born from a need for “real business savvy” in the sports world. Today, it remains an industry-leading program for professionals ready to pivot their careers or accelerate their leadership trajectory in this niche yet lucrative area of business.
The sports industry historically relied on a “roll up your sleeves” and “start at the bottom” mentality. However, the business center’s namesake, Jim Warsaw, founded the program to serve a critical hole in the marketplace.
Jim, who was a sports industry entrepreneur and alumnus of UO, supported the opening of the center. Its growth was inspired by Jim’s vision of developing values based on passion, integrity, and leadership. He fostered leaders who possessed deep analytical and strategic skills and a love of sports.
Consequently, the MBA specialization in sport was established to bridge this gap. For over three decades, it has produced graduates who are not just sports fans but sophisticated business practitioners.
As one of them, and now the Director of the program, Lauren recalls, “We were the first of its kind… an MBA with a focus specifically on the sports industry… we’re proud to be the first program housed in the college of business.” (00:33)
When you join this program, you enter a legacy of innovation that spans over 30 years and continues to set the standard for sports business education worldwide.
One of the program’s greatest strengths is its holistic approach to the MBA curriculum. You will not just study sports; you will master the fundamental pillars of business administration.
The core curriculum ensures you develop fundamental skills in several key areas:
While classroom theory is vital, the Oregon MBA sports business program leans heavily into experiential learning. Lauren says, “It’s really important to us to know that it’s about street smarts as well as book smarts and really allowing our students to get their hands dirty in the industry.” (01:50)
For example, when major media events like College GameDay visit the Eugene campus, students are integrated directly into the production. This allows you to get your “hands dirty” in the industry before you even graduate.
Much like many avenues of business today, the sports business is inherently global. The Oregon MBA reflects this reality through its “boots on the ground” approach to education. Lauren is a hands-on leader, “My role is to coach up the next generation of sports business leaders, and I take that very seriously… I’m not a leader who sits on the sidelines. I’m in the muck with everybody.” (06:20)
Additionally, the Oregon MBA sports business program hosts multiple touchpoints for international expansion and key networking opportunities.
Over the course of your two-year journey, candidates will participate in three major trips. These include excursions to New York and Los Angeles to meet with top executives.
Furthermore, an international trip takes students to global hubs like London, Milan, or Paris. These trips provide a diverse look at different workplace functions and cultural business nuances.
The sports business program boasts a strong network of alumni working across the industry. To facilitate connections, the school hosts a social platform, Lundquist Connect, which is only open to students and alumni for support and networking with established professionals.
Additionally, a weekly MBA seminar brings industry speakers into a “closed session” environment. In these rooms, current leaders share candid insights that aren’t broadcast elsewhere.
The sports industry is evolving rapidly, and the Oregon sports business MBA is designed to keep you ahead of the curve. Lauren and her team focus on “looking around corners” to identify what is next.
The types of positions in the sports industry an Oregon MBA can land with this level of preparation include:
The program currently prioritizes several key buckets of growth:
Your Oregon MBA experience culminates in a second-year capstone project. This is not a theoretical case study. Lauren says it was her favourite part of the program when she took the MBA herself. She also says it’s the best part of the program to teach and tell others about when she is explaining the Oregon MBA.
“It is a real-world, live, no messing around consulting project… It’s not like a Harvard Business School case that you’re reviewing. It’s [in the] real world with all the bumps and bruises,” Lauren enthuses. (08:50)
The consulting project deals with actual companies and unpredictability that comes with live business challenges, ensuring you are hiring-ready upon graduation.
Lauren Anderson views her role not just as a director, but as a coach. She is coaching the next generation of leaders with an open-door policy and a “member of the family” approach.
Lauren looks for those who dedicate themselves to the world of sport and business. She says, “This is a tremendously exciting business… multiple trillion dollar industry… If you’re not passionate about the business, you’re going to get blown by by somebody who is.” (14:20)
If you are passionate about the business of sport, not just the games, then this program is your launchpad.
The future of sports business is being written now, and it extends far beyond Eugene, Oregon. Are you ready to take your place in the boardroom? Explore how the Oregon MBA in Sports Business can transform your career and connect you to the global sports elite.
Want to study at the University of Oregon, Lundquist School of Business? Take our eligibility quiz to see if you qualify!
