Top Sports Management MBAs in Toronto

Are you obsessed with sports? Did you find yourself cheering for the Cubs first World Series win in over a century? Did you watch every match of the last FIFA World Cup? Do you participate in every fantasy league and feel that you could make a better team, get better players and make better decisions than any current sports management person? Well, then you should consider an MBA in Sports Management.

No longer are professional sports just for athletes and coaches. An MBA in Sports Management can lead to a rewarding career in almost any sports league—NBA, NFL, MLB, PGA, etc.—specializes and represents the intersection of sports and business. This type of degree requires students to be business and analytically-minded and to understand the business fundamentals that comprise a career in sports.

Sports Management MBAs know how to negotiate contracts, implement PR campaigns, and work the entire sports industry from marketing to accounting, economics, business and more. If that sounds like the ideal fit for you, there are plenty of opportunities. And while no Toronto MB specialize in Sports Management, the various schools do offer clubs, associations, conferences and undergraduate studies within the industry.

Below, we’ve outlined the various sports management options at each Toronto school.

DeGroote School of Business – McMaster University

While an MBA from the DeGroote School won’t offer a specialization in Sports Management, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of opportunities to gain experience in the field. Each year, DeGroote MBAs participate in the John Molson Sports Marketing Conference, the largest of its kind in Canada. The conference brings in students and industry experts from across North America and includes a business case competition for MBAs. DeGroote MBAs can also participate in the PrimeTime Sports & Entertainment Inc. Sports Management Conference each year. The conference connects students with executives from various leagues including the NHL, NFL, MLB, MLS and NBA.

Ivey Business School – Western University Canada

At Western University, sports management has a long history. Students can either pursue a Master of Arts or a Master of Science (MSc) degree within Kinesiology and Sports Management. The degree is two years of full-time study. It’s part of the School of Kinesiology, and upon graduation, most graduates go on to work in a variety of roles either at government agencies, public and private recreation units, marketing firms, national sport organizations and more.

Rotman School of Management – University of Toronto

Since 2011, the University of Toronto Sports and Business Association has been a beacon for students interested in a career in Sports Management. The Association consistently brings industry professionals to campus for various events as well as a yearly Sports Industry Conference.

Schulich School of Business – York University

At York University, just as at Western University, a degree in Sports Management falls under the School of Kinesiology & Health Science. The program is only available for undergraduate students, however, graduates can go on to work in Sports Management, coaching and as a program coordinator.

Ted Rogers School of Management – Ryerson University

For MBAs at the Ted Rogers School, the Ryerson Sports and Business Association offers a unique opportunity. Established in 2011, the student-run organization helps to bridge a student’s passion for sports with their interest in business. To do this, the Association hosts a variety of events with top industry experts including yearly conferences, charity events and networking nights.

In addition, undergraduates at Ryerson University have access to the Sport Media program, which prepares students for a career in sport marketing, sport theory and research as well as professional league operations.

Wilfrid Laurier University – Toronto Campus

Wilfrid Laurier University is home to the Sports Management Laurier Club. The club is committed to connecting students to professionals in the sports management industry. Throughout the year, the club hosts various events including speaker series and networking events. There’s also an annual case competition, which is judged by NHL/NBA player agents.

regions: Toronto

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