In an expansive new move, Pepperdine University has announced a partnership with Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) that will create classrooms in the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.
The home to the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, Sparks and Kings (which AEG has a 50 percent ownership stake in) will house new course programs that are directed to students pursuing careers in sports management.
“Internship programs, industry conferences and other educational events also will be created together,” writes Los Angeles Times reporter Rosanna Xia. “And Pepperdine will establish MBA opportunities for AEG employees interested in furthering their education.”
Jon Werbeck, vice president of AEG Global Partnerships spoke on the recent announcement, saying, “AEG will help Pepperdine build out a strategic, educational stronghold in the heart of Los Angeles’ preeminent downtown entertainment district, L.A. Live, while AEG will get a hand in sourcing, growing and supporting the next generation of sports and entertainment business professionals.”
“Pepperdine understood the vision and the mutual benefits to really build something special and unique that nobody has ever done in this capacity,” Werbeck says. “Cultivating educational opportunities is one of the ways we like to give back to the fans and neighborhoods that support us.”
“Working together, we are excited to develop this one-of-a-kind platform.”
Provost Rick Marrs also notes that through the new partnership, with courses officially beginning in 2017, the school is establishing certifications, masters and additional MBA programs. Guest lectures and an educational series focusing on business in the NHL are also said to be in the works.
Click here to read the entire Los Angeles Times article and check out our guide for Pepperdine’s Graziadio School of Management.