Sports Business Summer Programs for High School Students
Updated: 7 days ago
Updated October 2026
TL;DR
Sports business summer programs let you explore the business side of sports, including marketing, sponsorships, finance, media, management, and sports analytics. This guide covers 10 options, from online courses to residential programs at universities across the United States. Costs, eligibility requirements, and program lengths vary, and some programs have not announced their 2027 dates yet. Check each program’s official website before applying, especially if you need to plan around school or travel. If you want to explore a business topic through an independent research project instead, you can also consider the Lumiere Research Scholar Program.
If you are a high school student interested in pursuing a career in sports, you can use your summer to learn about the business side of the industry. Sports business programs introduce you to areas such as marketing, management, and sports leadership. They also allow you to build relevant skills and explore possible career paths. This guide covers 10 sports business summer programs, including their costs, eligibility requirements, dates, and application details. If you’re interested in business more broadly, our guide to pre-college business programs for high school students covers additional ways to explore the field.
What can you learn in a sports business summer program?
Sports business programs focus on the work that keeps teams, leagues, venues, and sporting events running. Depending on the program, you might study sports marketing, sponsorships, media, finance, event management, athlete representation, or college athletics administration.
Some programs use case studies and group projects to help you understand business decisions. Others include guest speakers, sports venue visits, simulations, or a final presentation. Online programs offer another option if you cannot travel or prefer to study from home.
If you want a shorter, focused experience, you can also explore business summer camps for high school students!
How should you choose a sports business summer program?
Start by checking whether you meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Some options are limited to particular grades, while others accept a broader range of high school students. If you’re considering a residential program, check the dates, housing arrangements, and total cost before applying.
Next, compare what you will actually do. A program focused on sports marketing may suit you if you’re interested in sponsorships, advertising, or brand partnerships. A program that covers finance, strategy, and analytics may be a better fit if you want to understand how teams and sports organizations make business decisions.
Whether you're interested in sports marketing, business strategy, team management, or leadership, these options can help you find a program that matches your interests.
If you want to | Programs to consider |
Explore sports business, including how the industry operates and how business decisions are made | |
Learn about sports media, marketing, and how the industry connects with fans | |
Focus on leadership, sports management, and the organization of sports programs | |
Get exposure to a professional sports organization and its business environment | |
Build a broader business foundation that you can apply to the sports industry | |
Find an online option to explore sports leadership |
10 Best Sports Business Summer Programs for High School Students
Location: Online
Cost: $4,799. A separate $100 application fee applies
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admission; acceptance rate and cohort size are not specified
Program Dates: July 5–23, 2027
Application Deadline: January 28, 2027, for priority consideration. Applications after the priority deadline may be reviewed on a rolling basis while space remains available
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in grades 10–11 with a strong academic background and an interest in sports, business, and management. International students can apply
The Wharton Sports Business Academy is a three-week online program for high school students interested in the business side of sports. You’ll explore how sports leagues, teams, and organizations operate and generate revenue through marketing, media, sponsorships, and other business activities. You’ll also work with a team on a capstone project analyzing an emerging professional sports league and present your recommendations.
Why it stands out: You can learn how the sports industry works as a business and apply your knowledge to a team project based on a real sports league.
Location: Syracuse University campus, Syracuse, New York
Cost: Residential: $2,195; Commuter: $1,726. Confirm current fees on the official website
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Session I: July 8–12; Session II: July 22–26. Confirm the dates for the next session
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as graduating seniors. Confirm current eligibility requirements before applying
Syracuse University’s Sport Management Summer College program introduces you to the business side of sports. You will explore what sports managers do, the decisions they make, and the challenges they face. The curriculum includes interactive lectures, case studies, and group projects that help you understand how the sports industry works.
Why it stands out: You can explore sports management through practical case studies, group projects, and insights from people working in the field.
Location: Georgetown University campus, Washington, D.C
Cost: Residential: $6,465, including housing and meals; commuter: $5,075. A $50 application fee may also apply
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: TBA. The latest published session ran June 7–19
Application Deadline: TBA. Georgetown plans to open applications for its next summer programs on November 16
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors in good academic standing
Georgetown University’s Sports Industry Management Academy is a two-week, in-person program for high school students interested in the business of sports. You’ll explore areas such as sports marketing, media, sponsorships, business law, finance, ethics, and team and player promotions.
Why it stands out: You get to explore sports business beyond the classroom through industry guest speakers, visits to local sports venues, and practical activities.
Location: New York City, New York
Cost: Residential: $6,845; commuter: $5,580. Confirm the fees for the next session
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Two-week sessions in June and July. Exact dates for the next session are not confirmed
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Session I: Rising high school juniors and seniors, plus graduating seniors. Session II: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Confirm the requirements for the next session.
The School of The New York Times’ Sports Management program introduces you to the business behind professional sports. You’ll start with the history of sports business before exploring athlete management, sports facilities and events, the relationship between sports and society, and the future of the industry. The program also includes site visits and guest lectures from journalists and sports industry professionals.
Why it stands out: Site visits and guest speakers connect classroom lessons about sports business with the people and places behind the industry.
Location: Columbia University, New York City, New York, or Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. NSLC rents campus facilities and is not affiliated with either university
Cost: Columbia University: $4,595; Duke University: $4,395. Residential tuition includes housing and on-campus meals
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Nine days per session. The latest published schedule lists June 12–20 and June 24–July 2 at Columbia, and July 6–14 and July 18–26 at Duke. Dates for the next summer are not yet announced
Application Deadline: No fixed deadline specified. Applications may remain open while spaces are available.
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–18 who have completed at least one year of high school
NSLC’s Sports Management Program introduces you to the business side of professional sports through hands-on activities and industry visits. You’ll explore sports marketing, sponsorships, advertising, public relations, and management. Workshops and simulations let you try tasks such as representing an athlete, developing promotional content, and managing an athlete’s public image.
Why it stands out: You get to practise real sports-business tasks through simulations and explore the industry with location-specific visits, such as Yankee Stadium in New York or Duke’s basketball facilities in North Carolina.
Location: Wake Forest University’s Reynolda Campus, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Cost: $3,500, plus a $65 nonrefundable application fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Six days, Sunday through Friday. The next session dates will be released on November 1
Application Deadline: Applications open November 1 and are reviewed on a rolling basis until programs fill
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9–12 who are in good academic standing and have no school suspensions
Wake Forest University’s Sports Business Institute introduces you to the business behind professional and college sports. You’ll explore sales, marketing, branding, sponsorships, media, community relations, and college athletics administration. Through guest speakers, discussions with NCAA Division I coaches and administrators, and visits to sports facilities, you’ll learn about different careers in the industry.
Why it stands out: You can learn directly from sports industry professionals and explore how teams and athletic departments operate through facility visits and a team consulting project.
Location: UCLA campus, Los Angeles, California
Cost: Residential: $7,799 for a two-week session; Commuter: $4,799 for a two-week session
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Two-week sessions run July 3–16 and July 18–30. Residential and commuter move-out dates differ slightly
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis while spaces remain available
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9–12
UCLA Anderson’s Sports Business Academy introduces you to the business behind professional sports. You’ll learn about finance, marketing, strategy, and economics while exploring case studies and meeting industry professionals. During the program, you’ll work with a group on a final presentation proposing a solution to a challenge in the sports industry.
Why it stands out: You combine business lessons with behind-the-scenes sports venue visits and a team project focused on a real industry challenge.
Location: Philadelphia 76ers headquarters, Camden, New Jersey
Cost: $2,500, according to the supplied listing. Confirm the fee for the next session
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: TBA. The program is described as a one-week summer experience
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: The supplied listing states that the program is open to U.S. high school students entering grades 10–12. Confirm eligibility for the next session.
The Global Sports Business Academy with the Philadelphia 76ers introduces you to the business side of professional sports. You’ll learn from sports industry professionals and explore areas such as marketing, management, technology, and sports law. The program combines hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and career development sessions to help you build leadership, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills.
Why it stands out: The program offers a chance to explore sports business through the perspective of a professional NBA organization.
Location: UMass Amherst campus, Amherst, Massachusetts, or online
Cost: Residential: $3,636; commuter: $2,167; online: $1,865. Confirm the fees for the next session
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: TBA. The academy offers in-person and online formats; dates for the next session are not yet confirmed
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students
The McCormack Sport Management & Leadership Academy introduces you to the business of sports through lessons from UMass Amherst faculty and industry professionals. You’ll explore topics such as sports marketing and sales, event management, sports law, leadership, and data analytics. The program combines lectures, case studies, group work, and simulations to help you understand how sports organizations operate.
Why it stands out: You can explore sports business through practical activities and industry insights, with the option to attend online or in person.
Location: University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Cost: TBA. The current official page does not list the fee for the upcoming session. A $75 nonrefundable application fee applies.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June; exact dates have not been announced
Application Deadline: January 10, 2027
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to U.S. citizens and permanent residents
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy is a pre-college program for rising high school seniors who want to explore business. You’ll learn from Ross faculty and industry professionals through classes, workshops, and group projects. You’ll explore how businesses operate, what makes companies successful, and how effective leaders make decisions.
Why it stands out: You get to experience Michigan Ross’s collaborative, action-based approach to business learning while working with other students on practical projects.
Sports business is one part of the wider business field. If you want to compare other types of programs, this guide to 25 Business Summer Programs for High School Students is a great fit!
What to consider before applying to a sports business summer program
Choosing a summer program involves more than looking at its name or reputation. Consider your interests, preferred learning experience, budget, schedule, and eligibility requirements to find a program that fits your goals.
What to consider | Questions to ask yourself | How to use this when choosing |
Your main interest | Are you more interested in marketing, management, leadership, or the wider business side of sports? | Shortlist programs whose curriculum matches the subject you want to explore. |
The learning experience | Do you prefer classroom learning, practical activities, or exposure to a professional sports organization? | Read the program description carefully to understand what you will actually do during the session. |
Your college plans | Do you want to explore a possible major or experience learning in a university setting? | Look at the subjects covered and the type of academic experience each program offers. |
Your schedule | Can you attend a residential or in-person program, or would an online option work better? | Check the delivery format, session dates, and any attendance requirements before applying. |
Your budget | Can you cover tuition as well as travel, accommodation, meals, and other expenses where applicable? | Compare the total expected cost rather than tuition alone. |
Your eligibility | Do you meet the program's grade-level, age, and other application requirements? | Check the official program page before spending time on an application. |
Your application timeline | Do you have enough time to prepare and submit your application? | Confirm the latest deadline and gather any required documents early. |
What should you consider before applying?
Before you choose a program, check these five details:
Eligibility: Confirm your grade, age, academic requirements, and any residency restrictions.
Program focus: Look at the subjects and activities included. Sports marketing, sports management, business analytics, and athlete representation are related but different areas.
Format: Decide whether you prefer an online program, a commuter option, or a residential experience.
Total cost: Check tuition, application fees, housing, meals, transport, and any additional expenses.
Dates and deadlines: Make sure the schedule fits your summer plans. If a program has not announced its 2027 dates, check the official page before making travel or payment arrangements.
Frequently asked questions about sports business summer programs
1. What do you learn in a sports business summer program?
You may study sports marketing, sponsorships, media, finance, event management, business strategy, or sports analytics. The exact subjects depend on the program. Some focus on lectures and case studies, while others include site visits, simulations, group projects, or a final presentation.
2. Do I need to be an athlete to join a sports business program?
Not necessarily. These programs focus on the business and management of sports rather than athletic performance. Check the individual eligibility requirements, but an interest in sports, business, marketing, or management is often more relevant than playing a sport competitively.
3. Are there online sports business summer programs?
Yes. Wharton’s Sports Business Academy is an online option. UMass Amherst also offers an online format for its McCormack Sport Management & Leadership Academy. Check each program’s current schedule, time-zone requirements, and online tuition before applying.
4. Can I explore sports business through independent research instead?
Yes. If you want to investigate a question related to sports, economics, management, marketing, or analytics, you can explore the Lumiere Research Scholar Program.