In the competitive world of sports business, diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a competitive advantage. At San Diego State University’s Sports Management MBA program, this principle is evident through our diverse student body, accomplished alumni and experienced faculty who are collectively reshaping the sports industry landscape.
Breaking Barriers in Sports Business Education
The SDSU Sports MBA program stands apart as one of the few graduate programs in sports management nationwide that consistently enrolls more women than men. This achievement is especially significant in an industry historically dominated by male professionals. Our commitment to gender equality reflects our broader dedication to developing leaders who represent diverse perspectives and experiences.
“Through my enrollment in the Sports MBA program, I have gained hands-on experience in the sports industry by volunteering at major events such as Super Girl Surf Pro and the Farmers Insurance Open,” says current student Macey Kadifa (SMBA ’25). “These experiences are equipping me with the skills and industry insight needed for a successful career in sports post-graduation.”
Alumni Success Stories: Diversity in Action
Our alumni network exemplifies how diversity drives innovation and excellence in sports business:
Amy Wesson (SMBA ’17) has made remarkable strides as Director of Partnership Marketing for the Pittsburgh Penguins, earning recognition as one of Pittsburgh’s 30 Under 30 in 2020. Wesson attributes her accomplishments to the confidence gained from the SDSU Sports MBA program and the strong alumni network that supported her professional journey.
Tatum Lockett (SMBA ’19) now serves as Guest Experience & Scheduling Specialist at Hollywood Park Management Company. She credits the program with enhancing her leadership capabilities and providing practical experiences that were instrumental in shaping her career trajectory.
Angelica Gamez (SMBA ’22) represents another success story as Manager of Corporate Partnerships with the Golden State Warriors. Her path from SDSU student-athlete cheerleader to sports industry professional highlights our program’s effectiveness in nurturing diverse talent.
Faculty Fostering Inclusive Excellence
Our distinguished faculty members bring both academic expertise and industry experience to the classroom while championing diversity in sports business education.
Dr. Vassilis Dalakas, who specializes in Sports Marketing & Sponsorships, exemplifies our program’s commitment to experiential learning: “In my course, students develop sponsorship plans on behalf of real properties and pitch them directly to an employee of the brand they targeted. This is as close to a real-world context as a classroom experience can get.”
Curriculum with a Global Perspective
The program integrates diversity throughout its curriculum, featuring courses like “Business Ethics” that address cultural agility, inclusive leadership and diversity communications in sports. Students can also benefit from our international case study trip to the Dominican Republic, or immerse themselves in a 4-month internship at a sports organization in their final semester.
Preparing Diverse Leaders for Tomorrow
Our program’s distinctive approach to diversity doesn’t just prepare students for the sports industry as it exists today—it equips them to lead the transformation toward more inclusive practices across all aspects of sports business.
By combining rigorous academic training, hands-on industry experience and a supportive community that values different backgrounds and perspectives, SDSU’s Sports Management MBA program continues to develop leaders who will shape the future of sports business.
For those looking to advance their careers in an environment that champions diversity and excellence, the SDSU Sports Management MBA program offers an unparalleled opportunity to join a community of changemakers in the dynamic world of sports management.
