FLORIDA ATLANTIC MBA IN SPORT MANAGEMENT
The MBA Sport Management program at Florida Atlantic University is a prestigious, industry-focused graduate program designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in the sports industry.
Our AACSB-accredited MBA program combines rigorous academic coursework with real-world industry experience, offering students a comprehensive education that bridges the gap between theory and practice.
MBA SPORT NEWS
MBA Sport Management Hosts Women in Sport Panel
In December, the FAU MBA Sport Management program hosted an inspiring Women in Sport Panel, featuring accomplished female professionals from the Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers, and ESPN. The panel provided students with firsthand insights into career development, industry challenges, and the evolving role of women in sports business The event welcomed Katherine Milliken (Miami Dolphins), Lauren Cochran Gilfarb (Florida Panthers), and Stephanie Prince Springmyer (ESPN), who shared their experiences navigating the sports industry and offered advice on breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields Discussions covered key topics such as leadership, career advancement, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in sports organizations.
One of the biggest takeaways from the panel was the power of networking and persistence The panelists emphasized that building industry relationships, seeking mentorship, and gaining hands-on experience through internships are crucial steps for success in sports business. The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where students had the opportunity to connect with the panelists and gain valuable career insights As the sports industry continues to evolve, events like these provide a platform for aspiring professionals to learn, grow, and shape the future of the field.
MBA Sport Management Students Securing Top Careers in Sports
The FAU MBA Sport Management program continues to help students land exciting career opportunities in the sports industry through career services and networking support. Whether online or on campus, students receive guidance to prepare for job searches, interviews, and professional networking. Through industry connections and tailored career development resources, FAU students have secured roles with leading sports organizations, from professional teams to major media companies and sports agencies. By leveraging internships, mentorship programs, and networking events, our students are making an impact in the industry
This fall, we ’ ve seen so many incredible success stories from our students securing opportunities in the sports industry While we can’t highlight them all, a few we would like to highlight include Simone Rivard-Roberts (Marketing Intern at the Palm Beach County Sports Commission), Najee Hall (Foundation Game Day Associate at the Florida Panthers), and Andre Labat (Sports Agent at First Round Management).
D I R E C T O R D A N C O R N E L Y
Dan Cornely leads the MBA in Sport Management program at Florida Atlantic University Before this role, he headed the Career Services department for graduate business students at FAU, creating a pipeline of companies hiring FAU students. With a background in college athletics and sports marketing, Dan held positions in athletic departments at Hanover College, Florida International University, Defiance College, and Next College Student Athlete (NCSA-Team Edition), where he developed a groundbreaking recruiting platform. He also served as Director of Partnerships and Recruiting Specialist at NCSA/IMG Academy, securing global partnerships and generating revenue. As a college football coach at Defiance College, he was a recruiting coordinator and special teams coordinator
Dan is dedicated to guiding students in their career paths in sport business He holds a Master of Arts in Education from Defiance College and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Hanover College, where he was an All-Conference football player and team captain He is also a Ph D candidate in Higher Education Leadership at FAU and teaches sport management courses as an adjunct professor. Dan serves as an ex-officio board member of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.
“The Florida Atlantic MBA in Sport Management program stands out for its hands-on approach, emphasizing practical experience essential for success in the sports industry. One of its unique strengths is its strong connections within the South Florida sports community, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and insights from professionals.”
“Students are required to work during their studies, enhancing their learning and preparing them for the industry's demands. This experience allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, develop key skills, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.”
“Overall, the program is committed to student growth and success by leveraging community ties and prioritizing experiential learning, ensuring students are well-positioned for thriving careers in sports management ”
O U R G R O W I N G
P R O G R A M
B Y R I L E Y E N N I S
Since joining the MBA Sport Management team in 2022, enrollment has increased by 120% Developing strategic relationships with students, and ensuring alignment wiht the Sports Management program we have seen great success when our students enter and graduate the program
Our student population is full of devoted and hard-working individuals with great aspirations to succeed in the sport industry With that being said, 94% of our students obtain a position in the sport industry As a staff we support and work closely with our students to ensure they are on the right path for future opportunities and success.
M I S S I O N &
V I S I O N
The mission of our MBA Sport Management program is the training and development of individuals who possess the ability to undertake and complete the rigors of a highquality, graduate-level business program, for a career in the management and administration of the sport industry.
Practical application of learned classroom knowledge is required and will be attained through internship and practical experiences during and after the students’ classroom tenure at FAU
P A T R I C K L A W L O R
I have seen the growth and prestige of the MBA in Sport Management grow tremendously over the past 10 years My class in 2024 had 58 students, 37 in class and 21 online. Dr. Jim Riordan started it and built under the guidance of Dean Daniel and Executive Director Presently, Dan Cornely is taking it to another level. My thoughts to all the students in the program is as the song says "Dance like no one is watching", to the students "Work hard like no one is watching, but they are always watching and hard work equals tremendous success!" Thank you for the opportunity over last 10 years to teach to these tremendous students.
Patrick Lawlor earned his B.A. in Political Science (1984) and Master’s in Public Administration (1988) from the University of South Florida While he initially considered a career in politics, his deep-rooted passion for sports led him to Florida, where he played baseball and golf. After completing his MPA, he shifted his focus to law, earning his J.D. from Nova Southeastern Law School in 1992 For over 25 years, he has been a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, serving as lead counsel in more than 200 civil trials. Throughout his career, he has specialized in representing athletes, advocating for their professional and legal interests both on and off the field.
In 1999, Lawlor became an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor, representing players primarily from Florida schools, including FAU’s Kevin Fisher. His expertise in sports representation expanded, and in 2011, he represented Patrick Peterson, the 5th overall pick in the NFL Draft He later worked with notable athletes such as Tyrann Mathieu, Jordan Jefferson, and several other NFL prospects Beyond football, he has also been involved in baseball representation, assisting All-Star pitcher Pablo López early in his career. His work in contract negotiations and athlete advocacy has provided invaluable guidance to players navigating their professional journeys
Lawlor’s passion for mentorship and education led him to the classroom, where he began teaching in 2004 at Nova Southeastern. In 2015, he joined Florida Atlantic University’s MBA in Sport Management program as a Sports Law professor at the invitation of Dr. Jim Riordan.
In 2015, his first class included nine in-person students. He takes immense pride in the accomplishments of all his students, but that first class holds a special place Several of those students have gone on to impressive careers, including Braden Birch, Director of Hockey Operations and Salary Cap with the Stanley Cup Champions Florida Panthers; Craig Bristow, Regional Director for Crane Logistics (previously working with Houston Astros owner Jim Crane); Domenica Jones, Assistant Athletics Director at USF; Adrian Pina, Assistant Athletics Director at the University of Colorado; and Joe Celli, now at Fanatics Lawlor remains dedicated to mentoring the next generation of sports professionals and takes great pride in their success
A N T H O N Y H I L L I A R D
Professor Hilliard has a very unique and diverse background in the areas of sports, law, and business, with a direct focus on the day-to-day leadership, operational elements, organizational strategy, administration, and management of companies.
He had the great privilege of studying under the direction and mentorship of Robert C. Berry "The Grandfather of Sports Law" at Boston College Law School
Anthony has over 25 years of domestic and international experience in the sports industry as an agent, sports business executive, and consultant. He guided the careers and negotiated intricate employment and endorsement agreements on behalf of professional athletes in the NBA, FIBA, NFL, CFL, MLB, FIFA, MLS, USL, WTA and the LPGA His unique international practice enabled him to represent world-class athletes who participated in leagues located in Europe, North & South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia
He is a professor of Sports Law and Global Sport Business at Keiser University and Florida Atlantic University’s MBA in Sport Management program He serves as a University of Iowa Sport and Recreation Management Program Advisory Board member, a University of Miami School of Law - Entertainment, Art, and Sports Law (EASL) LL M program Practicum Supervisor, and lectures on various sports law and sports business topics at prominent universities, law schools, and MBA programs across the country. Anthony also serves as a business strategist and consultant for athletes, coaches, universities, charitable foundations, and sport organizations.
Over the years, he has developed venerable relationships with international and domestic sports business, corporate, legal, and higher education professionals, legendary coaches, award winning journalists, marketing executives, franchise owners, league, federation, national team, and olympic committee officials worldwide.
Professor Hilliard received his Juris Doctor degree from Boston College Law School, and earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in Government from Dartmouth College
S T I M O N I A L S
Jenny Alvarez
Senior VP of Brand Chief Creative Officer for Miami Heat
"The MBA Sport program really developed me as a professional by exposing me to real-world projects and experiences With that knowledge, I was able to think more strategically and innovatively, which helped me in my previous role and current role with the Miami Dolphins. I made a lot of great connections throughout the program that helped me get to where I am today."
Zack Burleson
Director, Partnership Development at Churchill Downs & Kentucky Derby
"FAU has been amazing to me and my family on so many levels. Most importantly, Jim Riordan, Ph.D., Director of FAU MBA Sport Management program, has been key to my success and to the overall program success He gave me a chance to work for him as a Graduate Assistant and helped me getting internships at first, then my full-time job only 5 months after starting the program. I decided to get this degree at FAU because of its wonderful reputation and its impressive alumni. All teachers have at least 10 years of experience in the sports industry "
Asha Bartholomew
Manager of Events at the Miami Dolphins
“The FAU MBA Sport program helped me build on the work I had been doing in my career and take my understanding of the classroom concepts to a new level Pairing my knowledge and interest in sports and sports business with the MBA coursework was key for me to get the most out of the program. The curriculum allowed me to use sport business examples to inform my comprehension of the classroom content, which increased my understanding of the subjects being taught ”
Kacey Ryan
Supervisor of Event Staff at the Florida Panthers
“The FAU Sports Management MBA has provided me with invaluable knowledge for both my career and personal development. The program ’ s real-world approach has given me a deeper understanding of the strategic and business facets of sports management Through this experience, I’ve discovered my passion for leadership and feel more confident in my ability to make an impact. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to make a meaningful contribution to the sports industry.”
Shiv Patel
Program Specialist at the NFL Players’ Trust
“FAU has a phenomenal MBA-Sport Management program that is certain to prepare students and professionals for a promising career in the sport industry From the opportunity to network with industry professionals to being taught by current/former industry leaders. FAU has partnerships and alumni across the sports industry with many individuals in the South Florida area I was able to connect with so many industry leaders when I first enrolled at FAU just by stating I was in the program Thank you, FAU, for all that you have done for me academically, professionally, and personally!”
Bryan Perera
Brand Ambassador at the Miami Marlins
“I have had a great time in the MBA Sport Program so far! I really like the support I have gotten from the staff and how willing they are to help you with any questions you may have. Having the ability to reach out to anyone for help or advice is something that influenced my decision to choose this program. Since I started in the fall, I have had a great time as a part of the program and can’t wait to see what the future has in store!”
S T U D E N T S P O T L I G H T S
H e n o k G e r m a i n , M o r g a n G r a v l i n , J a c o b N o b l e
A L U M N I S P O T L I G H T S
S t u H a l b e r g , T a y l e r M u r r a y , N i c k S a l e r n o ,
S t e p h a n i e F o n s e c a , C h r i s C o m i n s e , K a r l y D e l a n d
SPB 6815
SPB 6406
SPB 6716
SPB 5817
GEB 6905
T H E C U R R I C U L U M
Sport Management Core Courses
Managing the Sport Enterprise
Sport Law
Sport Marketing
Financial Aspects of Sport Management
Sport Business Analytics
Elective Choices
SPB 6306
SPB 6106
ACG 6027
GEB 6217
GEB 6931
MAN 6937
ACG 6315
MAR 6815
FIN 6806
ISM 6026
MAN 6501
MAN 6296
MAN 6721
Management of Sport, Entertainment, and Convention Venues
Management and Administration of Intercollegiate Athletics
Core MBA Curriculum Courses
Financial Accounting Concepts
Communication Skills for Business Professionals
Leadership and Executive Forum
Global Environment of Management
Advanced Analysis of Accounting Data
Marketing Management in a Global Environment
Advanced Financial Management
Management of Information Systems and Technology
Operations Management
Leadership and Organizations
Global Management Strategy and Policy
R E Q U I R E M E N T S
3.0 Undergraduate GPA
4 Years of Work Experience (Preferred)
A D M I S S I O N S
Fill out departmental application found on our website
- Upload the following documents with your application:
a. Current Resume
Must include upper-division GPA (last 60 credits)
b. Personal Essay
Typed, double-spaced, 2 pages minimum.
c. Unofficial Transcripts
This step is not required for FAU graduates
More information regarding the application process can be found at the link in the side panel