As the global sports industry is projected to surpass $635 billion by 2029, demand is growing for professionals who can navigate the business side of sports in areas such as marketing, analytics, event management and sponsorship development.
Online Sport Business Management Degree Launches in Fall 2026
To help meet that need, Cedarville University is launching a fully online Bachelor of Science in sport business management in August 2026.
The new program combines Cedarville's Christ-centered educational mission with comprehensive business education tailored toward one of the world's most passionate and influential industries. Students will build a foundation in business principles before applying them to applications in sport marketing, sponsorship, finance, event management, administration and facility management, preparing them for careers throughout the sports industry.
Preparing Students for a Growing Sports Industry
"The sports industry continues to grow rapidly, creating new opportunities in marketing, analytics and event management," said Andrew Wonders, assistant dean for undergraduate programs in Cedarville's Robert W. Plaster School of Business. "At the same time, students increasingly seek flexible degree options that fit their professional and personal commitments. This online program allows us to meet that demand while extending Cedarville's mission to students across the country."
Industry analysts believe the rapid growth in the sports industry is fueled by an increase of media rights, sponsorships, sports technology, analytics and digital content. According to Wonders, those trends are creating more demand for graduates who blend business fundamentals with the unique dynamics of the sports marketplace.
Why Sport Business Is Different
Those dynamics make sports unlike nearly any other industry, according to Alan Geist, associate professor of sport business management
"People are passionate about sports in a way that's different from most other products and services," said Geist. "Fans invest their time, money and emotions in the teams and organizations they support. Understanding that relationship is essential for anyone who wants to lead successfully in the sports industry."
Hands-On Learning and Industry Connections
The online degree expands access to Cedarville's established sport business management program, which emphasizes practical experience through internships and industry engagement. Alongside their coursework, students will gain hands-on experience and develop professional relationships that can help prepare them for careers across the sports industry.
Part of Cedarville Online’s Growing Portfolio
The sport business management degree joins Cedarville Online's growing portfolio of fully online undergraduate programs. Designed to provide a flexible pathway to a Cedarville education, the university's online programs combine academic rigor, biblical integration and faculty mentorship for students who are unable to study on campus. Students complete coursework from wherever they live while earning the same Cedarville degree awarded to residential graduates.
Geist said Cedarville's approach goes beyond preparing students for careers.
"Sports provide a unique platform to influence people and communities," he said. "We want graduates who understand business, lead with integrity and view their work through a biblical lens."
More information about Cedarville University's online programs is available at cedarville.edu.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio’s largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
