Several professional sports teams and entertainment companies are teaming up with Seattle University for a new initiative to diversify leadership in the sports and entertainment industries, according to sources.
Seattle Pi said a new Sports and Entertainment (SEM) MBA program launched at the university on Thursday (March 4). The Seattle Kraken, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Storm, Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Seahawks, Oak View Group and Climate Pledge Arena are reportedly involved in this partnership. The Kraken and the Mariners are also listed as founding partners of the agreement with Seattle U, reporters added.
"The Seattle sports teams and entertainment companies will advise on the curriculum of the new graduate program, offer fellowships to students and extend job opportunities upon the completion of the program," the website wrote.
A press release detailed the main focuses of the MBA SEM program: venue management and operation, venue sustainability for sports organizations and music/entertainment tours, and diversity, equity and inclusion and anti-racism in sports, entertainment in sports and venue management.
MBA SEM program director Maylon Hanold said this in a statement:
“We’ve designed a sports MBA with an authentic experiential immersion curriculum, where students benefit from real-world projects, and close contact with various levels of organizational leadership. We will equip our students with the leadership skills and business acumen sought after by employers and prepare them for the workplace by creating a highly diverse and inclusive community.”
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