The College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno is pleased to announce its new undergraduate Sports Management minor. The Sports Management minor is available to all admitted University undergraduate students. Graduate students can take the courses as electives within their graduate programs.

The North American sports market topped $73 billion in 2019 and is growing at an average of 3% per year. The College’s new 18-credit hour minor will provide students with an overview of business behind the sports industry at all levels – from community sports commissions to intercollegiate athletics to professional sports organizations – focusing on the business side of the industry. No similar programs exist within the Nevada System of Higher Education.

“We are incredibly pleased to be launching the new Sports Management minor in the College of Business,” Fran Ryan, associate dean for undergraduate programs and the academic chair of the Sports Management program, said. “Both current and prospective students ask about a Sports Management program every year. It is great to be able to respond to these requests. The sports industry is dynamic and growing, and our Sports Management program will be, as well.” 

The College’s Sports Management Program Director Cary Groth is a former student-athlete and tennis coach who has spent four decades in intercollegiate athletics and administration. She served as athletic director at two NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision institutions – the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Northern Illinois – and is the CEO of the PICTOR Group, an athletics consulting company that has served more than 60 clients.

Groth will be teaching Fundamentals of Sports Management, in spring 2021. Sports Ethics and Sports and Concert Arena Management will be offered in summer 2021.

“We are very excited about adding this important educational opportunity to our academic programs,” Greg Mosier, dean of the College of Business said. “The impact of business activity encompassed by activities and events involving sports, recreation and athletics in our community, state and region is significant and growing.”