10 Affordable Online MBA in Sports Management Programs 2027

The sports industry runs on the same financial discipline and strategic planning as any other business, from negotiating sponsorship deals to managing a franchise's budget. An MBA with a sports management concentration is built for exactly that intersection, pairing core business training in finance and marketing with coursework in event operations, facility management, and sports law.

Building that combination of skills doesn't require an expensive degree. A number of accredited, affordable online MBA programs deliver genuine sports business training without steep tuition. This guide rounds up ten of those programs, along with what the coursework covers and what to expect from each one.

What Is a Master of Business Administration in Sports Management?

An MBA in sports management is a graduate degree that blends core business education with specialized training in the sports industry. It prepares students for leadership roles by covering topics like sports marketing, finance, operations, and event management within athletic and recreational organizations.

How Much Does an Online MBA in Sports Management Cost?

The cost of an online MBA in sports management typically ranges from $10,000 to $25,000. Prices vary based on the school, program length, and whether the institution is public or private. Some universities may offer lower rates for in-state students or military-affiliated learners, as well as scholarships for online students.

Cheapest Online Sports Management MBA Programs

There are many online MBA programs that offer quality education. If you're looking to earn an MBA in sports management, check out the affordable program below.

1. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University offers a 33-credit MBA with a sports management concentration, covering core business coursework alongside specialized training in sports promotion, facility management, and legal issues in athletics. The program is available both online and on campus, and no GMAT or GRE score is required for admission.

Most students complete the degree in about one year, moving through a curriculum that blends broad business fundamentals with sports-specific electives. The flexible format suits students balancing coursework with an existing role in athletics or recreation management.

2. University of West Alabama

The University of West Alabama offers a 33-credit online MBA with a Sports Management concentration through a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Twenty-four credits of core business coursework are paired with nine credits focused specifically on sports administration, marketing, and finance.

Classes run in accelerated eight-week terms, and most students complete the degree in about one year. UWA's College of Business and Technology offers this concentration alongside 13 other specialization options, giving students a wide range of business programs backed by the same accreditation.

3. Midway University

Midway University offers a 33-credit online MBA in Sport Management, marketed as one of the more affordable options in its region for this specific concentration. The fully online, 15-month program blends a strong business curriculum with sports-focused coursework covering the broader sports industry.

Students with an undergraduate sport management background can pursue a 4+1 pathway, completing two MBA courses as an undergraduate that count toward the graduate degree and shortening the overall timeline. Both full-time and part-time students may qualify for financial aid to help offset costs.

4. American Public University

American Public University offers a fully online MBA in Sports Management accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), with monthly start dates and no GMAT or GRE requirement. The flexible enrollment schedule lets students begin nearly whenever fits their timeline rather than waiting for a traditional semester start.

The program is designed for working professionals who want to advance a business career specifically within the sports industry. Its self-paced structure allows students to move through coursework at a speed that matches their existing work and life commitments.

5. St. Thomas University

St. Thomas University, based in Miami Gardens, Florida, offers a 36-credit online MBA in Sports Administration through its Gus Machado College of Business, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), with the sports program itself separately recognized by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). St. Thomas launched the nation's first Sports Administration undergraduate program in 1972, giving the school a long-standing reputation in this specific field.

Coursework covers event and facility management, sports media, marketing, and the legal aspects of athletics, drawing on South Florida's position as one of the largest sports markets in the country. Six start dates throughout the year give applicants regular opportunities to begin.

6. Southeastern University

Southeastern University offers a 36-credit, 100% online MBA with a Sports Management specialization, backed by accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The program builds decision-making and human resource management skills alongside sports-specific business training.

Coursework is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles across the sports industry, and the fully online format accommodates students balancing the degree with existing work commitments. Southeastern's broader MBA program offers ten total concentration options for students who want to explore related specializations.

7. Salem University

Salem University offers an online MBA in sports and recreation management, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), covering coursework in accounting, marketing, and event management. Courses run in a monthly format that lets students concentrate on one class at a time rather than juggling multiple courses simultaneously.

This single-course pacing can make the workload more manageable for students balancing the degree with full-time employment. Most students complete the program in about one year.

8. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers a fully online sports management MBA built around leadership, strategy, and operations skills, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Multiple start dates throughout the year give students flexibility in when they begin.

Admission requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, and the application process is free and can be completed in minutes. SNHU's sports management concentration draws on the same broad support infrastructure backing the university's other online MBA offerings.

9. Ohio Dominican University

Ohio Dominican University offers an online MBA with a Sport Management concentration, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), covering courses like sport psychology, sport marketing, and sport law. Students can complete the degree in as few as 16 months.

The concentration blends social-science coursework relevant to athletics with core business functional training extended into a sports context. Ohio Dominican's business programs across the board carry the same ACBSP accreditation backing this specific concentration.

10. Lynn University

Lynn University, based in Boca Raton, Florida, offers a 37-credit MBA with a Sports Management specialization through its College of Business and Management, accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Students work on faculty-directed projects with major sports organizations, including the NCAA, NASCAR, and several professional leagues, as part of the program's experiential learning approach.

Coursework covers league governance, sports agency work, risk calculation, and intercollegiate athletics management, available both on campus and online. Most students complete the specialization within about one year.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

• Accreditation: We chose schools that are accredited by a recognized organization, like the HLC,  to ensure academic integrity.
• Affordability: All programs on this list have an estimated tuition cost under $1,000 per credit hour. Many schools also offer financial aid to help offset costs.
• Program reputation: We chose well-respected programs taught by expert faculty members and have rigorous curricula.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What To Expect From an Online MBA in Sports Management

An online MBA in Sports Management typically combines core business training with specialized courses focused on the sports industry. Coursework often includes topics like marketing, finance, leadership, sports law, event management, and facility operations. Most programs range from 30 to 36 credit hours and can be completed in about one to two years, depending on the pace you choose.

FAQs About Online Sports Management MBA Programs

Check out these commonly asked questions about sports management degree programs.

Is an MBA in Sports Management Worth It?

An MBA in Sports Management can be worth it if you're aiming for leadership roles in the sports industry. It combines business expertise with industry-specific knowledge, opening doors to higher-paying jobs and broader opportunities in areas like marketing, operations, and team management.

What Careers Can I Pursue With a Sports Management MBA?

Graduates can pursue careers in professional, collegiate, or recreational sports organizations, such as:

• athletic director
• sports marketing manager
• facility manager
• event coordinator
• sponsorship executive
• front-office executive

Are Internships Required for Online Sports Management MBAs?

Internships are not always required in online programs, but many schools strongly encourage them or offer them as electives. They provide valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities within the industry.

What Is the Highest Salary for an MBA in Sports Management?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, entertainment and recreation managers earn a median salary of $77,180. Those with the highest salaries will likely work in professional sports, as this is a lucrative field.

Learn More: Top-Paying MBA Jobs

How Long Will It Take to Get My Sports Management MBA Degree?

Most online sports management MBA programs take between 12 and 24 months to complete, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.

Discover Online MBA Programs

If you're ready to move forward in your career and the world of sports, check out the online MBA programs in sports management on Learn.org. When you want to learn more about a particular program, contact them directly.