REGISTRATION OPENS OCTOBER 13, 2025
Step into the front office
The Tulane Summer Sports Institute immerses students in the world of professional sports and provides an insider’s look at running a professional team. Learn from some of the top executives in sports as they discuss how teams are constructed, stadiums are built, and multi-billion dollar brands are grown. From media deals and analytics to sports law and leadership, the Tulane Summer Sports Institute gives you an inside track to a career in pro sports.
Don’t just study the sports industry — experience it.
The Tulane Summer Sports Institute provides a fast-paced, interactive and interdisciplinary educational opportunity. Through real-world simulations and hands-on projects, students learn practical skills directly from top executives across pro sports. The curriculum blends sports business, law, and liberal arts to give you the playbook for running a successful pro sports franchise directly from the experts.
Inaugural Course Offering - Launching May 2026
Running a Professional Sports Team
May 11-May 22, 2026
3 credit hours
This intensive 2-week course is open to undergraduate students, immersing them in the multifaceted, high-stakes environment of professional sports team executives. Each day combines expert-led workshops with simulations that mirror real-world executive challenges, blending sports law, business, and liberal arts in a comprehensive approach to issues like venue strategy, media rights, intellectual property and organizational leadership. This course is team-taught by high-level sports executives alongside Tulane faculty, with an emphasis on practical insights. The course will include hands-on activities that simulate real-world applications, with the goal of preparing students for a career in professional sports. This course is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Tulane Center for Sport, Newcomb-Tulane College, Freeman School of Business and Tulane Law School.
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2026 Faculty
- Jeff Dorso (L '01), Senior VP & General Counsel, Sacramento Kings
- Brandon James, Senior VP of Strategic Growth & Deputy General Counsel, San Antonio Spurs
- Chelsey Antony (L'19), Senior Business Counsel, NFL Players Association
- Dan Werly, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Tennessee Titans
- Matt Sharpe, VP & Associate General Counsel, New Orleans Saints & Pelicans
- Betsy Philpott, Chief Legal Officer, Washington Nationals
- Sam Bruchhaus (B '21), Senior Data Scientist, SumerSports
- Gabe Feldman, Director of the Tulane Sports Law Program
- Eric Blevins, Tulane Sports Law Program Manager
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Summer Sports Institute (SSI)?
Tulane's Summer Sports Institute is a rigorous program where undergraduate students engage in sports-focused coursework, experiential learning, and networking opportunities within the sports industry. Students will gain a foundation in sports and develop skills that will benefit them as they pursue a career in sports.
Where and when will the Summer Sports Institute take place?
The Institute’s program takes place on Tulane's Uptown campus. The program takes place during the 2-week Maymester: May 11 – May 22.
What are the admission requirements for the program?
The program is open to undergraduate students holding sophomore, junior, or senior status.
Applications are accepted between mid-October and May 1. Click to fill out an application.
Will I need specific software?
During the program, SSI participants will have unlimited access to the required computing resources. Student laptop computers must meet the specifications as outlined by the University. Please visit Tulane's Student Computer Recommendations page for specifics.
What is the dress code for the program? Will I need business professional clothing?
Dress is business casual during classes and meetings, but students must dress in business attire for certain professional occasions, such as presentations, guest lectures, networking events, etc.
Yes, students in the SSI program receive course grades that are calculated into the students’ GPAs.
Will the courses require homework or outside reading?
Yes, students in the Summer Sports Institute will have homework and outside reading assignments. The coursework is rigorous, and the pace is accelerated in order to cover the material required for completion.
I have a disability. Will I be accommodated?
Absolutely. Students with disabilities who may require accommodations due to disability-related needs are encouraged to connect with the Goldman Center for Student Accessibility as early as possible, as this process can take several weeks. Please connect with the Goldman Center for Student Accessibility by emailing goldman@tulane.edu or calling (504) 862-8433 if you have any questions.
How much does the program cost?
Tulane's standard tuition rate and course fees will apply.
Can I enroll if I am an international student?
The Summer Sports Institute welcomes all international students from Newcomb-Tulane College.
