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Athletics Director Program

From AD to CEO: Prepare to lead the future of College Sports

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Become Resilient, Adaptable, and Sharpen Business Acumen 

Change in collegiate sports is not slowing down. NIL, revenue sharing, and roster caps are only part of today’s challenges. And in a world where artificial intelligence is pushing innovation, leading the future of collegiate sports requires new mindsets, skills, and networks.  

The Future Athletics Director Program is a 3-day in-person learning experience designed to help current ADs, deputy ADs, associate ADs and senior athletics leaders accelerate their leadership growth and enhance their business skills. In addition to building their network, participants will be immersed in our learn-by-doing model, working alongside thought leaders, sports administrators and faculty to solve real-world challenges. This allows them to turn insights into real action back on campus.

Our program, led by Joe Castiglione and the team at the University of Oklahoma's Price Executive Academy, OU Athletics, as well as experts from across industry, is a one-of-kind experience you don't want to miss.


 

Future Athletics Director Livecast



Join Sports Business Journal Live for a timely conversation with OU’s distinguished Vice President & Director of Athletics, Joe Castiglione, Price College of Business’s Director of Sports Business Programs, Dr. Sean Daly, and Price Executive Academy Director, Nick Tobey, MSOD, as they discuss the program and the critical issues shaping college sports today.
 

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Who Should Attend?

This program is designed for athletics administrators (ADs, Deputy ADs, Associate ADs, senior athletics leaders) with people leadership responsibility who are ready to advance into executive roles and contribute to the strategic leadership and navigation of their program.

Program Features

This program prepares you to:

  • Gain confidence in your ability to lead strategically and navigate the changing landscape of collegiate athletics
  • Sharpen your knowledge of financial management, revenue diversification and budgeting to the strategic operations of a modern NCAA athletics department
  • Learn how to influence key institutional stakeholders to create strategic alignment for your department.
  • Develop leadership skills that align with your values and culture, while shifting your mindset to become more resilient in a business environment full of change and disruption.

At a Glance

  • Dates July 22-24, 2026
  • 3.0 in-person learning days 
  • Learn directly from Joe Castiglione, prominent leaders in D1 Athletics, Price College of Business Faculty and Experts from Industry
  • $3,500 (includes all program-related costs)
  • Receive a Certificate from Price Executive Academy that includes digital badging

Faculty & Speakers

Session Details 

Program Day

Session Title

Big Question

Key Outcome

Wednesday

(July 22, 2026)

Time:
9:30 AM
to
4:30 PM

Location:
TBD

Resilient Leadership



 

Leadership via Improv

How can I be more present and adaptable when leading during times of volatility and uncertainty?

Apply techniques that professional improvisors use to be able to react, adapt and communicate at the top of your ability and during every important leadership moment.

Thursday

(July 23, 2026)

Time:
9:30 AM
to
4:30 PM

Location:
TBD

Power and Influence: Stakeholders and Institutional Alignment

How can I align presidents, faculty, coaches, boosters, collectives, athletes, and media partners to pursue one coherent vision?

Leave with a living “stakeholder influence matrix” that maps allies, resistors, and potential partners, as well as a concrete plan to move critical relationships closer to strategic alignment.

 


Financial Decision-Making

What financial frameworks will help me keep programs solvent when athlete revenue-sharing could redirect a major portion of annual income?

Develop a financial model for decision-making that can be applied to relevant scenarios facing modern athletics departments that maximize financial performance as the collegiate sports industry changes.

 

Investments and Capital

Where should the next dollar go—facilities, technology, coaching salaries, NIL funds, athlete services, or debt reduction—to maximize competitive edge and long-term viability?

Escalating athlete compensation and slowing media-rights growth mean yesterday’s facility arms race is no longer the default path. Learners weigh cost of capital, donor preferences, Title IX constraints, and ROI metrics to understand how to build a balanced investment portfolio.

Friday

(July 24, 2026)

Time:
9:30 AM
to
4:30 PM

Location:
TBD

Donor Relations and Fundraising Innovation

How do I grow philanthropic support with fewer resources while not cannibalizing gifts to collectives and NIL funds for athletes?

Learn how to apply social network theory to innovate your fundraising campaigns and maximize outreach efforts.

 

Strategic Thinking and Communication

In a marketplace overflowing with headlines and hype, how can I rally staff, recruits, donors, and media with impactful communication that will inspire them to play a role in implementing our strategy during times of change?

Understand your role in strategic communication and draft messaging that will establish alignment with key stakeholders up, down and across your athletics operation.


Hackathon
 



Frequently Asked Questions

When is the program?

The program runs July 22-24, 2026, with an optional “Sports Experience” on TBD.

Where will the program be held?

Sessions will be held at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium, OU Love’s Softball Stadium and the Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman, Oklahoma.

Is the program only for Division I administrators?

No. The program is designed to address challenges relevant across all NCAA divisions.

What is the cost of the program?

The tuition is $3,500, which includes all program-related costs, breakfasts, lunches, two networking dinners, coffee, snacks and refreshments throughout the day, as well as an optional “Sports Experience” on TBD.

Are there discounts available?

Yes. TBD.

When is the last date to register?

The final registration deadline is July 1, 2026.

Is there a payment plan?

Yes. If needed, we can split tuition into two payments prior to the program start date.

Are accommodations available?

Yes. TBD.

Is transportation provided?

Yes. Campus shuttles run daily from the hotel to all program locations.

 

Location

Hosted on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman, our program provides an immersive learning experience in top-tier athletics facilities, offering participants hands-on learning in venues designed for elite performance and leadership.

1185 Asp Ave, Norman, OK 73019 

Copyright 2026 The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma. All rights reserved.