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Athletics Executive Program

Future Athletics Director Program

Win the Game of Sports Business

APPLY FOR PROGRAM REQUEST INFORMATION

it's not just 
fun and games.
it's a business.

Change in sports is not slowing down. And in a world where artificial intelligence is pushing innovation, leading the future requires new mindsets, skills, and networks. The Athletics Executive Program is a 3-day in-person learning experience designed to help athletics executives from college to the pros 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 in their organizations.

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

 

Future of college Athletics: Livecast

Watch this episode of Sports Business Journal Live for a conversation with OU’s distinguished Vice President & Director of Athletics, Joe Castiglione, former Ohio State University Athletics Director Gene Smith, 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 sports today.

APPLICATIONS

Apply by July 1 to be considered for the program. Scholarships are available for the program, as well. To ensure an intimate, engaging learning environment, seats are limited. 

APPLY FOR PROGRAM APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP

Who Should APPLY?

This program is designed for athletics administrators with leadership responsibility who are ready to excel in executive roles and contribute to the strategic leadership and navigation of their organization.

Program Features

This program prepares you to:

  • Gain confidence in your ability to lead strategically and navigate the changing landscape of athletics
  • Sharpen your knowledge of financial management, revenue diversification, budgeting and the strategic operations of a modern sports organization
  • Learn how to influence key institutional stakeholders to create strategic alignment
  • 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 21-23, 2027
  • Attendance is by application only
  • 3.0 in-person learning days 
  • Learn directly from Joe Castiglione, prominent leaders in athletics, Price College of Business faculty and experts from the sports 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 21, 2027)

Time:
9:30 AM
to
4:30 PM

Location:
TBD

Resilient Leadership

 How do I build and sustain teams that can thrive when rosters, regulations, and revenue models shift overnight?

Learn how to spot rigidity, identify quick-win process tweaks, and embed continuous-improvement habits across functions and teams within your department.

 

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 22, 2027)

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 23, 2027)

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.







*Program design subject to change

Strategic Lab
 

How do you develop practical, actionable solutions to the strategic challenges facing your athletic department?

 Turn your department's most consequential challenge into a concrete plan of action. Working with senior athletics administrators and faculty (including Joe Castiglione) as advisors, you'll sharpen a real strategic decision from your own department, receive direct coaching and panel-level feedback from experienced peers, and leave with a 30/60/90-day commitment you can implement immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the program?

The program runs July 21-23, 2027.

Where will the program be held?

Sessions will be held 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 the entire sports industry.

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.

Are there discounts available?

Scholarships for the program are available. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, click here.

When is the last date to register?

The final deadline to apply is July 1, 2027.

Is there a payment plan?

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

Are accommodations available?

Coming soon...

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