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    In-person Program

    Sports Business Bootcamp - Chicago

    by Westcoast Connection

    An immersive sports-business program combining college-level classroom work, industry case studies, a team capstone and access to Chicago sports venues.

    Last verified: 24 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
    Sports Business Bootcamp - Chicago

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    Sports Business Chicago at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    High school students

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Chicago, United States

    Cost

    $2,599 commuter

    Duration

    7 days

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

    Rolling · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Save program
    Business & EconomicsFinance

    Class size: Up to 45 students

    Accommodation: Hilton Chicago

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner daily

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate of Completion

    Site visits: 2 industry visits

    Sports Business Chicago summary

    Students explore the commercial side of sport through college-level teaching, real-world case studies and collaborative projects.

    The experience combines classroom study with industry guest speakers and behind-the-scenes visits to major Chicago sports organisations and venues.

    It suits students curious about careers in sports marketing, media, sponsorship, analytics, finance or management.

    What is Sports Business Bootcamp - Chicago?

    Sports Business Bootcamp - Chicago is an immersive career program created by Sports Biz Boot Camp and Westcoast Connection. Its academic model draws on NYU Stern's Sports Marketing and Media course, using interactive teaching, current case studies and collaborative work to introduce the commercial sports ecosystem.

    Students examine marketing, broadcasting, sponsorship, analytics, finance, league structures and emerging industry trends. Classroom sessions are paired with executives, venue visits, Chicago activities and a small-team capstone addressing a practical business challenge.

    Why Succeed highlights Sports Business Chicago

    • The curriculum connects sports enthusiasm with rigorous business topics including finance, media rights, sponsorship and analytics.

    • Professor Stephen Master brings experience from NYU Stern, the NFL and the NBA.

    • Two industry site visits and multiple guest speakers give students access beyond a standard classroom course.

    • A small-team capstone turns the week's learning into an applied sports-business strategy.

    • Completion benefits include an alumni network, professional connections and reference letters on request.

    Who is Sports Business Chicago for?

    Best for

    High-school students who want to test sports-business careers through applied classroom work, industry contact and collaborative projects.

    Not ideal if

    You want sports coaching, athlete development or a purely academic course without residential activities and group work.

    Is Sports Business Chicago worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for a student who wants a concentrated introduction to the business behind sport. The combination of structured teaching, practitioner access, venue visits and a capstone offers more career-testing value than a sightseeing-only experience.

    The program is brief, and neither attendance nor its certificate guarantees university admission or a sports-industry role. Its value depends on active participation and on whether the student later reflects on the project, contacts and career insights gained.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $2,599 commuter; includes Residential lodging, Breakfast and dinner daily, Listed recreation and entertainment, Listed day excursions, Hotel Wi-Fi, Designated-time airport transfers, Gratuities and taxes.

    Accommodation

    Hilton Chicago

    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner daily

    Provider details

    Review the Westcoast Connection provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    7 days; Chicago, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programs

    How much preparation does Sports Business Chicago need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high.

    Best started

    Begin enrollment and travel planning two to three months before your preferred summer departure.

    Main challenge

    Turning broad sports enthusiasm into a focused business strategy.

    Typical preparation

    • Review the published curriculum topics and identify two sports-business areas that interest you.

    • Read recent sports-industry news and practise separating sporting outcomes from commercial decisions.

    • Prepare questions for executives about career routes, responsibilities and early experience.

    • Plan travel, medical forms and dietary requirements well before departure.

    Useful if

    You are comfortable contributing ideas and working in a small team.

    What do students do on Sports Business Chicago?

    A typical day moves from morning curriculum into an industry visit or guest session, followed by a Chicago highlight and an evening activity. Across the week, students apply these experiences to case studies and a team capstone.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Learn the foundations of sports marketing, finance, media, sponsorship and analytics.

    2. 2

      Analyse current sports-business cases and discuss possible strategies.

    3. 3

      Meet executives and guest speakers working across the sports industry.

    4. 4

      Visit two Chicago sports venues or organisations for operational insight.

    5. 5

      Develop a sponsorship and activation strategy in a small team.

    6. 6

      Present or complete the capstone using lessons gathered across the week.

    Sports Business Chicago dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    Enrollment continues until departure or capacity is reached.

    Reference date

    Commuter session

    12-16 July

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • High-school students

    • Interest in sports business or related careers

    • Readiness for a respectful group environment

    • International students welcomed

    • Programme-specific enrollment required

    How much does Sports Business Chicago cost?

    Commuter tuition

    $2,599 — Five weekday sessions

    Funding or discounts

    • Application deposit: $750 — Includes $600 toward tuition and a $150 application fee
    • Scholarships: Limited provider funding — Partial awards on select programs and one full award

    What's included

    Residential lodging, Breakfast and dinner daily, Listed recreation and entertainment, Listed day excursions, Hotel Wi-Fi, Designated-time airport transfers, Gratuities and taxes

    How to apply to Sports Business Chicago

    1. 1

      Open the programme-specific secure enrollment form.

    2. 2

      Enter the participant, family and program information requested.

    3. 3

      Submit the application and required deposit.

    4. 4

      Wait for the confirmation email and enrollment-team follow-up.

    5. 5

      Complete the later activity, medical, flight and packing requirements.

    What does Sports Business Chicago cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Sports marketing and sponsorship

    Study fan engagement, corporate partnerships and activation strategy.

    Media and broadcasting

    Explore media rights, digital strategy and changing audience behaviour.

    Finance and team economics

    Examine revenue streams, ownership, salary caps and local economic impact.

    Analytics and strategy

    Use data and case studies to investigate performance and fan engagement.

    Industry capstone

    Build a sponsorship activation strategy for a new marketing partner.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Sports Business Chicago?

    A typical day during the program.

    Morning curriculum

    Interactive teaching, case studies and project work.

    Industry experience

    A site visit or guest speaker connects theory with industry practice.

    Chicago highlight

    Students visit a city attraction before dinner.

    Evening activity

    A supervised social activity concludes the day.

    Who teaches on Sports Business Chicago?

    Professor Stephen Master leads the program, drawing on more than two decades teaching at NYU Stern and executive experience with the NFL and NBA. Industry executives and specialists add guest sessions and on-site perspectives.

    The provider notes that individual guest speakers may change with professional schedules.

    Where do students stay on Sports Business Chicago?

    Residential plan

    • Hilton Chicago stay: Students stay on Michigan Avenue overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan.
    • Daily meals: Breakfast and dinner are included, with varied restaurant choices.
    • Travel support: Airport transfers are included for flights within designated times.
    • City experience: Listed recreation, entertainment and Chicago excursions are included.

    Non-residential plan

    • Day-student option: Commuters join five weekdays from approximately 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Residential tuition excludes lunches, snacks, laundry and travel to and from the program.

    What happens after Sports Business Chicago?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Use the capstone as evidence of applied sports-business interest.

    Explore career routes across marketing, media, analytics and finance.

    Join the SBBC alumni network after completion.

    Maintain connections with peers and industry professionals.

    Request a reference letter for future applications.

    The experience may support later reflection, but it does not guarantee university admission, an internship or employment.

    Where does Sports Business Chicago take place?

    The program is based in central Chicago, with residential students staying at the Hilton Chicago on Michigan Avenue. Learning extends across the city through possible visits to venues such as Wrigley Field, the United Center, Northwestern University and Rate Field, alongside cultural and recreational highlights.

    Specific venue visits are subject to changing industry schedules.

    Sports Business Chicago FAQs

    The curriculum covers sports marketing, leagues and governing bodies, sponsorships, media rights, analytics, finance, emerging sports and changes in college sport.

    Professor Stephen Master leads the program. He has taught at NYU Stern for more than 20 years and previously worked as an executive with the NFL and NBA.

    Students work in small teams on a capstone based on a sports-industry business challenge, with a published focus on sponsorship and activation strategy.

    The program includes two site visits, but the particular venues and participating professionals may change with industry schedules.

    Residential students stay at the Hilton Chicago on Michigan Avenue, overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan.

    Breakfast and dinner are included daily for residential students. Lunches, snacks and personal spending are not included.

    Yes. Commuter students attend five weekdays from approximately 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM and do not receive accommodation or lunch.

    Students receive completion recognition and join the SBBC alumni network. Reference letters are also available on request.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Summer 2027 Enrollment | Westcoast Connection
    • 2027 Teen Summer Program Availability | Westcoast Connection
    • Frequently Asked Questions About Our Teen Summer Programs
    • Chicago Sports Business Bootcamp For Teens | 7 Days

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 24 Aug 2026)

    • Program details checked

    • Curriculum reviewed

    • Accommodation verified

    • Meal inclusions checked

    • Enrollment process reviewed

    • Refund terms checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.