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Durban Fellows and the program's executive director visit Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

The Durban Fellows experience helps Georgetown McDonough undergraduates build business knowledge, industry perspective, and practical experience for careers in sports business.

Business Leaders First

The modern sports industry needs professionals who can understand complex business challenges and make sound decisions across functions and markets. Durban Fellows strengthen their foundation in finance, strategy, analytics, marketing, operations, leadership, and values-based decision-making, then examine how those disciplines apply to the business of sports.

Overview

The Durban Fellows program is a selective, cohort-based experience for Georgetown McDonough undergraduates interested in careers in or adjacent to the sports industry.

Fellows combine sports business coursework with industry engagement, career development, and applied learning throughout their time in the program.

Eligibility

The Durban Sports Business Fellows program is available exclusively to Georgetown McDonough undergraduate students.

Students must be in good academic standing, demonstrate a strong interest in a career in or adjacent to the sports industry, and be able to complete the 9-credit requirement before graduation. First-years and sophomores are encouraged to apply. Juniors may apply but have less time to complete the coursework and take advantage of the fellowship experience.

Business and Global Affairs and International Business, Language, and Culture students are also eligible to participate.

Program Requirements

Durban Fellows complete one required core course and six credits of approved electives.

Core Requirement

  • STRT 2220: The Business of Global Sports

Elective Options

  • ACCT 3230-10: Performance Pay in Pro Sports
  • OPAN 3242-10: Applied Data Viz for Sports
  • FINC 3231-20: Finance & Decisions in Sports
  • STRT 3235-20: Business of Sports Ethics
  • MGMT 3232: Sports Decision Making
  • MARK 3233: Sports Marketing Strategy

The Fellows Experience

Durban Fellows extend learning beyond the classroom through experiences that connect business knowledge with people, organizations, and real challenges across the sports industry.

Business Coursework

Build sports business knowledge through coursework grounded in core business disciplines.

Career Guidance

Learn from faculty, advisors, mentors, and industry leaders as you explore career paths in sports.

Experiential Learning

Gain firsthand exposure through site visits, career treks, conferences, and industry engagement.

Industry Access

Connect with people and organizations shaping the business of sports across sectors and markets.

Applied Projects

Apply classroom learning to real business challenges facing the sports industry.

Where Sports Business Can Lead

The business of sports offers career opportunities across a wide range of organizations and functions. Durban Fellows can apply their McDonough education in areas such as strategy, finance, marketing, analytics, operations, technology, media, investment, consulting, and other fields shaping the future of sports.

The fellowship is designed to help students understand that breadth, explore where their interests and strengths fit, and build the knowledge and relationships that can support their next steps.

Questions About the Program?

For academic inquiries, contact Professor Michael O’Leary, Academic Director.

For admissions or application support, contact the Undergraduate Programs Office.

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