The success of sports businesses is heavily reliant on understanding why sports hold such an important place in American society and what drives consumer behavior. This course goes beyond the playbook to examine the off-field strategies that drive on-field excellence in sports. Drawing from game theory and behavioral economics, students will learn the management strategies and decision-making processes that shape sports management and operations. Topics will include best practices, analytics, and psychological factors that influence decision-making. Students will also discover how strategic interactions among teams, leagues, and athletes are used to maximize competitive advantage. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, small-group case study analyses, and video presentations you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the sports industry and its significance in American society nationally and locally.