Introduction of the Program

Simmons University is poised to debut an innovative graduate program in sports management that specifically focuses on women, alongside an undergraduate minor. This initiative is a response to the significant rise in women’s sports visibility and engagement, as highlighted by the School of Management leadership.

Groundbreaking Perspective

“We have a legacy of being trailblazers in highlighting women’s experiences in various business fields,” noted Erin DeCurtis, Associate Dean of the School of Management. Her tenure at the institution since 2010 underscores its commitment to women-centered approaches in education.

Rising Popularity of Women’s Sports

The growing appeal of women’s sports is illustrated by Caitlin Clark’s participation in the 2024 basketball National Championship, which saw viewership for women’s games surpass that of men’s for the first time. Additionally, sponsorships for women’s sports increased by 12% from 2023 to 2024, and the Indiana Fever, Clark’s WNBA team, leads the league in average attendance, further denoting this shift in sports dynamics.

Addressing a Market Gap

Despite this upward trend, traditional sports management programs tend to cater to male-focused narratives. DeCurtis believes Simmons’ dedication to women’s-centric education and its strategic location in Boston position the University uniquely to address this gap.

Curriculum Development

Simmons plans to avoid curriculum overlap with existing programs by introducing new courses that concentrate specifically on women’s sports. Currently, students have the option to pursue a sports management minor through Emmanuel College, but the new courses aim to provide distinct women’s sports content.

Student Experience

Lauren Krupnikoff, a junior minoring in sports management at Simmons, finds the inaugural course, BUS 290: Introduction to Women’s Sports Management, significantly different from her classes at Emmanuel. She has observed an emphasis on women-focused topics and issues.

The syllabus of BUS 290 includes discussions on “the historical impacts of media gatekeeping and inequity in women’s sports.” A notable experience for students was a recent visit to Fenway Park and the New England Sports Network (NESN) studio, designed to enhance practical learning.

Faculty Insights

Justine Pouravelis, a Professor of Practice at the School of Management, emphasizes that the dynamics of women’s sports differ significantly from men’s. In BUS 290, she points out the importance of team values and identities in women’s sports, which aligns with Simmons’ core mission.

Pouravelis highlighted the inclusiveness portrayed by the Golden State Valkyries’ mascot, “Violet,” as a prime example of how values play a crucial role in women’s sports marketing strategies.

Future Aspirations

Dean Astrid Sheil of the School of Management envisions this new curriculum as a pivotal element for the University’s growth. “I really thought that sports management could be our North Star to growth,” she remarked, indicating ambitions for the eventual establishment of a full undergraduate major in the field.

While the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee has approved the new minor, it remains uncertain how many students will enroll. Simmons is optimistic about its investment in women’s sports and looks forward to the program’s impact.