Get in the game and gain a foundation to hit the ground running to pursue a career in sports marketing.

Step into the exciting world of sports marketing, where the business behind the game is just as thrilling as the action on the field. The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Sports Marketing Institute will provide interested and passionate students a broad perspective on all the key aspects of marketing in sports. There’s a business side and a fun side in sports marketing. Students will be challenged to interpret the concepts on both sides and in turn develop a refined understanding of how to create a creative and strategic marketing plan. Collaborating in teams throughout the week, this institute will culminate with a final presentation, in which students pitch ideas showcasing the knowledge they gained throughout the week. Additionally, this immersive experience will feature guest speakers —ranging from executives, sports marketers, and branding experts. Build your network and explore career opportunities in sports marketing, sponsorship, media, sales and much more. If you dream of a career in sports, this institute is your opportunity to learn more on how to get a ticket into this ultra competitive industry.

Unlock Your Future in Sports Marketing

Whether you’re passionate about branding, sales, media relations, or running a major sporting event, the Sports Marketing Institute will give you the tools and connections to succeed in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.

At a Glance


2025 Dates: Week of June 15 – 20

Program Length: Sunday – Friday, overnight

Who Can Apply?: Current 9th – 12th grade students

Tuition: $3,200

*Tuition is subject to change per year

Location: Winston-Salem, NC – Wake Forest University Reynolda Campus

*Courses carry no secondary school or college credit. Upon completion of the program, an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion will be awarded to all Sports Marketing Institute participants.

What’s the difference between the Sports Business and Sports Marketing Institutes?

What You’ll Experience

Topics Covered:

  • Fundamentals of Sports Marketing & Branding
  • Revenue Generation and Sales
  • Partnership Strategies
  • Promotions and Fan Engagement
  • Public Relations and Social Media
  • Creating a Marketing Plan

Hands-On Experiences:

  • Engage in interactive discussions of current events
  • Improve team-building in group activities
  • Network and listen to industry leaders
  • Visit and tour with a professional sports team(s)
  • Present a final team project

*Hands-on experiences are subject to change.


A Day in the Life

Typical Daily Schedule
  • 8:00 am – Breakfast 
  • 9:00 am – Workshop: The Sports Marketing Mullet
  • 10:00 am – Guest Speaker: Sports Media & Commentary
  • 11:00 am – Marketing Strategies in Professional Sports
  • 12:00 pm – Lunch with Pro-Sports Marketing Executives
  • 1:30 pm – Facility Tour: Pro-Sports Stadium or Arena
  • 3:00 pm – Roundtable: Sponsorships and Brand Partnerships in Sports
  • 4:00 pm – Career Pathways Panel with Sports Industry Leaders
  • 5:00 pm – Debrief & Dinner
  • 6:30 pm – Evening Activities & Free Time
  • 10:30 pm – Lights Out

*The “A Day in the Life” sample schedule is subject to change.

Meet the Academic Leader

Ted Tseng

Academic Leader, Sports Business Institute

Ted Tseng is the Director of Development for the School of Business at Wake Forest University. Prior to Wake Forest, he worked in professional sports for over 13 years, most recently serving as the Managing Director for the Denver Outlaws, a professional lacrosse team owned by the NFL’s Denver Broncos, where he oversaw all day-to-day operations for the franchise. In six seasons with the organization, the Outlaws broke league attendance records and won 2 MLL Championships in 2014 and 2016. Prior to his work with the Outlaws, Ted held sales and partnership positions with Kroenke Sports Enterprises and the Colorado Rockies. During his time in Colorado, he also served as the Founder/President of the Mile High Bowl Association, a non-profit established to bring a college football bowl game to Denver and the Rocky Mountain region. 

A native of New Jersey, Ted earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematical economics from Wake Forest before earning his MBA in sports management from the University of Denver. While at Wake Forest, he was “The Deacon” mascot for two years, which included an appearance in an ESPN “This is SportsCenter” TV commercial. Currently, Ted remains active in the sports industry serving on the Athletic Advisory Council for Wake Forest Athletics and as a Leatherhead for the Charlotte Sports Foundation, in addition to mentoring current and former students interested in pursuing a career in sports.