Lazaridis School launches MBA in Sports Management at Toronto’s home of the 2026 World Cup

April 9, 2026

The Lazaridis School of Business and Economics has announced a new Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Sports Management delivered by the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University in partnership with the Global Institute of Sport (GIS). 
 
The MBA in Sports Management marks the return of the Lazaridis School to Toronto, placing students at the centre of one of North America’s most dynamic sports and entertainment markets. The inaugural cohort will begin in September 2026 with classes taking place at Toronto’s BMO Field, a FIFA World Cup 2026 host stadium, and Scotiabank Arena, home to several of Canada’s leading professional sports and entertainment franchises. 
 
The Toronto-based MBA in Sports Management combines the Lazaridis School’s rigorous MBA foundation with specialized education in the business of sport. Positioned at the intersection of global sport, media, technology and live entertainment, the program is designed to reflect the rapid evolution and commercial growth of the international sports industry. 

Students will build advanced skills in sports leadership, finance, strategy, marketing, and analytics through master classes and Laurier’s highly regarded experiential learning programming, applying these skills to solve real-world problems with real companies.  
 
“This new Toronto-based MBA in Sports Management combines the Lazaridis School’s world-class business education with the network and expertise of the Global Institute of Sport,” said Dean of the Lazaridis School, Kyle Murray. “Students will develop advanced skills and applied knowledge at the centre of Canada’s sports, media, and business ecosystem, preparing them for leadership roles while contributing to job creation, innovation, and economic growth across Ontario.” 
 
Delivered in collaboration with industry leaders, this program is designed for early- to mid-career professionals looking to accelerate or pivot into leadership roles in sport, as well as recent graduates seeking a strong business foundation and a powerful professional network within the global sports ecosystem. The MBA in Sports Management program will embed industry leaders into the classroom and students will have access to GIS global sports summits. 

“I’m excited to launch our first Canadian MBA in Sports Management taught in such a unique sporting environment in the heart of Toronto,” said Sharona Friedman, President & CEO of the Global Institute of Sport. “As a proud Lazaridis School graduate, I’m especially pleased to partner with one of Canada’s top experiential business programs. Collaborating with the powerhouse leadership of Toronto FC and exposing students to the world-renowned Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment organization brings our learning model to life in a truly exceptional way. We are thrilled to offer a unique gateway into the global sports industry for these future sports leaders.” 
 
Applications for the inaugural September 2026 cohort are now open. Learn more about the Toronto-based MBA in Sports Management, including admission requirements, application deadlines, and tuition, or register for an upcoming online information session.  

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About Wilfrid Laurier University’s Lazaridis School of Business and Economics: 

The Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University is one of Canada’s leading business schools known for its strong focus on experiential learning and program innovation. The Lazaridis School offers undergraduate, master’s and PhD programs in business and economics that prepare students to think critically, lead with integrity, and lead in complex, competitive environments. It is home to Canada’s largest business degree co-op program and offers degrees in Waterloo, Milton, and Toronto. 
 
About the Global Institute of Sport: 

The Global Institute (GIS) is a globally recognized provider of sports education, delivering industry-aligned degree programs in partnership with leadership universities and sports organizations. With satellite campuses in Miami, Sydney, Melbourne, Brussels, and now also in Toronto, GIS connects students to the heart of the global sports industry through immersive learning and access to elite professional networks.