2025 NSF BDSE Award Application |
The Business of Diversity in Sports and Entertainment (BDSE), in collaboration with the Sports Business Journal National Sports Forum (NSF | The Forum) , champions the advancement of diversity within the front office of the sports and entertainment industry. Through the BDSE program, NSF is committed to leveling the playing field for ethnic minority and women professionals by providing access to senior-level insights on revenue-generating strategies and fostering intentional networking opportunities designed to accelerate career growth.
About
The BDSE Award is a competitive, application-based subsidy that offers a complimentary Attendee Badge (valued at $1,895) and dedicated professional development workshops at the NSF to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds—specifically those identifying as racial/ethnic minorities and/or women—working in the business side of sports.
The NSF is the largest annual cross-gathering of senior executives in team sports across North America. Attendees represent a wide spectrum of organizations including the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, NWSL, Minor Leagues, Racing, and collegiate athletics. SBJ NSF educates sports business professionals by focusing on five core pillars: Marketing & Fan Engagement, Ticket Sales & Service, Sponsorship & Activation, Business Development, and Diversity & Inclusion.
The 2026 Forum will take place in St. Louis, MO, from February 22–24, 2026, offering three days of high-impact networking, idea exchange, and executive-level education with top decision-makers in the industry. The dedicated BDSE Workshop will take place on February 21-22, 2026.
For more information, visit: https://www.national-sports-forum.com/2026/. The BDSE workshop is reserved exclusively for up to 32 cohort members and has focused on topics such as:
- Interactive networking sessions
- Career development tips
- Sports marketing, sponsorship, ticket sales, and business development, best practices
- Guidance on sustaining success in the sports business
- Creating a harmonious work/life balance
Since its inception in 2013, the award has selected 364 diverse sports professionals to participate in the BDSE program and NSF. We will accept applications from October 15 – November 14, 2025.
Cohort Member Role and Responsibilities
All BDSE Award recipients are expected to adhere to the following guidelines and responsibilities:
- I identify as a diverse individual based on the criteria of the US Census Bureau (African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American); or Female.
- I will attend the 2026 SBJ National Sports Forum, February 22-24, 2026, and the BDSE program, February 21-22, 2026, in St Louis, MO. Participants will need to be onsite by 3 PM on Saturday, February 21, when programming begins.
- I have the support of my organization to cover the travel and hotel expenses to attend the National Sports Forum. More information on the host hotel can be found at https://www.national-sports-forum.com/2026/2026-forum.
- I will actively participate within the BDSE cohort during the 2026 SBJ NSF and continue to attend the Forum in future years to help grow the program and give back to the SBJ NSF/BDSE community.
- I have a full-time professional background in one of the five core pillars of the SBJ NSF (Marketing, Ticket Sales, Sponsorship, Business Development, or Diversity & Inclusion).
- I am a first-time NSF Attendee
- I have 5–10 years of relevant professional experience, excluding internships.
- Additionally, ideal award applicants will have:
- A passion for working and excelling in Sports Business and Entertainment
- A commitment to advance the SBJ NSF BDSE program
- A proven professional performance at an exceptional level
Involvement within diversity and inclusion programs is a plus but not required
You can return to your application at any time to review or complete your responses. Nothing will be submitted until you've clicked "Submit"