The Business of Diversity in Sports and Entertainment (BDSE), in collaboration with the Sports Business Journal National Sports Forum (SBJ NSF), is committed to expanding opportunities for racial and ethnic minority and women professionals working on the business side of the sports and entertainment industry. Through the BDSE program, participants gain access to senior-level insights and best practices across revenue-generating areas of the industry, along with intentional networking and professional development opportunities designed to support continued 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 SBJ National Sports Forum brings together senior executives and professionals from across the sports industry in North America. Attendees represent a wide range of organizations, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, NWSL, Minor League sports, racing, and collegiate athletics. The Forum provides sports business professionals with opportunities to learn, exchange ideas, and build connections, with programming focused on five core areas: Marketing & Fan Engagement, Ticket Sales & Service, Sponsorship & Activation, Business Development, and Diversity & Inclusion.
The 2027 Forum will take place in Houston, TX, from March 8–10, offering three days of high-impact networking, idea exchange, and executive-level education with top decision-makers in the industry. The dedicated BDSE Cohort programming will begin Sunday, March 7, 2027, at 10 AM CST.
The 2027 Forum will take place in Houston, TX, from March 8–10, offering three days of high-impact networking, idea exchange, and executive-level education with top decision-makers in the industry. The dedicated BDSE Cohort programming will begin Sunday, March 7, 2027, at 10 AM CST.
For more information, visit: https://www.national-sports-forum.com/2027. The BDSE workshop is reserved exclusively for a maximum of 32 cohort members and focuses on topics such as:
- Interactive networking sessions
- Professional development
- 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 nearly 400 diverse sports professionals to participate in the BDSE program and NSF. We will accept applications from October 1 – October 29, 2026.
Cohort Responsibilities
I will attend the 2027 SBJ National Sports Forum, March 8–10, 2027, and the BDSE Cohort programming beginning Sunday, March 7, 2027, at 10 AM local time in Houston, TX.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the BDSE Award, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Cohort Responsibilities
I will attend the 2027 SBJ National Sports Forum, March 8–10, 2027, and the BDSE Cohort programming beginning Sunday, March 7, 2027, at 10 AM local time in Houston, TX.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the BDSE Award, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- I meet the demographic eligibility criteria for the BDSE Award as an individual who identifies as a racial or ethnic minority and/or as a woman.
- I have the support of my organization to cover travel and hotel expenses associated with attending the 2027 SBJ National Sports Forum and BDSE Workshop. Information about the host hotel is available on the SBJ National Sports Forum website.
- I have a full-time professional background in one or more of the SBJ NSF’s five core areas: Marketing & Fan Engagement, Ticket Sales & Service, Sponsorship & Activation, Business Development, or Diversity & Inclusion.
- I have not previously attended the SBJ National Sports Forum as an attendee.
- I have 5–10 years of relevant full-time professional experience, excluding internships.