University of New Haven Sport Management Graduate Students Excel at National Sports Forum Case Cup

Graduate students from the University of New Haven’s M.S. in Sport Management program recently participated in the prestigious Case Cup in St. Louis, one of the sport business industry’s premier events. Competing against top graduate programs across the country, students were challenged to analyze and present strategic solutions to a real-world sport-business case within 24 hours, while also engaging with leading executives and organizations shaping the future of sport.

Experiences such as the NSF Case Cup reflect the strength and global positioning of the University’s master’s program in sport management. Ranked among the top programs worldwide by SportBusiness, the M.S. in Sport Management is recognized for its overall quality and, especially, for the outcomes it delivers, ranking among the top globally for employment, career advancement, and industry engagement. The program has been ranked among the best, with particularly strong performance in areas such as industry network, sport industry employment outcomes, and return on investment.

Most notably, the program has been ranked #1 in the world for graduate employment outcomes, reinforcing its commitment to preparing graduates for successful careers in the sport industry and delivering an unparalleled return on investment.

From a program leadership perspective, participation in NSF exemplifies how these outcomes are achieved, said Dr. Ceyda Mumcu.

“As Chair of the Department of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management and Program Coordinator of the M.S. in Sport Management, I view this experience as a direct extension of our curriculum design,” she said. “NSF provided an opportunity to bring an alumna back to mentor and coach our students, place our students in front of industry executives, and challenge them to apply course concepts in a high-pressure, real-world problem-solving environment. These are the types of intentional, immersive experiences that drive both our rankings and, more importantly, our students’ development into industry-ready professionals.”

Attending the National Sports Forum and competing in the Case Cup was one of the most challenging environments I have experienced as a student. The experience was unique, not only because of the competition itself, but also because of what the Forum represents in the sports industry.

Being surrounded by executives, professionals, and a select group of students passionate about the industry created an atmosphere that immediately raised the standard.

During the competition, the biggest challenge was managing the time pressure. In just 24 hours, our team had to analyze the case, develop a strategic solution, and prepare a presentation to defend in front of industry judges. With such limited time, every decision mattered, and teamwork became essential to move forward efficiently.

What made the experience especially valuable was that it felt like a real-world setting. Beyond solving the case, it also gave me perspective on where I stand among others entering the industry and what skills I still need to continue developing. Experiences such as this challenge what you know and push you to be the best version of yourself – and to continue growing to be industry ready.

My experience at the National Sports Forum was truly one of a kind. Beyond the Case Cup competition, the trip was a great opportunity to learn, network, and connect with some of the most influential people in the sports industry. It offered insight into real-world trends, challenges, and innovations, and gave me a clearer picture of what working in sports business is really like.

The competition itself reflected many aspects of the sports industry. It was fast paced, demanding, and required strong teamwork and communication. Our biggest challenge was coming up with an idea that was both creative and realistic while showing our professionalism and understanding of the industry. It pushed us to think critically and adapt quickly under pressure. In the end, we were proud that we overcame the challenge and delivered a presentation that met and even went beyond what we set out to accomplish, thanks to the guidance and support of our mentor, Dr. Mumcu, throughout the entire experience.

I learned that even when the hours are long, the workload is heavy, and the situation feels difficult, you have to keep pushing forward. This lesson applies beyond the competition and carries into life as well. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn. No matter the outcome, it’s important to appreciate the moment and take full advantage of every opportunity.

This was my first time attending the National Sports Forum, and one of the things that stood out most to me was how connected many people already seemed to be. It showed how the sports industry truly operates.

Many professionals had crossed paths before or shared connections through colleagues and experiences. Hearing people’s backstories and how they arrived in their current roles was inspiring. There was also a wide variety of personalities, roles, and specialties present. Everyone had their own niche within the industry. I found it interesting to see how I was able to navigate conversations with different people and personalities, even when it pushed me slightly outside of my comfort zone.

One of the biggest challenges during the Case Cup was delivering our final presentation after getting less than two hours of sleep. Developing a complete strategy within a 24-hour time frame was demanding, and presenting it clearly while operating on very little sleep added another layer of pressure.

From the experience, I learned how important confidence and active listening are when navigating conversations in this industry. A breakout session led by Michigan State Deputy AD Jared Kozinn also resonated with me. He emphasized that college athletics roles are deeply relationship-driven and centered on serving the university community, which reinforced why I want to pursue a career in college athletics.

Attending the NSF conference in St. Louis was my most rewarding extracurricular experience at UNewHaven.

Our involvement began with the Case Cup, where we tackled a case study on increasing home-game attendance for the LA Kings. We had 24 hours to draft and present our proposal, which mirrored the fast-paced reality of the sports industry. We received valuable feedback from our presentations and gained insights that highlighted the skills I need to develop further.

The conference itself allowed us to network with industry professionals, including league commissioners and team presidents. Each evening, we toured local sports venues, applying our daytime knowledge in a practical setting while creating valuable connections.

This event felt more like a family reunion than a traditional networking opportunity. It challenged me and provided insights that will help me become more industry ready. Overall, the NSF experience has left a lasting impact, equipping me with both knowledge and connections that will benefit my future career in sport management.

I am beyond grateful to have coached such a bright, dedicated, and collaborative team of graduate students through the National Sports Forum Case Cup. Over the course of 10 weeks, the team pushed themselves to think critically about the evolving sport ecosystem, presenting a new case each session in preparation for the challenge in St. Louis.

While my role as the team’s coach was to guide their preparation and challenge their thinking, the qualities that make a strong Case Cup team cannot all be taught. This group embodied a positive attitude, resilience, and an undeniably strong work ethic. They approached each session with an eagerness to grow and learn.

Over time, I watched Agustina, Amanda, Emilio, and Vincent develop confidence in presenting their ideas and deepen their critical-thinking skills related to sport partnerships and marketing. I could not be prouder of how they collaborated, challenged themselves, and represented the University of New Haven on a national stage.

The National Sports Forum and Case Cup provides students with the opportunity to experience the sport industry in a real and demanding environment. Working under pressure, engaging with industry professionals, and applying classroom knowledge in real time are hallmarks of the University of New Haven’s approach to graduate education. These experiences only aligned with the program’s global rankings, and they are the reason behind them, ensuring that graduates are prepared to lead and succeed in the sport industry.