The Smith School hosted its 5th Annual Maryland Sports Business Conference on May 2, featuring 14 panelists and launching the Stephen M. Schanwald Sports Management Program. Students gained real-world insights on sports marketing, law, analytics and industry trends.

Stephen M. Schanwald ’77, former Chicago Bulls executive and sports marketing pioneer, announced an $8 million gift establishing UMD's Sports Management Program. During his visit, he shared industry insights with students and joined experts for a "Business of Sports" panel.

Bradley Polkowitz ’23, a double major in operations management and marketing at UMD's Robert H. Smith School of Business, now works as an international rotational analyst for the NFL. He co-founded the Maryland Sports Business Conference and helped launch the Smith School's Sports Management Program.

UMD's Sports Management Program, launched in 2023, connects students with top industry professionals and alumni from organizations like the NBA and ESPN. The 12-credit program combines practical coursework, site visits, and networking opportunities.

Steve Schanwald, a trailblazer in sports marketing, began his journey by volunteering under Russ Potts at the University of Maryland. His tenure with the Chicago Bulls solidified his reputation. Now, he joins the Sports Management Program Advisory Board, enriching the future of sports industry professionals.

Breaking into the sports industry can be difficult, but UMD students are getting a leg up on the competition with a newly launched Sports Management Program.