HoopWorks: Basketball Business School

Basketball Business School is a flagship program under the A.C.T. Institute that merges basketball excellence with a deep dive into the business side of sports. It’s designed to guide high school students through the complexities of the basketball industry, preparing them not only as athletes but also as future leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals in various fields related to basketball. HoopWorks emphasizes the importance of understanding both the game on the court and the business off it.

Purpose

The HoopWorks program is focused on equipping high school students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue careers within the basketball industry beyond being a player. By blending practical basketball experience with education in sports management, marketing, analytics, media, and technology, HoopWorks aims to create well-rounded individuals ready to excel in the world of sports business.

Key Goals

1. Career Development & Lifelong Success in the Sports Industry:

Basketball Beyond Playing: The program ensures that students gain an understanding of the diverse career opportunities available within the basketball industry, such as sports management, marketing, coaching, analytics, and media.

Building Business Acumen: Participants receive hands-on experience in realworld business scenarios, learning essential skills such as entrepreneurship, event management, communication, and financial literacy, which prepares them for success in sports or other industries.

2. Bridging the Knowledge Gap Between Athletics and Business:

Fostering Dual Expertise: Just as the HER Network strives to address gender disparities in basketball, HoopWorks seeks to bridge the gap between athletic skills and business knowledge. It emphasizes the importance of combining athletic training with an understanding of how the business of basketball operates.

Promoting Financial Literacy: Teaching students the financial aspects of the basketball world, from managing contracts to understanding sponsorships, ensures they are prepared to handle financial opportunities wisely, both in sports and beyond.

3. Empowering the Next Generation of Sports Leaders:

Developing Leadership Skills: By offering mentorship from industry professionals, internships, and networking opportunities, HoopWorks fosters leadership qualities in students, preparing them to be the next generation of coaches, managers, agents, or analysts.

Expanding Access to Diverse Career Paths: The program encourages students to explore roles beyond traditional expectations, helping them understand that careers in sports can range from technology and analytics to law, marketing, and broadcasting.

Holistic Approach

HoopWorks: Basketball Business School goes beyond teaching basketball; it’s about creating the next wave of innovators and leaders in the sports industry. This is achieved through:

  • In-Depth Basketball Training: Developing a strong foundation in basketball fundamentals, game strategy, and teamwork.

  • Sports Business Education: Providing comprehensive training in sports marketing, management, analytics, and media.

  • Networking & Mentorship: Connecting students with industry professionals who guide and mentor them on their career paths.

By integrating athletic training with business education, HoopWorks ensures participants are not only skilled basketball players but also future-ready professionals equipped with the knowledge to succeed in a rapidly evolving sports landscape.

Program Components

1. Sports Management & Leadership:

  • Learning to Lead: Through seminars, workshops, and real-world projects, students gain hands-on experience in team management, operations, and leadership roles.
  • Team Operations: Participants will have the opportunity to act as general managers for a team, handling player recruitment, training schedules, and game strategies.

2. Basketball Marketing & Branding:

  • Understanding the Brand: Students learn about personal branding, sponsorships, and how to build and promote a basketball team or player.
  • Digital Marketing Techniques: The program introduces digital marketing, social media management, and content creation, helping students understand how to connect with fans and build a brand online.

3. Sports Analytics & Data Science:

  • The Role of Data in Basketball: By integrating technology and data analytics, students learn how to analyze game performance, player statistics, and how datadriven decisions impact a team’s success.
  • Real-World Analytics Projects: Students participate in projects where they analyze live game data, track player performance, and present their findings.

4. Event Management & Game Day Operations:

  • Organizing Events: Students are trained in organizing basketball tournaments, managing logistics, coordinating with teams, and ensuring smooth game-day operations.
  • Revenue Generation: Participants learn about ticket sales, sponsorships, concessions, and merchandise management, giving them practical experience in sports event management.

5. Media & Broadcasting:

  • The Voice of the Game: Students gain skills in broadcasting, interviewing players, producing highlight reels, and creating engaging sports content.
  • Public Relations: The program covers how to handle the media, craft press releases, and build positive relationships with fans and stakeholders.

Focus on Career Development

HoopWorks is designed to ensure students develop both athletic and professional skills, such as:

  • Financial Literacy: Understanding contracts, player salaries, budgeting, and investment opportunities in sports.

  • Entrepreneurship: Encouraging students to think creatively about launching their own sports-related ventures, be it in coaching, training, or sports technology.

  • Networking & Mentorship: Providing access to industry experts, internships, and networking events to help students build valuable connections.

Join A.C.T. Institute Today

Step into your future with confidence. At A.C.T. Institute, you’ll find the tools, training, and opportunities to achieve your biggest dreams—both on and off the court. The only question left is: are you ready?