SBSA Connects with Minnesota’s Pro Sports Organizations

By: Marissa Burian

This spring, members of the University of North Dakota Sports Business Students Association (SBSA) traveled to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area for an immersive experience in the professional sports industry. The trip gave students the opportunity to connect with professionals and explore career pathways across multiple organizations in one of the Midwest’s premier sports markets.

Throughout the visit, students met with professionals from the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Vikings, and the Saint Paul Saints. Each stop provided valuable behind-the-scenes insight into the operations, strategy, and day-to-day work that drives professional sports organizations.

Student reflections captured the impact of the experience:

Denver Flanagan shared, “The SBSA trip to Minneapolis was truly a special experience. Having the opportunity to engage with professionals across many major sports leagues and gain insight into their day to day responsibilities offered a valuable look into the sports industry.”

Evan Whalen noted, “Going on the trip opened the door to a number of connections and experiences for me. I was able to tour and speak with some of the most sought-after teams. In addition to the business connections and experiences, I was also able to connect with more of my peers who share similar goals.”

Casen Malo reflected, “I really enjoyed my time on the SBSA trip! I thought it was really cool to see UND alumni be able to make a break through in the sports industry.”

Beyond the professional visits, the trip also strengthened relationships among students and reinforced the value of experiential learning in preparing for careers in sports business.