The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports

Wide angle shot looking down at presenter giving Harvard executive education lecture

Uncover new approaches for driving revenue in a rapidly evolving entertainment market. Capitalize on market disruptions to establish long-term competitive advantage.

  • Dates

    Jun 4 – 7, 2025

  • Status

    Accepting Applications

  • Format

    In-Person

  • Location

    HBS Campus

  • Fee

    $12,500

  • Application Due

    May 26, 2025

The program fee covers tuition, program materials, accommodations, and most meals.

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Few industries have been more impacted by emerging digital technology than entertainment. Some businesses capitalize and thrive. Others fail to adapt and fall behind.

The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports explores how digital technology has transformed the industry, and equips participants with powerful new approaches for driving revenue and successful strategies across film, television, publishing, music, and sports. Participants leave with fresh insights and a game plan for success in this dynamic industry.

Key Program Features

Key Topics

  • Balance risks and rewards while launching multiple projects 

  • Execute marketing strategies amidst evolving industry dynamics 

  • Allocate resources strategically across your portfolio 

  • Analyze approaches for acquiring, developing, and managing creative talent 

  • Anticipate the impact of technological change and exploit disruptive opportunities 

  • Measure threats to revenue models and capitalize on new distribution channels 

  • Assess the impact of star-driven, revenue-sharing models 

  • Build new relationships with industry peers, gaining insights into different approaches

Program Format

  • 4
    days on the HBS campus
  • 9–12
    hours of pre-program work

Case materials and a detailed schedule will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.

Who Should Attend

  • Talent in the entertainment sector  

  • Agents, managers, and other talent representatives 

  • Senior or mid-level executives in business development, marketing, and strategic planning, who work for a creative enterprise 

  • Brand managers, promoters, investors, and others who are active in the entertainment industry

Global Perspective

Two female and two male executives sit and smile around a table filled with notes.
2%
Africa
6%
Asia Pacific
18%
Europe
10%
Latin America
4%
Middle East
60%
North America

Experience

Years Worked

  • 11%

    Less than 10 years

  • 25%

    10-14 years

  • 28%

    15-19 years

  • 23%

    20-24 years

  • 8%

    25-29 years

  • 3%

    30-34 years

  • 1%

    35-39 years

Executive Status

Levels from CEO

  • 28%

    Zero

  • 23%

    One

  • 18%

    Two

  • 13%

    Three

  • 10%

    Four

  • 8%

    Five or more

Companies That Have Participated

  • BET
  • Creative Artist Agency
  • HBO
  • Live Nation Entertainment
  • National Basketball Association
  • Nike, Inc
  • Sony Corporation
  • Snapchat
  • Univision Communications Inc.
  • Viacom International Media Networks
  • Warner Bros. Records
  • YouTube

Teaching Team

All our executive education programs are developed and taught by a team of widely recognized HBS faculty. Many are skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Chair

Faculty

The HBS Experience

This in-person program takes place on our storied campus where you'll live and learn at the heart of Boston's vibrant business, academic, and technology hubs.

At HBS, every detail is carefully calibrated to drive your success. Living arrangements and classrooms that spark connection. Unrivaled academic resources. And rejuvenating fitness, dining, and cultural amenities.

View of Executive Education area of HBS campus

The dedicated Executive Education area of campus features multiple classroom buildings and three residence halls around a quad

Residence hall bedroom and bathroom, with woman looking out a window

Our well-appointed residence halls feature private bedrooms, living group lounges, and courtyards to fuel vibrant discussions

Admissions

We admit applicants on a rolling, space-available basis, so you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

The selective admissions process is based on professional achievement, organizational responsibility, and the admissions criteria for each program as described in Who Should Attend. There are no formal educational requirements for HBS Executive Education programs.

Learn more about the admissions process and requirements.

Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.