Dallas, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The Dallas Mavericks have partnered with Paul Quinn College to introduce the Mavs Sports Management Major, the first NBA team-sponsored sports management degree at a Historically Black College or University. This innovative program focuses on combining classroom instruction with hands-on industry experience to prepare students for careers in the sports industry. The new curriculum, named LISTEN, aims to enhance diversity and representation in sports leadership roles while offering mentorship, networking, and real-world projects in collaboration with Mavericks executives and partners.
Dallas — The Dallas Mavericks and Paul Quinn College have launched the Mavs Sports Management Major, the first NBA team-sponsored sports management degree at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). The program began with an Opening Convocation on August 15 at Paul Quinn College, marking a formal start to a curriculum that combines classroom instruction with hands-on industry experience.
What happened
The new major, officially titled Leadership, Innovation, Sports Management, Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Networking (LISTEN), was unveiled at an event held from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on August 15 at Paul Quinn College in Dallas. The initiative is supported by the Mavericks’ Career to College program, presented by Target, and includes year-round campus engagement by Mavericks executives, partners, and sponsors.
Key details
- Program focus: The LISTEN major is designed to prepare students for careers across the sports industry by combining academic coursework with practical experiences.
- Curriculum elements: Students will complete hands-on projects, case studies, creative briefs, and presentations that address real business challenges facing the Mavericks organization.
- Campus engagement: Mavericks personnel and sponsors will participate in lectures, events, and mentorship activities on campus throughout the academic year.
- Student support: Incoming students in the major received care packages from Target containing dorm essentials and other resources to support their success.
- Entrepreneurship and business support: The partnership includes the Mavs Business Assist program to support young entrepreneurs and sponsored campus events tied to career development.
- Campus enhancements: A custom-designed mural representing the Mavericks will be installed in a residence hall as part of a campus renovation initiative.
Why it matters
The program is intended to create structured pathways from higher education into careers in sports, with a particular emphasis on improving diversity and representation in leadership and front office roles. Industry data indicate a notable disparity between the large share of Black athletes in professional sports and the relatively low representation of Black individuals in management and executive positions. The LISTEN major aims to address that pipeline gap by connecting classroom learning to applied work experiences and industry networks.
Support and partners
The new major is supported by the Mavericks’ broader community plan, known as the Mavs Take ACTION! initiative, which focuses on addressing racial inequities and advancing social justice in North Texas. The Career to College program involvement, presented by Target, includes material support for students and a commitment to ongoing engagement, while Mavericks executives and sponsors will contribute to coursework, mentorship, and campus programming.
Program structure and learning methods
The curriculum pairs traditional academic study with experiential learning. Components include:
- Applied projects that simulate real organizational challenges
- Case studies based on sports business scenarios
- Creative briefs and presentations for hands-on skill-building
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals and Mavericks staff
Context and background
Paul Quinn College is Dallas’ only HBCU and has a history of educational innovation. The collaboration with the Mavericks builds on that tradition and represents a franchise-sponsored investment in higher education at an HBCU. The partnership is positioned to expand access to sports industry careers for students of color and to provide a model for similar institutional collaborations nationwide.
By situating practical industry work alongside academic study, the LISTEN major seeks to create clear pathways into internships, entry-level positions, and leadership tracks within sports organizations. The combination of curricular design, campus presence by industry professionals, and entrepreneurial supports is intended to address longstanding disparities in representation and to prepare students for diverse roles across sports management, technology, marketing, operations, and business development.
Next steps and timeline
The major has launched with initial student enrollment and campus programming. Over the academic year, the partnership will roll out sponsored events, guest lectures, mentorship sessions, and the residence-hall mural project. Ongoing assessment of student outcomes and placement will inform adjustments to ensure the program meets its workforce and equity objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the new major?
The official name of the major is Leadership, Innovation, Sports Management, Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Networking (LISTEN), commonly referred to as the Mavs Sports Management Major.
Where and when did the program launch?
The program launched at Paul Quinn College in Dallas during an Opening Convocation on August 15, held from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Who is supporting the program?
The Dallas Mavericks partnered with Paul Quinn College to create the major. The program is supported by the Mavericks’ Career to College initiative, presented by Target, with participation from Mavericks executives, partners, and sponsors.
What will students study and do?
Students will engage in coursework and practical projects, including case studies, creative briefs, presentations, and applied projects that address real business challenges faced by the Mavericks organization. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning and networking.
How does this address diversity in sports leadership?
The major is designed to create structured entry points into the sports industry for students from communities of color, aiming to close the gap between high athlete representation and lower representation in front office and leadership roles.
Are there additional campus investments tied to the partnership?
Yes. The partnership includes sponsored campus events, mentorship programs, the Mavs Business Assist program for young entrepreneurs, student support packages from Target, and a Mavericks-themed mural in a residence hall as part of campus renovations.
| Feature | Description | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| LISTEN Major | Leadership, Innovation, Sports Management, Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Networking curriculum | Academic and career-focused training for sports industry roles |
| Experiential Projects | Hands-on case studies, creative briefs, and presentations tied to Mavericks business challenges | Real-world skills and portfolio development |
| Career to College (Presented by Target) | Program support and student resources including care packages | Material support and initial student readiness |
| Mavs Business Assist | Support for young entrepreneurs through workshops and mentorship | Pathways to entrepreneurship and small business development |
| Campus Engagement | Mavericks executives and partners on campus for lectures and events | Networking and exposure to industry professionals |
| Mural & Renovation | Custom Mavericks mural in a residence hall as part of campus upgrades | Visual campus investment and student experience enhancement |
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Additional Resources
- Diverse Education: Dallas Mavericks Partner with Paul Quinn College
- Fox 4 News: Dallas Mavericks 2025-2026 Schedule
- Culture Map Dallas: Paul Quinn and Mavericks Sports Major
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- Mavs.com: Dallas Mavericks Name Ethan Casson as President
- Wikipedia: Dallas Mavericks
- Google Search: Dallas Mavericks
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