50 students from Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Professional Selling, Marketing, and Sport Management programs attended the Sport Sales Workshop at Ball Arena on February 27. The event provided personalized, hands-on training and direct access to hiring managers for NBA, NHL, NFL, MLS, WNBA, MLB, and NLL sales careers.

The day began with personalized sales training sessions led by Jim Kadlecek, Director of Sports Business at the University of Mount Union, and other professional sales managers from top teams across the country. Students worked through real ticket sales scenarios, practiced objection handling, and sharpened their closing skills. These sessions provided practical experience that bridged classroom knowledge with real-world sales challenges.

An executive panel featured leaders from professional sports organizations who shared insights on breaking into ticket sales and building long-term careers in revenue generation. Panelists discussed industry trends, best practices for client engagement, and strategies for success across different leagues. Students learned how NBA, NHL, NFL, MLS, WNBA, MLB, and NLL organizations approach revenue generation and fan engagement.

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The afternoon provided students with networking and interview opportunities, giving direct access to hiring managers from professional sports organizations. Attendees practiced professional communication, explored career paths, and built connections that could lead to internships and full-time positions. Interactive segments emphasized practical skill development and prepared students for competitive roles in sports sales.

Hosting the event at Ball Arena, home of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche, allowed students to experience a professional sports environment firsthand. From the venue itself to operational insights, students were immersed in the type of environment many hope to work in, enhancing the realism of the training and networking opportunities.

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Organizations Represented

Professional Sports Organizations in Attendance

  • NBA: Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers

  • NHL: Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks

  • NFL: Cleveland Browns

  • MLB: Arizona Diamondbacks

  • MLS: Colorado Rapids

  • WNBA: Phoenix Mercury

  • NLL: Colorado Mammoth

Students gained exposure to diverse sales strategies across leagues and insights into different organizational approaches to revenue generation and client engagement.

Three people stand together and smile, holding certificates. Clay Daugherty is in the center, flanked by Madison Redina and Amanda Pacheco, who are holding their certificates. They are all wearing event lanyards and business attire in front of a dark backdrop.

A Special Thank you

A special thank you to Jim Kadlecek, TeamWork Online, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, and Clay Daughtery for providing this exceptional opportunity. Students left the workshop equipped with new skills, professional insights, and valuable connections. The future of sports sales continues to look bright, and these students are now prepared to take the next step in their careers.

To explore future opportunities and see where TeamWork Online is headed next, Check out the full schedule here: #1 Way To Find Jobs In Sports & Entertainment | TeamWork Online