Mariners partner with Seattle University to help improve diversity in sports and entertainment

The Seattle Mariners have joined as founding partners with the Seattle Kraken to support a new program at Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics to diversify leadership in sports and entertainment.

Each year, the Mariners will offer several fellowship and job opportunities for candidates enrolled in the university’s newest graduate program, an MBA in Sport and Entertainment Management (MBA SEM). Positions will be available in such areas as communications, finance, legal, Information Technology and athletic training. The Mariners and Kraken are joined in this effort by the Seattle Storm, Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Seahawks, Oak View Group and Climate Pledge Arena.

“Our Seattle teams share the goal of addressing historic inequities and creating opportunities in sports and entertainment leadership,” said Fred Rivera, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Seattle Mariners. “This program aligns with the Mariners commitment to invest in racial equity programs and initiatives. We are excited about the opportunity to partner with the Kraken as well as Seattle University on this long-term program to make progress breaking down barriers for entry into the sports industry.”

“With today’s announcement, along with more partnerships to be announced in the coming weeks, the Seattle Mariners have begun to make good on the commitments we have made to our community,” said Rivera.

Last summer, the Mariners announced a number of initiatives to advance social justice and racial equity. In addition to a diverse fellowship program, the Mariners commitments also include:

• Investing $1 million in local organizations that promote racial justice and equity through policy, advocacy and community-based initiatives;
• Commitment to spend at least $2 million each year with minority and BIPOC owned businesses through the team’s Diverse Business Partners Program. Purchases are for items ranging from bobbleheads and t-shirts to paper products, office equipment, cleaning supplies, and more;
• Helping youth from disadvantaged communities continue to play baseball and softball and advance their educations from eighth grade through high school. Through the Hometown Nine program, the Mariners cover the costs of participating in elite baseball and softball programs and provide mentorship, academic, professional and social support to the participants. The goal is to help bridge the gap that prevents a more diverse pipeline of players. The first class of Hometown Nine was announced last summer. They will be joined by another group of nine eighth graders this year.

Seattle University MBA in Sport and Entertainment Management

A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is one of the hallmarks of Seattle University’s MBA SEM, making it the first program of its kind to build on DEI as a core philosophy. It is an offering consistent with the Albers School’s 70+ year legacy of championing business as an agent of positive social change.

The Seattle U MBA SEM curriculum will focus on:

• Venue management and operation.
• Venue sustainability for sports organizations and music/entertainment tours.
• Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and anti-racism in sports, entertainment in sports and venue management.

Applications are now being accepted until May 15, 2021 at seattleu.edu/business/mba-sport-entertainment. Classes start at the end of June.