State College: A Hub for Sports Business Growth

Recently, I joined the Sports Business Leaders (SBL) team, and I could not be more excited to integrate the amazing network of sports professionals in State College into the SBL community. During my time at Penn State, I have had the privilege of meeting so many uniquely talented and successful sports professionals. From student-athletes to entrepreneurs, professors, and athletic personnel, the experiences and testimonies of sports business success in Happy Valley are seemingly endless.

The Athletic History of Dear Old State

Penn State University, a powerhouse in college athletics, has a rich and storied history of success in a wide variety of sports. The roots of Penn State Athletics trace back to the late 19th century, with the formation of its first athletic teams in 1887. Since then, the Nittany Lions have become synonymous with excellence, grit, and tradition.

The early years of Penn State Athletics were characterized by the establishment of multiple teams, including football. The football team would go on to become one of the most iconic programs in college football history, with legendary coaches like Joe Paterno, whose tenure from 1966 to 2011 saw the program win two national championships and become a perennial contender in the Big Ten Conference.

What sets Penn State Athletics apart is not only its historical success but also the deep, unwavering support from its community. From the "We Are Penn State" chant echoing through the halls of Beaver Stadium to the passionate student sections at basketball and hockey games, the spirit of the Nittany Lions permeates every aspect of athletic life on campus.

Success at Penn State is driven by excellence, commitment, and a culture of hard work. The Nittany Lions have achieved over 50 national championships in various sports, including wrestling, women's volleyball, and men's soccer. These victories are not just about the trophies but also the legacies they create, inspiring future generations of athletes to dream big and work hard.

The Penn State Sports Business Conference

One of the coolest events that happens annually in State College is the Penn State Sports Business Conference (PSSBC). Having attended the 7th annual PSSBC in the spring of 2024, I knew that this monumental event was something I had to be a part of.

Entering the 2024-2025 school year, I joined the PSSBC planning team for the 8thannual iteration of PSSBC as a Marketing Coordinator, and I can wholeheartedly say this is an event you do not want to miss.

Headlining the two-day event is the General Manager and mastermind of the two-time Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles, Howie Roseman. That’s not all, though—also joining the conference to share his insights into all things sports journalism and reporting is longtime ESPN and FOX Sports reporter Tom Rinaldi. If hearing from these two industry giants isn't enough to garner your interest, conference attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from panelists with a variety of sports business backgrounds, including partnerships and brand growth, sports law, sports analytics, and much more.

Whether you are a fan of sports or sports business, this is a can’t-miss event. The conference offers an environment to enhance your professional network, learn from the industry’s best, and find job opportunities in sports.

A Sneak Peek at SBL State College

As I mentioned earlier, I cannot wait to integrate the athletic landscape of Penn State with the SBL community. This leads to the introduction of the first-ever SBL State College event. Located in the heart of downtown State College, this event will be held at Graduate by Hilton on April 15th and will provide the opportunity to meet with the amazing people who make up the world-renowned athletic scene at Penn State.

Additional event details will be posted to the website and on our social media!