Northwood University’s Sales Management and Sport Management academic programs delivered a standout performance at the 2026 National Collegiate Sports Sales Championship (NCSSC), earning 8th place overall among 70 universities.
The two-day championship was coordinated by Baylor University and hosted by the Atlanta Hawks on Feb. 24 at State Farm Arena. Students competed in role-play sales presentations that were judged by professional sports executives.
The following Northwood competitors excelled individually:
- Julian Lee of Monroe, Michigan — No. 2 in Speed Sell and No. 5 in Ticket Sales
- Isaac Fernandez of Holland, Michigan — No. 3 in Sponsorship Sales
- Grace Livingston of Carleton, Michigan — Advanced to the Sweet 16 in Sponsorship Sales
- Mariah Thompson of Houghton Lake, Michigan — Won a viral challenge
All Northwood students participated in scheduled networking sessions and interviews with recruiters from professional sports teams across the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, and MLS. Several attendees received internship offers as a direct result of their performances and connections made on site.
“This real-world competition experience through our Sales Management and Sport Management programs equips students with industry-ready skills, professional networks, and the confidence to excel in sports sales careers,” said Dr. Andrew Anderson, an associate professor of marketing and sales who advises Northwood’s American Marketing Association Chapter.
Lane Wakefield, director of the Center for Sales Strategy in Sports and Entertainment (S3E) at Baylor University and founder of the NCSSC, praised the event’s impact: “A student from anywhere can show up and after their performance receive a job.”
The NCSSC combines high-pressure role-play selling (ticket sales and corporate partnerships divisions) with direct recruiter access, making it one of the premier pathways into professional sports sales careers.
Northwood University’s Sales Management helps students develop essential skills in sales strategy, market analysis, customer relationship management — skills that are transferable across various industries. Northwood’s Sport Management prepares students for careers across the sports industry through hands-on learning, internships, and competitions like the NCSSC. For more information about Northwood’s participation in the 2026 NCSSC, email Dr. Anderson at or call (989) 837-5152.
