Alisson Toro-Lagos has built her career on telling meaningful stories. Originally from Concepción, Chile, she moved to the United States in 2004 and eventually made her way to South Florida, where she earned her undergraduate degree in television and digital media. By the end of college, life was already asking a lot of her. She was preparing to welcome her daughter into the world while also thinking through the next step in her career.
Soon after, she landed a reporting job in Cleveland, launching what would become a fast-rising career in media. Now an award-winning journalist with the Akron Beacon Journal, Toro-Lagos has earned recognition from the Associated Press Media Editors and The Press Club of Cleveland, and in 2024, she was nominated for an Emmy at the 55th Annual Central Great Lakes Regional Emmy® Awards.
As she covered the NFL, NBA and MLB, Toro-Lagos found herself increasingly interested in the conversations happening off camera. She was interviewing front office executives, hearing more business terminology and seeing firsthand how decisions around contracts, trades, and operations shaped the sports world. She then realized she wanted a deeper understanding of that side of the industry. That’s what led her to FIU Chapman’s Professional MBA in Sports Management, offered in partnership with Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea (Real Madrid Graduate School).
"The great thing about this program is that you’re kind of combining both worlds into one,” she said during a recent FIU virtual event. “The program really helped me understand the business side of sports, especially how things like contracts and trades work."
For Toro-Lagos, the decision came down to both value and fit. As an out-of-state student, she found FIU’s program more affordable than many options closer to home. She was also drawn to the program’s format and timeline, which made it possible to earn her degree while continuing to work full-time. Like many working professionals, Toro-Lagos needed a program that would fit into an already demanding schedule. At the time, she was balancing the pace of sports journalism, travel, game coverage, and family life. The flexibility of the online format made a major difference, allowing her to keep moving forward even during the busiest sports weeks.
"I’ve been able to knock out a few assignments if I’m at a Browns game or a Cavs game or a Cleveland Guardians game," she said. "You could work from anywhere. And I think that’s the biggest thing from this program."
Even from Ohio, Toro-Lagos found ways to build strong relationships with classmates, professors, and alumni. At first, adjusting to an online classroom took some getting used to, especially with the added wrinkle of international time zones for some course components. But those early challenges quickly gave way to authentic connections. From meeting FIU alumni already working in sports to connecting with professors and industry professionals on LinkedIn, Toro-Lagos was able to build relationships that extended beyond the classroom and into her career, sometimes even leading to in-person meetups when contacts traveled through Cleveland for games or events.
For Toro-Lagos, one of the most important takeaways from the FIU-Real Madrid MBA program was realizing just how many doors a graduate degree can open. While she initially pursued the MBA to strengthen her position in sports media, the experience expanded her thinking about what might come next. She is now exploring law school and has already accepted a position as a college professor; opportunities she says were made possible in part because of her master’s degree.
"If you’re looking to pivot or explore something new, or even have something to fall back on, that’s where a master’s degree can really help."
Today, Alisson Toro-Lagos continues building a career at the intersection of sports, media, and business. Whether she is reporting from the field, teaching in the classroom, or thinking ahead to law school, she carries with her a broader understanding of the industry and the confidence to keep evolving within it.
Her journey is a reminder that in sports, some of the most impactful careers are built not just by following the game, but by learning how the business works behind the scenes.
Alisson Toro-Lagos’ Advice for Aspiring Sports Business Professionals:
- Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself. A master’s degree can create opportunities you may not even be considering yet.
- Stay organized and manage your time well. Planning ahead makes it all possible to balance school, work and life.
- Use networking opportunities. Even in a fully online environment, virtual events, LinkedIn, and alumni connections can lead to real relationships and career growth.
- Be open to where the degree can take you. The skills you gain can apply to many jobs in the business.
- Ask for help and stay connected. Professors, staff, and classmates can become part of your long-term support system.
If you’re looking to grow in sports business or leadership, FIU Chapman’s Professional MBA in Sports Management offers the flexibility, industry insight and global perspective to help you take the next step.
Learn more about the Professional MBA in Sports Management program at FIU Chapman.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you work full-time while completing the FIU MBA in Sports Management?
Yes. The FIU Chapman MBA in Sports Management is designed for working professionals and is delivered fully online. Students can complete coursework on a flexible schedule while maintaining full-time employment.
What do students learn in the FIU MBA in Sports Management program?
Students in the FIU MBA in Sports Management program study core business topics such as finance, accounting, marketing, and business law through FIU, along with sports-specific subjects like sports marketing and operations through the Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea.
What makes the FIU MBA in Sports Management unique?
The FIU MBA in Sports Management offers the opportunity to earn two degree from two continents: students earn an MBA from Florida International University (FIU Chapman) and an Executive MBA in Sports Management from Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea.
How long does it take to complete the FIU MBA in Sports Management?
The FIU MBA in Sports Management can be completed in either 14 or 17 months, depending on the schedule you choose.
Is the FIU MBA in Sports Management fully online
Yes. The FIU MBA in Sports Management is fully online, with a combination of live virtual sessions and recorded content delivered through FIU Chapman and the Real Madrid Graduate School.
Do you need a business background to apply to the FIU MBA in Sports Management?
No. The FIU MBA in Sports Management accepts students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and meet admissions requirements such as submitting a resume and statement of purpose. The program includes foundational business coursework through FIU Chapman to support students without prior business experience.
What skills do students gain from the FIU MBA in Sports Management?
Students develop skills in financial analysis, communication, data analysis (including Excel), and understanding business operations within the sports industry through coursework from FIU and the Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea.
Are there networking opportunities in the FIU MBA in Sports Management?
Yes. Students in the FIU MBA in Sports Management connect with classmates, alumni, professors, and industry professionals through FIU Chapman events, virtual sessions, and group coursework. The program also offers the optional Real Madrid Experience, where students travel to Madrid to visit Real Madrid C.F. facilities, attend masterclasses, and network with sports industry executives through the Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea.
What career paths can the FIU MBA in Sports Management support?
Graduates of the FIU MBA in Sports Management pursue careers in sports media, team operations, marketing, business development, and other roles across the sports and entertainment industry. Learn more here.