In just eight weeks, you’ll develop the skills necessary to excel as a data analyst in sports, straight from a pioneer in sports analytics.
To work in sports analytics and AI requires knowledge of the tools teams use to collect player data, parse with SQL, unify with Databricks, apply data science with Python and R, evaluate results with GenAI, and story tell with visualizations. These skills are the foundations of AI analytics for all sports and the focus of our 8-week online course led by sports analytics pioneer Ari Kaplan. Sports analytics roles require the skills taught here!
NEXT START DATE: January 12
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Sports teams are rapidly hiring people with skills in analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning because data now drives every major decision in modern sports.
Knowing SQL, Python, and R is the baseline. To stand out, you need additional skills in AI, GenAI, predictive modeling, visualization, and the data platforms teams use every day. This course teaches all of these using real sports data from MLB, F1, soccer, and more.
You’ll learn how teams turn raw data into AI-powered insights that influence scouting, roster moves, player evaluation, performance analysis, and business strategy.
Our 8-week Sports Analytics & AI course pairs perfectly with sport-specific analytics programs because it focuses on the technical side of analytics — the methods and workflows used across:
Teams consistently look for analysts with skills in SQL, Python, R, Databricks, machine learning, visualization, and GenAI, and this course is built to help you master them.
Sports analytics and AI are now core requirements for landing data roles in professional sports — not optional extras.
Week 1: Value of analytics and AI across sports
How teams in MLB, NBA, NFL, F1, soccer, and more are using data, analytics, and AI today – and where the industry is heading.
Week 2: AI end-to-end walkthrough from data to insights
Follow a full workflow: raw data → machine learning → visualization → decision support.
Week 3: Fundamentals of AI, Machine Learning, and Data Intelligence Platforms
Core ML concepts used in sports: regression, classification, clustering, model evaluation, and how they’re applied to player evaluation and performance prediction.
Week 4: Sports data and technology deep dives
How teams track players, capture biomechanics and movement, and turn tracking, sensor, and video data into competitive advantages.
Week 5: Data Management with SQL
Cleaning, joining, filtering, and preparing real sports datasets to make them usable for analysis and modeling.
Week 6: Programming with Python
Building models, automating workflows, engineering features, and answering real sports questions with Python.
Week 7: Analysis with R and visualizations
Using R for statistical modeling and building clear, compelling visualizations for coaches, scouts, and executives.
Week 8: GenAI for sports, automating and operationalizing AI with MLOps
How GenAI is being used in sports today — from summarizing scouting reports to querying 3D motion-capture data in plain English — plus how teams operationalize AI models over time.
This curriculum mirrors how elite teams actually work: from data engineering and coding to AI-powered insights that non-technical decision-makers can use.
Completing this course equips you with the most in-demand technical skills in modern sports—SQL, Python, R, machine learning, AI/GenAI, and advanced data visualization—making you a strong candidate for roles across on-field analytics, front-office decision support, sports science, business intelligence, and sports technology companies.
Below are the most common and realistic job titles students pursue after the program:
Sports Analytics and AI are among the most in-demand job skills across modern sports organizations. According to feedback from teams Ari works with, pro clubs consistently require four core skills:
These are the main focus of the course — but we don’t stop there.
You’ll also learn the foundations of:
We walk through real examples of how sports organizations turn data into action in MLB, NBA, NFL, F1, NASCAR, EPL, MLS, and NHL.
Imagine your resume showcasing an endorsement from Ari Kaplan plus hands-on experience with these skills:
By the end of the course, you’ll have practical familiarity with exactly the tools and methods that sports teams use in their analytics and AI departments.
Teams want analysts who can code, build models, and communicate insights — this course is built to teach all three.
Unlike most online classes, this program is built around live, interactive Zoom video chats directly with your course mentor, Ari Kaplan.
In these weekly sessions, you’ll:
You don’t have to be an experienced programmer — Ari often shares his screen, explains each step, and then gives you the code so you can review and learn at your own pace.
Direct mentorship from a top analytics mind makes it much easier to go from theory to real-world application.
At Sports Management Worldwide, we offer five sport-specific analytics courses in:
Those courses focus on:
The Sports Analytics & AI course is the technical companion to those programs. It provides a deeper, more hands-on look at:
Sport-specific courses teach the game and context; this course teaches the coding, modeling, and AI that power full-time analytics roles.
Students who complete both types of courses are uniquely positioned to succeed in front offices and sports analytics departments.
Ari Kaplan
Ari Kaplan is one of the most influential figures in sports analytics, with more than 30 seasons in MLB and a global reputation across sports and Fortune 500 companies.
Ari’s combination of elite sports experience and Fortune 500-level analytics leadership is unmatched in the industry.
Taking this course is like getting a personal weekly meeting with one of the smartest and most respected minds in sports analytics.
Acquiring the technical skills necessary for your dream sports career is only one step. You still need to present your skills in a way that stands out in a crowded applicant pool.
At SMWW, we will:
Our goal is not just to teach you — it’s to help you get noticed and hired.
Successful graduates of the Sports Management Worldwide courses will be sent an SMWW Certificate of Accomplishment. This certificate represents not only your achievements in the course but also demonstrates your personal commitment to self-improvement and the ability to "self-train" yourself for higher positions within the sports business industry.
Weekly Interactive Zoom Video Chats: A unique aspect of each 8-week course is the opportunity for students to participate in weekly, interactive zoom video chats with Ari Kaplan, Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, fellow students, and renowned guest speakers. This is a tremendous opportunity to network within the sports industry by getting to know Ari Kaplan and fellow students personally. This allows ample opportunity to network, ask questions, and discuss aspects of the course openly with instructors and fellow classmates. The interactive zoom video chats are available via any online computer with a microphone. If you are unable to attend the chats, they are archived and you can listen at a more convenient time. These chats are so popular that graduates continue to come back and participate to enhance their opportunities.
Online Education: This innovative academic course is facilitated through a Web-based educational delivery system. You will enjoy the online discussion boards, weekly readings, weekly quizzes, course projects, and interaction amongst fellow sports business-minded students and faculty. The course content is the foundation for a successful career as a sports agent.
Global Participation: SMWW students participate from over 162 countries. Courses have an international influence and instructors will cater assignments to specific countries or leagues. Countries with economic challenges are eligible for economic discounts.
University Credit Available: For additional fees to Fort Hays State University in Kansas, you may receive graduate or undergraduate university credit for Sports Management Worldwide's courses. Click here for more information.
Sports Career Conferences: Throughout the year, Sports Management Worldwide hosts Sports Career Conferences at a variety of sporting events. These are fabulous networking events that put SMWW alumni in the heart of the action. Opportunities to meet head coaches, gm's, player personnel, scouts, and fellow sports agents are facilitated. Visit SMWW Sports Career Conferences to learn more. SMWW alumni receive discounts.
Advanced Certificates: Want to take your career to the next level? Our Advanced Certificates have been hand-selected by our team of sports industry experts to put you on a path to success. These bundles allow you to take advantage of our biggest discount available, by bundling multiple courses and becoming an expert in that field. Learn more about our Advanced Certificates here.
Military Discount: For those individuals who represent their country in military service, (active, reserve, or retired) we offer a discount. Thank you for serving your country! For more information on the Military Discount please Click Here.
Tax Write Off (For USA Citizens): SMWW course tuition, books, and supplies can be used for education tax credits. Save your receipts and consult with your tax advisor on how this applies to you.
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THREE MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF $550
Or a single payment of $1,650 Includes all course textbooks and access to a web-based classroom. Shipping is additional.
APPROXIMATELY $1650
If we offer an economic discount in your country, it is included in the estimate above. Exact pricing including the discount is shown before you complete checkout. Payment plan options are provided during checkout. PAYMENT METHODS:
       Prerequisites: Must be 18 or older to participate and have a passion for sports.
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Kansas City Royals Manager
NetScouts Basketball
NHL Arizona Coyotes
International Scout/Analyst (AUS, NZ, ASIA)
Former pro basketball player
Retired Houston Astros Pitcher, 3rd Round Draft Pick
Preparation is never enough and mostly in sports. SMMW and Ari Kaplan support me a lot and gave me several tools that I put it into practice immediately. The result: first championship for our team in 13 years.
Preparation is never enough and mostly in sports. SMMW and Ari Kaplan support me a lot and gave me several tools that I put it into practice immediately. The result: first championship for our team in 13 years.
I would just like to thank you for the last 8 weeks through the course. It is the first time I have enjoyed studying in my life. You made it extremely interesting and made the learning process as smooth as possible. Your teaching has also given me even more motivation to make a career out of it, hopefully in the NFL!
I would just like to thank you for the last 8 weeks through the course. It is the first time I have enjoyed studying in my life. You made it extremely interesting and made the learning process as smooth as possible. Your teaching has also given me even more motivation to make a career out of it, hopefully in the NFL!
As a longtime traditional baseball scout, I opted to expand my overall knowledge in baseball operations by taking the Baseball Analytics Course thru SMWW. This comprehensive program, directed by Dr. Lashbrook along with the teachings of well known statistical expert Ari Kaplan, provided an excellent foundation to allow for exploration of both sides of player evaluations. Certainly, the knowledge I gained in this course played an invaluable role in my acceptance of my latest baseball appointment
As a longtime traditional baseball scout, I opted to expand my overall knowledge in baseball operations by taking the Baseball Analytics Course thru SMWW. This comprehensive program, directed by Dr. Lashbrook along with the teachings of well known statistical expert Ari Kaplan, provided an excellent foundation to allow for exploration of both sides of player evaluations. Certainly, the knowledge I gained in this course played an invaluable role in my acceptance of my latest baseball appointment
If you need hands on experience scouting, including feedback and formatting reports, then NetScouts has an ideal option, with their in-depth scouting program. Having spent a full NCAA season scouting for them across the US, I had support the whole way. Entry into games, great seats and excellent advice. Now, with NetScouts teaming up with SMWW, they've gone to a new level. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to start out in the basketball industry.
If you need hands on experience scouting, including feedback and formatting reports, then NetScouts has an ideal option, with their in-depth scouting program. Having spent a full NCAA season scouting for them across the US, I had support the whole way. Entry into games, great seats and excellent advice. Now, with NetScouts teaming up with SMWW, they've gone to a new level. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to start out in the basketball industry.
Our ability to generate stats has gotten way ahead of our ability to make any sense of it… It's going to take a lot of work by people like Ari Kaplan before we understand what all this means.
Mike Matheny
Dave Sauriol 
Matt Lammarino
Donovan Moore
Shayla Medows
Jalen Peterkin
Dan Gould
Lewis Thomas
David Potts
