Tyler Kirby
Henry W. Bloch School of Management Alumni
Master of Business Administration
Graduated Spring 2011
For many students aspiring to build careers in sports, Tyler Kirby’s journey from Ticket Sales Representative to Executive Vice President of Business Development at the Kansas City Chiefs offers a compelling roadmap. His career path, education, and his passion for sports, illustrate essential lessons in perseverance, adaptation, and the impact of networking.
“I had a strong passion for sports throughout my childhood and into high school, but also realized very quickly that I wasn’t going to be able to play competitively,” Kirby reflects. This realization led him to explore the business side of sports as a viable career path, where he could merge his love for sports with a sustainable professional future.
Starting as a Ticket Sales Representative in 2008, Kirby steadily climbed the ranks within the Chiefs organization. “From there I moved into a management position as a Ticket Sales Manager, then Director of Ticket Sales,” he recounts. His journey continued with overseeing Ticket Operations and eventually being promoted to Vice President of Ticketing, a role that expanded to become Executive Vice President of Business Development.
Reflecting on pivotal moments in his career, Kirby points to the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win in 2020 as a highlight. “In my position, the following year is generally a pinnacle moment for success on the business side as well,” Kirby explains. However, the pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, disrupting the sports industry at large. “Even despite the short-term challenges,” Kirby notes, “we learned a lot about our capabilities as an organization.”
When it comes to advice for aspiring sports business professionals, Kirby emphasizes the importance of understanding the business of sports beyond the games themselves. “Be interested in the business of sports more so than the games,” he advises. “There are many jobs in sports business that aren’t directly for a team, so be open-minded when searching for that first position.”
On the topic of networking, Kirby underscores its critical role in career advancement. “Professional networks are incredibly important to grow your career,” Kirby emphasizes. “Consider ways to learn from leaders in other industries as well. It might give you a different perspective that can be very beneficial in your personal growth.”
Kirby’s journey from a passion for sports to a leadership role in one of the NFL’s most prominent franchises serves as an inspiring example for current students. As Tyler Kirby continues to lead the charge in business development for the Chiefs, his story stands as a testament to the endless possibilities that await those willing to pursue their passions in the world of sports.
By: Payton Covert (she/her), Alumni Director
UMKC Alumni Relations
