What can you do with a sports management degree?

A sports management degree opens up many exciting career paths. Whether you dream of working with professional athletes, managing teams, or organizing major events, this degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the fast-paced world of sports. In this blog, we’ll explore what a sports management degree entails, the types of jobs you can pursue and how the skills you gain can be applied to real-world situations.

What is sports management?

At its core, sports management involves the business side of sports. This can include managing teams, organizing sporting events, marketing for teams or brands, or overseeing community recreational programs. The degree combines business, law and marketing skills with a passion for sports, making it versatile enough for many industries.

What you learn in a sports management program

Sports management programs cover a wide range of subjects. You’ll take courses in marketing, economics, law and finance that are all tailored to the industry. Students learn how to manage people, handle finances, negotiate contracts and promote events.

But what really sets sports management apart is its focus on real-world experience. Many programs require internships or hands-on projects that allow you to apply your skills in real sports settings, such as working with professional teams, organizing local sports events or handling operations at a sports venue.

Career paths in sports management

There are plenty of job opportunities for graduates with a sports management degree. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular career paths and what each job entails.

Professional sports teams

Working with professional sports teams is a dream for many sports management students. This could involve roles like team manager, coach, or scout. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for coaches and scouts is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033, making this a great area to consider. Coaches help athletes improve their skills, plan strategies and motivate teams, while scouts search for new talent.

Collegiate sports

If you’re more interested in college athletics, a sports management degree can open the door to roles like athletic director or compliance officer. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) offers a wealth of career options in college sports, including event management, marketing and athlete advising. College sports are a big business, so jobs in this sector can be both rewarding and high profile.

Sports marketing

Sports marketing professionals help promote teams, athletes and events. They may work for professional teams, athletic brands, or sports leagues. A job in sports marketing often involves creating campaigns, managing social media and working with sponsors. Sports management students learn these marketing skills through classes on promotion and advertising. The skills you develop in these areas are highly transferable, making you an asset in almost any sports organization.

Fitness and health centers

Another career path is managing or working in fitness and health facilities. As people continue to prioritize their health and fitness, the demand for fitness trainers and instructors is on the rise. The BLS projects a 14% job growth for fitness trainers and instructors from 2023 to 2033. You could manage gyms, run fitness programs, or even become a personal trainer. In these roles, your knowledge of sports and fitness will help you create programs that motivate clients and keep them safe.

Sports agencies

If you enjoy negotiating and working directly with athletes, a job in a sports agency might be for you. Sports agents represent athletes and negotiate contracts on their behalf. This career requires a deep understanding of sports law, business negotiations and athlete management. It’s one of the more competitive career paths, but it can be highly rewarding for those who are passionate about working closely with athletes.

Corporate partnerships

Many sports management graduates find themselves working in corporate partnerships, helping to secure sponsorships and advertising deals for sports teams or events. These roles require a strong understanding of both the business and sports worlds, as you’ll be dealing with contracts, marketing campaigns and brand strategy. It’s an excellent career for those with a knack for sales and communication.

Skills you gain from a sports management degree

A sports management degree doesn’t just prepare you for specific jobs—it also equips you with a broad set of skills that can be applied in various settings. These include:

• Leadership and team management: Whether you’re managing a sports team or a group of volunteers, strong leadership skills are key to success.
• Marketing and public relations: Knowing how to promote athletes, teams, or events is a crucial skill in the sports industry.
• Business and finance knowledge: You’ll need to manage budgets, negotiate contracts and make decisions that are financially sound for your organization.

These are all skills that employers across many industries are looking for, making sports management graduates well-prepared for a variety of careers.

Growth and demand in the sports industry

The sports industry continues to grow, creating more job opportunities for graduates with a sports management degree. According to the BLS, the sports and entertainment sector is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increased interest in fitness, recreational activities and sports entertainment. Additionally, technological advancements in sports analytics, data management and social media are creating new opportunities in the field.

Choosing the right school for your sports management degree makes a difference. At Central Michigan University, students benefit from hands-on learning experiences, a curriculum designed to prepare you for the real world and strong connections to the sports industry. You’ll have the opportunity to intern with professional teams, organize local sports events and work with fitness centers. These experiences will give you the practical skills you need to succeed in this competitive field.

A sports management degree is more than just a ticket to working with athletes—it’s a versatile degree that opens doors to many exciting careers. Whether you want to manage a professional team, promote sports events, or work with athletes directly, this degree provides the tools you need to succeed. With the sports industry continuing to grow, now is the perfect time to start your journey.