How to Launch a Career in Kansas City Sports

While Kansas and Missouri may not get as much attention as other parts of the country, the Kansas City sports scene still has a lot to offer. The city got a huge boost with the Chiefs’ recent Super Bowl win, but the region has much more to offer than professional football. There’s a Major League Baseball team, a Major League Soccer team, and several semi-professional and amateur teams. Those hoping to launch their career in Kansas City sports won’t have a shortage of options.

A career with this National Football League team is more desirable than ever. Fresh off their Super Bowl LIV victory, the Kansas City Chiefs are an organization that everyone has their eyes on. So how does one earn their spot on this team? Fortunately, you don’t have to be a star running back to get a job working in the NFL. Job openings may vary depending on the time of the year and their current staffing needs, but generally speaking, teams usually need professionals to work in marketing, public relations, IT, security, accounting and financial management, human resources, player programs, digital media, and other areas. For those with more sports specific knowledge, coaching, medical support, front office roles, scouting, and video coordinating may be a good fit. Teams also need operations professionals to oversee stadium and practice facilities as well as travel operations.

If you’re hoping to secure a front office or player personnel career with the Kansas City Royals’ professional baseball team, your best bet may be to stake out the Winter Meetings. According to Baseball America, this annual December event is where all 30 MLB teams and their 160 minor league affiliates gather to discuss league business and facilitate off-season trades and transactions. This event is also where many of MLB’s current general managers began their professional journeys.¹ Many teams enter the Winter Meetings with the goal of filling positions or internships, but they do this by setting up interviews ahead of time. So, if you are interested in landing a job with an MLB team, planning ahead is critical. With proper planning, a candidate can spend the majority of their time interviewing, but without it, you may find yourself aimlessly wandering the hotel lobby hoping to run into decision-makers from the teams. Attending the Winter Meetings could help you find roles for minor and major league teams ranging from sales and advertising to scouting and front office management. For those hoping to secure a role in marketing, sales, communications, etc., it can be helpful to reach out to your professional network and see if they can connect you to a hiring manager.

The popularity of soccer is on the rise in the U.S., and Sporting Kansas City is looking to increase its fanbase. MLS attendance has been steadily increasing since 2007 and leading teams in the league are worth over $185 million each.² This increase means soccer can offer career growth and job security for those who are interested. Each of the league’s teams employs hundreds of professionals across different disciplines to keep their organization running smoothly. Teams rely on professionals ranging from fan experience coordinators and brand ambassadors to executive assistants and general managers.

While the University of Kansas is not located in Kansas City, its athletic network extends there, and beyond. This includes connections to organizations such as:³

• The Kansas City Chiefs
• The Kansas City Royals
• Sporting Kansas City
• The Kansas City Comets
• Kansas Speedway
• The Kansas City T-Bones
• The University of Missouri, Kansas City

When you join our online master’s in sport management program, you join a far reaching network that includes MLB writers, ESPN statistics analysts, chief communications officers, vice presidents, senior directors, professional athletes, and more, all of whom are ready and willing to help and support their fellow Jayhawks.

Whether you’re searching for Kansas City Chiefs jobs, Sporting KC jobs, or Kansas City Royals jobs, the key to getting in the door is to refrain from aiming too high. For those who are just starting their career, an internship or entry-level position is a great way to get your foot in the door. Those who are more established in the sport could use their professional network to reach out to personnel within the sporting organization of their choice. No matter what job you take in order to join the organization of your dreams, remain humble and strive to be the best at whatever task you’re assigned.

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When you earn an online master’s in sport management from the University of Kansas, you don’t just gain the skills and knowledge to get ahead in the sports industry. You gain a name on your resume that is globally recognized and synonymous with a legacy of athletic dominance.

Join the Jayhawk family and gain a competitive edge that empowers you to apply new skills in your current role and gives you the connections to open doors in nearly any field. To learn more about our online master’s in sport management program, schedule a call with an admissions advisor or explore our site.