What can you do with a sport management degree?

A sport management degree offers a gateway to various careers in sport management, equipping graduates with knowledge in sports marketing, finance, sports law, and event management.

From managing high-profile sporting events to supporting professional sports teams, these roles cater to individuals eager to make an impact on and off the field. While some people go on to become agents, the $450 billion athletics industry—including professional, amateur, and intercollegiate sports—offers sport management jobs and career paths for individuals with a wide range of skills and interests.¹

This blog will explore the essentials of sport management degree careers, highlighting its differences from traditional business programs, examining the career paths it can lead to, and considering whether it’s the right fit for you.

Sport management encompasses the business aspects of sports teams, leagues, and sporting events. Unlike a general business degree, which focuses broadly on areas such as finance, marketing, and management, a sport management degree tailors these concepts to the unique demands of the sports industry.

Graduates may engage in sports marketing, where they promote teams or athletes or dive into sports law, handling contracts, compliance, and legal matters related to professional sports. Some might focus on sports finance, helping teams manage budgets and plan profitable ventures, while others could pursue event management, orchestrating sporting events, and overseeing every detail to ensure a memorable fan experience.

A traditional business degree might prepare you for corporate settings, but a degree in sport management targets those who want to channel their business skills into the energetic, fast-paced world of professional sports.

Choosing a sport management career offers several unique benefits.

Beyond the promise of a typical office environment, sport management professionals often work in an exciting, high-stakes setting where the unexpected can happen at any moment. Depending on your role, you may find yourself coordinating large sporting events or attending professional sports games.

Additionally, careers in sport management offer the rare chance to network with professional sports teams, athletes, and other key players in the sports industry. Connections made in this field can open doors to exhilarating opportunities, from high-profile job positions to exclusive events.

In summary, a sport management degree paves the way for a career that’s as dynamic as it is rewarding, combining the thrill of professional sports with the principles of business.

A sport management degree can lead to diverse career paths, each providing a unique way to make an impact in the sports industry.

Here are some of the most sought-after sport management careers today:

Those interested in event management handle the planning, promotion, and execution of sporting events. Career options include roles such as event coordinator for sports leagues or game day operations manager for a professional sports team. Salaries in the management track can vary; according to the U.S. Bureau Labor Statistics (BLS), "The median annual wage for this group was $116,880 in May 2023, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $48,060."² Learn more about event management careers.

Sports professionals in media and communications manage the public relations and digital presence of sports teams and athletes. Positions include sports broadcaster, media relations coordinator, and social media manager. Discover opportunities in media, broadcasting, and communications.

For those with a knack for numbers, business and analytics offer roles like sports analyst, business manager, and financial planner for professional sports teams. Explore more about sports business and analytics careers.

If you’re not interested in sales, many sports organizations have positions for financial and budget analysts, who help teams maximize the money they have to spend on talent and training. This type of work can yield a median salary of up to $84,940, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.³

Athletic administration involves managing operations for sports organizations, from universities to national leagues. Examples include athletic director and sports program director in collegiate or professional sports. Learn about athletic administration roles.

Sports marketing and sponsorship specialists create partnerships, promote events, and manage brand strategy for professional sports organizations. Roles include sponsorship coordinator and marketing director. Explore marketing and sponsorship jobs here. According to BLS, the median annual pay for all roles, at all levels, in the marketing field is $156,580 per year.⁴

Sports agents represent athletes, managing contracts and sponsorship deals. Positions include sports agent and player representative. Sports agency is a highly rewarding field with the potential for exceptional earnings. Top agents working with high-profile athletes can reach seven-figure incomes, and the median annual wage for agents across the industry stands at an impressive $132,810.⁵ Discover more about becoming a sports agent.

Legal consultants in the sports industry handle contracts, intellectual property, and compliance issues. Career paths include sports law attorney and compliance officer. While a law degree isn't necessary to be a legal consultant, having a JD can help open up many more job opportunities for those in this role.⁶

In community and recreational management, professionals promote local sports programs and recreational activities. Careers with a sport management degree include parks and recreation director and community sports program manager.

To succeed in sport management, professionals must be adaptable, organized, and ready to work in a high-energy, fast-paced setting. Strong interpersonal skills, a passion for professional sports, and a head for business are also key.

If these qualities describe you, consider exploring the University of Kansas' online sport management degree program for a comprehensive look at your potential coursework and career paths.

For more information, contact an admissions outreach advisor for personalized advice or visit our program page today.

Whether your passion lies in sports marketing, managing sports teams, or organizing sporting events, an advanced sport management degree from KU could be your ticket to an impactful, fulfilling career.