Sport Management Careers
Score big with a career in sport management

Hit your winning streak with KU

In sports, decisions made in the back office are just as crucial as plays on the field. Give yourself the tools to build your best career with KU's online master's program in sport management* and lead the charge in the future of sports.

From strategic planning to effective leadership, KU's online program empowers you to navigate the complexities of the industry and emerge as a trailblazer in sport management. With hands-on learning experiences, industry connections, and a powerful alumni network, you'll be prepared to make your mark in professional leagues, collegiate athletics, and beyond.

*This program is a Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) degree in health, sport management, and exercise science with an emphasis in sport management.

Sports management career salaries

$143,730
Sports Agent1
$159,660
Marketing Manager2
$138,060
Sales Manager3

Join a thriving industry

The sports industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the global sports market expected to reach $602 billion by 2030.4

As the business of sports evolves, organizations need skilled professionals who can navigate everything from marketing partnerships to facility operations.

KU's online master's in sport management prepares you for competitive roles including:

  • Sports agent or athlete representative
  • Director of athletic communications
  • Sport event coordinator
  • Corporate partnerships manager
  • Marketing research analyst
  • Community relations director
  • Facilities manager
A close-up shot of KU students cheering at a KU basketball game.
Taylor Ashford
“My opportunities did not feel as plentiful nor possible prior to my master’s with KU and my internships.”
Taylor A., KU online M.S.E. ‘21, Community Impact Manager, Houston Texans

Gain a competitive edge

The University of Kansas online master’s in sport management is designed to help you gain the versatility and expertise employers expect. The curriculum aligns with the competencies of the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM), ensuring you graduate with a strong professional portfolio and the knowledge to excel across the sport sector.

Explore the Curriculum

Through KU’s online master’s in sport management, you’ll build skills such as:

  • Leadership and team management
  • Strategic decision-making
  • Financial planning and budgeting
  • Marketing and promotion
  • Event and facility coordination
  • Problem-solving and adaptability
  • Communication and relationship building
  • Ethical and inclusive leadership
Members of the women's softball team cheer in a parade after a title game.

The KU network

When you earn your sport management degree at KU, you're gaining comprehensive career support including a vast network of professionals spanning various sports organizations and roles. Gain access to career development resources and one-on-one mentorship with experienced KU professionals who can advise on your journey.

Get Connected

Kick off your dream career in sport management

Through interactive learning, collaborative projects, one-on-one mentorship, and career programming, the University of Kansas master’s in sport management* will help you build relationships with classmates, expert faculty, and an alumni network that spans pro teams, collegiate athletics, agencies, and sport nonprofits.

Join us to experience:

  • North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) aligned curriculum
  • Industry simulations and projects via Jayhawkville’s real-world scenarios
  • A required, customizable internship
  • One-on-one alumni mentorship and connections

*This program is a Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) degree in health, sport management, and exercise science with an emphasis in sport management.

Take the Next Step

By clicking "Get Program Brochure" and submitting this form, I agree to receive text messages, emails and other communication regarding educational programs and opportunities, and to be contacted by The University of Kansas and Everspring, its authorized representative. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. View our privacy policy and disclosures.
Sources
  1. Retrieved on August 1, 2023, from bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/home.htm
  2. Retrieved on August 1, 2023, from globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/05/03/2660537/28124/en/Global-Sports-Market-Forecast-to-2032-Sector-is-Expected-to-Reach-623-63-Billion-in-2027-at-a-CAGR-of-5.html#
  3. Retrieved on November 20, 2024, from bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm
  4. Retrieved on November 20, 2024, from bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm
  5. Retrieved on November 20, 2024, from bls.gov/ooh/management/sales-managers.htm
  6. Retrieved on November 20, 2024, from bls.gov/oes/current/oes131011.htm
  7. Retrieved on August 1, 2023, from bestcolleges.com/careers/business/sports-management/
  8. Retrieved on August 1, 2023, from indeed.com/career-advice/pay-salary/how-much-does-degree-increase-earnings
  9. Retrieved on August 1, 2023, from ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Sport-Management-Salary
  10. Based on a limited sample of self-reported data from alumni of the University of Kansas School of Education online master’s in sport management program from graduating cohorts between 2018-2019.