WVU Online | Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Ready to join the winning team? A degree in sports management opens doors to
a collection of promising career paths within the sports industry. We’ve
scored insights from trusted sources like Glassdoor and Payscale to provide
estimated annual salaries and responsibilities for each role. These insights
provide a clear understanding of what to expect from each career path so
you’re ready to tackle your future career in sports.
Career Outlook for Sports Management Graduates
The sports industry is no longer just about athletes and coaches. Today, there
are tons of career opportunities in marketing, data analysis, event management,
and more.
As technology keeps changing the game and sports continue to reach a global audience,
there’s a growing need for talented professionals. From rising media deals
to the increasing popularity of women’s sports, there are more exciting paths
than ever for sports management graduates.
The sports market is expanding, and is expected to grow by 5.6% over the next
three years. This will lead to all-new career opportunities in Sports Management.
Makynna Lesinski, a WVU Online Sports Management graduate, is a great example
of how this degree can lead to exciting career opportunities. After graduating,
she quickly landed a role in a top sports organization, applying the skills
she learned from the WVU Online Executive Sport Management M.S. program to
make an impact in the industry.
11 Best Careers in Sports Management
1. Sports Agent
A
sports agent represents athletes and negotiates contracts, endorsements,
and sponsorships on their behalf. They serve as the bridge between athletes
and organizations, protecting their clients’ best interests.
Common job responsibilities for sports agents:
- Negotiating contracts and endorsement deals
- Managing public relations and marketing efforts for clients
- Providing career and financial guidance
2. Sports Marketing Manager
A sports marketing manager develops and executes marketing strategies for sports
teams, events, and organizations. Their work helps build brand awareness
and foster fan engagement.
Common job responsibilities for sports marketing managers:
- Creating promotional campaigns for sports events
- Managing sponsorship deals and partnerships
- Overseeing social media and digital marketing efforts
3. Athletic Director
Athletic directors oversee sports programs at schools, colleges, or professional
organizations. They manage budgets, hire coaches, and ensure compliance with
league and regulatory standards.
Common job responsibilities for athletic directors:
- Budgeting and financial planning for sports programs
- Hiring and evaluating coaching staff
- Ensuring compliance with rules and regulations
4. Sports Data Analyst
Sports data analysts use statistics and technology to analyze performance data,
helping teams improve their strategies and supporting business decisions
within the sports industry.
Common job responsibilities for sports data analysts:
-
Analyzing player performance and team statistics
-
Developing predictive models for game strategies
-
Assisting in scouting and recruitment decisions
5. Athletic Administrator
Athletic administrators manage day-to-day operations for sports programs at
schools or universities, ensuring compliance, scheduling, and budget alignment.
They are key to creating a thriving athletic department.
Common job responsibilities for athletic administrators:
- Overseeing compliance with regulations
- Coordinating athletic events and competitions
- Managing budgets for sports programs
6. Sports Development Manager
Sports development managers focus on revenue streams for sports organizations.
They identify new opportunities, negotiate deals, and develop strategic plans
for long-term growth.
Common job responsibilities for sports development managers:
-
Identifying and pursuing new reven
ue opportunities
-
Negotiating partnerships and sponsorships
-
Creating strategic growth plans for sports organizations
7. Sports Content Producer
Content producers specialize in creating multimedia content for sports teams,
events, or organizations. They craft videos, podcasts, and other digital
assets to engage audiences.
Common job responsibilities for sports content producers:
- Producing and editing multimedia content
- Collaborating with marketing teams for campaigns
- Managing digital platforms for distribution
8. Sports Writer
Sports writers share insights, stories, and commentary on teams, events, and
trends in the sports world. They play a key role in keeping fans informed
and engaged, whether through articles, blog posts, or social media updates.
Common job responsibilities for sports writers:
- Researching and writing sports-related articles
- Conducting interviews with athletes or coaches
- Managing and promoting online content
9. Sports Camp Director
Sports camp directors organize and run training programs, workshops, or camps
for athletes at various skill levels. They manage everything from scheduling
to staff recruitment.
Common job responsibilities for a sports camp director:
- Designing camp programming and schedules
- Recruiting and training camp staff
- Ensuring safety and quality during activities
10. Accounts Manager for Corporate Partnerships
Accounts managers focusing on corporate partnerships build and maintain relationships
between sports organizations and sponsors. They play a critical role in securing
revenue and creating mutually beneficial agreements.
Common job responsibilities for accounts managers:
- Negotiating sponsorship and partnership deals
- Managing ongoing relationships with corporate sponsors
- Developing activation strategies to maximize partnership value
11. Sports Information Director
Sports information directors oversee public relations and media outreach for
athletic programs, ensuring accurate and timely communication with fans and
stakeholders.
Common job responsibilities for sports information directors:
- Writing press releases and managing media coverage
- Overseeing athlete interviews and public appearances
- Maintaining sports statistics and records
Top Traits for Those Pursuing a Sports Management Degree
When pursuing a sports management degree, focus on developing a mix of key
skills that will help you stand out in the industry. Communication skills
are essential, whether you're working with athletes, sponsors, or fans. Being
able to speak clearly, listen well, and write effectively is essential to
building strong relationships and making sure things run smoothly. From emails
to presentations, great communication will take you far in sports management.
Another important focus is leadership and organization. As a future sports
manager, you'll need to lead teams, handle big events, and keep everything
on track. Good organizational skills are crucial for managing multiple tasks
and deadlines without getting overwhelmed.
Students should also work on analytical thinking—understanding data and making
smart decisions based on what you see will be a huge advantage, especially
as sports become more data-driven. Adaptability and creativity will also
be great skills to have in your back pocket. Being able to think on your
feet and come up with new solutions will help you stay ahead of the game.
FAQs About Careers in Sports Management
Wondering what a career in sports management is really like? We've answered some of the most common questions to give you a clear picture of what’s possible. Whether you’re just starting to explore or already considering this degree, these answers can help you make the right play.
Is Sports Management a Good Major?
Sports management is a great major for those passionate about sports and business. It combines the excitement of the sports world with practical skills like leadership, communication, and analytics. If you enjoy problem-solving and want a career in an exciting industry, this could be a perfect fit for you.
Can You Make a Lot of Money With a Sports Management Degree?
A sports management degree can lead to well-paying opportunities, especially as you progress in your career. With the right combination of skills, you can find positions in areas that offer lucrative salaries. The more experience you gain, the higher your earning potential.
Can You Work in The NFL With a Sports Management Degree?
Absolutely! A sports management degree can definitely open doors to working in the NFL, whether you’re interested in team management, marketing, or operations. By developing strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, you'll be well-equipped to pursue roles in professional sports organizations, including those within the NFL.
How Hard Is It To Get a Sports Management Degree?
Earning a sports management degree is definitely achievable, especially with flexible options like
WVU Online’s Executive Sport Management M.S. program. It offers the perfect balance of convenience and quality, allowing you to pursue your passion while managing other commitments. With the right dedication, you can gain the skills you need for a successful career.
What Is The Highest Paying Job in Sports Management?
The highest-paying job in sports management is typically a sports development manager, with an average salary of
around $99K annually. Other well-compensated roles include sports marketing managers, athletic directors, and sports agents, with salaries often exceeding $90K. These jobs combine leadership, business skills, and a love for sports, making them both rewarding and well-compensated.