WVU Online | Thursday, January 30, 2025
Sports Management blends a love of sports with essential business skills. It’s
all about planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating sports programs and
businesses to create amazing experiences across the board. Professionals
in this industry are behind-the-scenes heroes, working hard to support athletes,
teams, and organizations in reaching their highest potential while ensuring
fans have unforgettable moments to cherish. Whether they’re coordinating
events or managing team operations, they play a crucial role in the sports
world as the one who makes it all happen!
Sports management: A quick History Lesson
As the sports industry began to expand beyond amateur athletics into professional
leagues and global competitions, sports management became necessary. This
period marked the increasing commercialization and formalization of sports
industries worldwide.
The need for skilled professionals to manage this growth led to the emergence
of Sports Management as an academic and professional discipline.
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1966: The First Sports Management Degree Program. Ohio University
launched the
first Sports Management degree program, laying the groundwork for similar
programs across the U.S. and the world.
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1985-1986: Formation of NASSM. The North American Society for
Sport Management (NASSM) was established, providing a dedicated platform
to advance research, scholarship, and professional growth in sport management.
This organization has been instrumental in setting academic and industry
standards.
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1987: Journal of Sport Management Inception. The first issue of
the Journal of Sport Management was published, offering a scholarly perspective
on sport management through the lens of management theory and practice.
The journal continues to be a key resource for exploring new ideas and
advancing knowledge in the field.
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Today: WVU Online’s Contribution to the Field. West Virginia University
has played an important role in advancing the discipline by offering innovative
programs, such as the
Executive Sport Management M.S. degree program, since it was first
established. This nationally recognized online master’s degree program
equips students with skills to thrive in the sports industry as it grows,
emphasizing practical expertise and leadership development.
What Does the Future of Sports Management Look Like?
The sports industry continues to grow globally, creating new and exciting opportunities
for professionals in Sports Management.
One of the most significant developments is the rise of
E-sports. This competitive gaming industry has become a billion-dollar
market with massive fan engagement, offering numerous career opportunities,
and is expected to see
exponential growth over the next few years.
Additionally,
global fanbases for professional sports are expanding rapidly, driven
by the accessibility of digital streaming platforms and the popularity of
international tournaments. The NFL, for example, has expanded its reach with
regular season games in London, Mexico City, and Germany, attracting millions
of fans and boosting revenue. This international growth creates new opportunities
for sports leagues to engage larger audiences and increase revenue.
Emerging
niche sports, such as
Teqball or
Pickleball, are also gaining traction, carving out unique spaces in the
industry and generating new revenue streams and fan engagement. Furthermore,
technology integration is revolutionizing the sports world. Innovations
like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and data analytics are
enhancing fan experiences and improving team performance, making this a particularly
exciting time for Sports Management professionals.
What Are the Most Common Career Paths in Sports Management?
A degree
in Sports Management opens doors to a variety of career paths. Some of the
most common include:
How to Get a Career in Sports ManagemenT
WVU Online’s programs equip students with the tools they need to succeed in Sports
Management. Courses cover essential topics such as leadership, marketing,
and analytics.
Career Quickstart Guide:
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Identify Your Career Path: Determine your area of interest, whether it’s
marketing, management, broadcasting, or coaching.
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Pursue Education: Enroll in a reputable Sports Management program, such
as WVU Online’s Executive Sport Management M.S degree program.
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Gain Experience: Seek internships or volunteer opportunities to build hands-on
knowledge. For example, WVU student, Ryan Turek, landed an MLB internship
with the Cleveland Guardians while pursuing his education in sports management.
Read more about Ryan’s experience here.
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Network: Connect with industry professionals through events, online platforms,
and alumni networks.
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Apply and Grow: Leverage your education and experience to land an entry-level
role in your identified career path, then continuously develop your skills.
Why Choose WVU Online for Your Sports Management Education?
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Prestige: Ranked nationally as one of the top online master’s
degrees in Sports Management, this program features a well-respected
curriculum designed by industry experts. WVU also provides extensive
student support, including access to academic advisors, career services,
and 24/7 technical assistance. These resources, combined with real-world
learning, enhance your degree’s value and make you stand out to potential
employers.
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Flexibility: One of the best parts of this program is that it's
entirely online. This allows you to study on your own schedule, making
it easier to balance your education with your job and other responsibilities.
Whether you're working full-time or managing family commitments, you
can fit your classes into your life.
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Networking: When you enroll in this program, you’ll tap into
a fantastic network of alumni and industry connections. Building relationships
in the sports world is key to landing internships and job opportunities,
and having a strong network can make all the difference in your career.
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Resources: WVU Online is committed to supporting its students.
You'll have access to the latest tools and resources that can help you
succeed both during your studies and after graduation. From academic
support to career services, you'll have plenty of assistance to help
you along the way.
FAQs About Sports Management
How many years does it take to complete a Sports Management degree?
A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years, while a master’s degree may require
an additional one to two years, depending on the program.
Is Sports Management a good major?
Yes! It’s ideal for individuals
passionate about sports who want to blend that passion with business acumen
to create impactful careers.
What is a good minor to pair with Sports Management?
Popular minors
include Marketing, Business Administration, or Communications, as these fields
complement Sports Management skills.
Is there a lot of math in Sports Management?
While math is involved,
especially in analytics and budgeting, the focus is on practical applications
rather than advanced mathematics.