| Key Skills | Communication, management, problem-solving, leadership and marketing skills; innovation; organization |
| Job Outlook (2018-2028)* | 6% (for top executives); 3% (for entertainers and performers, sports and related workers, all other) |
| Median Annual Salary (2019)** | $55,000 (for sports managers); $54,551 (for general managers) |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,* Payscale.com**
Sports Management Job Description
In a broad sense, sports managers are in charge of making a sports franchise profitable. To do this, they wear many hats. A sports manager is responsible for the hiring and firing of employees. They also need to have an understanding of what each of their employees does and know how to effectively motivate them. Sports managers are often in charge of ensuring employees have adequate training in order for them to successfully carry out their tasks.
Unlike most other general managers, sports managers' employees are sometimes the athletes themselves and are often hired and fired differently than in most other industries. There is often a significant salary negotiation each time a player is hired, usually in the public eye. Sports managers for professional teams are often the primary person responsible for bringing in the right players for the team at salaries that can be justified based on the player's performance.
For college teams, sports managers may work with their teams to research and recruit players out of high school. This role may also include putting on events, conducting marketing campaigns, maintaining customer relationships, and finding innovative ways to generate revenue.
Sports Team Manager Education Requirements
Although there are no specific education requirements beyond a high school diploma for sports managers, most hold at least a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree in a business-related field is typical but there are also more specific degree options. A Bachelor of Science in Sports Management program includes courses in marketing, accounting, economics, and sales. However, for those wishing to stand out in the field, there are also graduate and doctoral programs available, such as a Master of Science in Sports Management or a doctoral degree in sports administration and management.
According to Payscale.com, sports managers make a median annual salary of $55,000. However, this figure is based on a relatively small sample size. Payscale.com provides figures for general managers from a larger sample size and reports that their median annual salary is $54,551. Overall, salaries for sports managers can vary widely depending on the type of organization. For example, the sports manager of a professional sports team at the highest level of Major League Baseball or the National Football League will make annual salaries anywhere from $500,000 to several million dollars, while the majority of sports managers will make significantly less.
