What Is Sports Management?

If you love sports, you may be interested in exploring the various career paths involving sports. You may have heard about sports management degrees and want to learn more.

You've come to the right place. In this article, we'll define sports management, provide a list of jobs you can get with a sports management degree, and talk about some schools offering these programs.

What Is Sports Management?

Sports management is an exceptionally broad field. It encompasses various business and operational roles within athletic organizations, schools, and stadiums.

Some sports management professionals hold administrative roles with collegiate or professional teams. Others manage legal and financial needs for individual athletes.

Still others work for a sports stadium or arena where various athletic events are held. Some work for schools and community sports leagues, while others work on Olympic and Paralympic committees.

Sports management professionals are responsible for handling financial, legal, and other business operations in the athletic industry.

They may be in charge of maintaining a budget, handling public relations, creating and implementing safety regulations, negotiating contracts, coaching a team, or providing officiating services.

In other words, sports managers work behind the scenes so that the players can focus on playing and the organization can continue to run smoothly.

Is Sports Management a Good Degree To Pursue?

Sports management is a lucrative field boasting many career opportunities and specializations. With so many options to choose from, it shouldn't be hard to find a sports management career that suits you.

Sports management degrees can prepare you for a career in the field by helping you develop business skills and providing you opportunities to gain on-the-job experience and grow your network.

If you love sports, have a head for business administration, and are interested in a well-paying career with many job opportunities, then pursuing a sports management degree is an excellent idea.

What Jobs Can You Get with a Sports Management Degree?

Sports management professionals are always in demand, and they hold a variety of job titles depending on their specific interests and career goals.

Let's take a closer look at some of the many career options you can choose from.

Athletic Director

Athletic directors are top administrative professionals for both professional and scholastic athletic organizations.

A single athletic director may manage more than one athletic program, especially in school settings. It is the athletic director's job to coordinate game schedules.

They may also perform other administrative tasks such as overseeing other departments and managing the organization's budget.

Sports Agent

Sports agents act as business representatives for professional athletes. They promote the athlete's career and advocate for the athlete's professional needs and goals.

Agents commonly negotiate contracts for athletes, handle legal issues that come up, and find ways for the athlete to advance their career or make more money.

In short, a sports agent helps an athlete get the most out of his or her career by handling the business side of things so the athlete can focus on playing.

Media Relations Assistant

Media relations assistants are in charge of handling a team's professional image and reputation.

Media relations assistants handle press releases, coordinate broadcasts of sporting events, and assist with other aspects of media coverage.

These professionals typically work for college and professional sports teams.

Athletic Scout

Athletic scouts are responsible for finding and recruiting new talent.

They attend sporting events, study film, and network with others in their field to find promising young players at the high school or college level.

Athletic scouts may work for colleges, professional teams, or scouting organizations.

Facility Manager

Facility managers are in charge of maintaining the stadiums, arenas, or practice facilities where they work.

This generally involves hiring staff, adhering to building codes and safety regulations, and coordinating events that take place at the facility.

Though they may negotiate contracts with teams, they do not work for them; instead, they work for one or more athletic facilities.

What Are Some Schools That Offer Sports Management Degrees?

So, are you interested in pursuing a sports management degree? Many schools offer these degree programs. Let's take a look at a few of the top options.

Ohio University

Ohio University is a public school in Athens, OH. It boasts one of the oldest sports administration degree programs in the country.

This school offers a Bachelor of Sport Management degree. Students enrolled in this program have access to a variety of co-majors, minors, and certificates which allow them to tailor their degree.

Students can also take advantage of various internship programs and experiential learning options, participate in sports management clubs, and pursue a double degree with a study abroad option.

University of Florida

The University of Florida has its physical location in Gainesville, but it offers many of its degree programs online.

One of these degree programs is the Bachelor of Science in sport management. All coursework can be completed online, giving students the option to complete their degree on their terms.

Students have the option to work a full-time or part-time internship as part of this degree program. They can also choose to opt out of the internship if it doesn't fit with their life or work schedule.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school. The vast majority of its students are enrolled in online degree programs.

The school offers a Bachelor of Science in sport management. Students in this program can enroll in an accelerated bachelor's to master's option if they plan to pursue graduate school.

Students can study anytime since there are no set class periods. This is a flexible degree program designed for busy students who need their education to fit into their existing life.

Pursue a Career in Sports Management

Sports management is an excellent field to pursue if you would like to blend interests in both business and athletics. Check out the schools noted above to get started today.