Pursuing a Career Through Majoring in Sports Management
Livingstone sports management students at Super Bowl
Sports management is a multidisciplinary field that incorporates elements of business, marketing, law, finance, and communication in the context of sports. Pursuing a sports management degree can lead to various careers, from sports agency to event management.
Claflin sports intern (center) with Planet Fitness staff
What Is Sports Management?
Sports management is the business side of the sports industry. It includes managing sports teams or individual athletes, overseeing sports events, working in sports marketing, and managing facilities. A sports management degree equips students with a unique combination of business knowledge and sports industry insights. It’s an excellent choice for people passionate about sports with a strong interest in business.
Black Professionals in Sports Management
Black Americans have made substantial contributions to sports management, breaking barriers and setting milestones that have transformed the industry. From players to leadership roles, progress has been slow at times and always hard-won, but it is also palpable.
Figures like Billy King, former general manager for the Brooklyn Nets, or Kiki VanDeWeghe, who served as the NBA’s executive vice president of basketball operations, have led the way for others. In addition, it’s encouraging to see a steady rise in the number of Black women in these roles, like Simone Gourdine, who served as a deputy commissioner in the WNBA. Their presence has diversified leadership and brought unique perspectives to the field.
However, much progress is still needed, as Black Americans remain underrepresented in sports management roles relative to their representation as players.
Why the US Needs More People of Color in Sports Management
Diversity in sports management is not only a matter of representation, but also a critical factor in fostering innovation, equity, and inclusion within the sports industry. While professional athletes in the US are a highly diverse population, this diversity does not extend to leadership roles.
People of color — including women and LGBTQ+ individuals — simply do not have enough seats at the table in sports management and leadership positions. This in turn has implications for decision-making, equity in hiring practices, and creating inclusive environments for everyone in the sports world from the top down.
Breaking Down Barriers and Advancing Equity
Representation of diverse groups in sports management is vital for advancing racial and gender equity. Leaders from historically marginalized backgrounds bring unique perspectives and lived experiences that can help address systemic inequities in the sports industry.
Organizations led by people of color are more likely to implement inclusive hiring practices and create equitable policies that benefit underrepresented groups, from athletes to administrative staff. Increasing the number of people of color in leadership roles can also provide mentorship opportunities for younger professionals from similar backgrounds.
Better Decision-Making Through Diverse Leadership
Diverse leadership teams have been shown to make better decisions, as they draw from a wider range of perspectives. Organizations with diverse management are more innovative and better equipped to connect with audiences of multiple identities and cultures, which is increasingly important in a globalized sports market. Ultimately, this drives greater success for sports organizations.
HBCUs Can Help You Start a Career in Sports Management
Given the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action in college admissions, more Black students are likely to turn to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for their education. In response, these institutions will do everything they can to meet increased student demand. HBCUs help more students earn college degrees, compete successfully for well-paying jobs in competitive career fields, improve workforce diversity, and move from poverty into the middle class.
People of all ages, races, and life paths can help to improve diversity in American sports management disciplines by supporting scholarships and other forms of funding for HBCUs with related programs. You can make a difference in the lives of sports management students — and the future of the industry as a whole — in one easy step by making a donation today.
Career Opportunities in Sports Management
The global sports market grew from $486.61 billion in 2022 to $512.14 billion in 2023. It’s a complex field that offers exciting career opportunities for individuals passionate about sports and business. Graduates of sports management programs can find opportunities in a variety of settings, including professional sports leagues, collegiate athletic departments, sports agencies, fitness and recreational sports centers, and sporting goods retailers.
The sports industry’s digital transformation has also opened new roles in sports management and data analysis. The broad array of potential positions in this field means there are opportunities to align your career with your interests and strengths in the sports world.
Earning a degree in sports management equips individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in various exciting and rewarding careers, including:
- Sports agent: Represents athletes and negotiates contracts with teams, sponsors, and other parties
- Sports marketing manager: Develops and executes marketing strategies for sports teams, athletes, or brands
- Sports event planner: Organizes and coordinates sports events like tournaments, championships, or fundraisers
- Sports facility manager: Oversees the operations and management of sports facilities like stadiums, arenas, or training centers
- Sports broadcasting producer: Coordinates and produces live or recorded broadcasts of sports events for television, radio, or online platforms
These are just a few examples of the numerous career paths available to sports management graduates. The field continues to expand and adapt to new technologies, ensuring many opportunities.
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How to Prepare for Success
Preparing for success in college as a sports management major requires a mix of academic preparation, relevant extracurricular activities, and self-driven research and knowledge acquisition.
Clark Atlanta football coach
- Academics:Take any business, management, economics, or statistics courses offered at your high school. These courses will give you a foundation in the concepts you’ll study more intensely in college. In addition, a part of sports management is understanding contracts and negotiations. Knowledge about sports law and ethics is also crucial. You can find online courses and resources to get a basic understanding of these areas
- Leadership Experience:Take on leadership roles in sports or any domain. The skills you learn from managing people, handling conflicts, and making decisions will be valuable in your career in sports management. You could also try to get involved in managing your school’s teams or setting up sports events to gain an idea of what sports management is at a basic level. In addition, try to get an internship or volunteer position with a local sports team, facility, or athletic department for practical experience.
UNCF Schools to Consider
Six UNCF-member schools offer programs for students wishing to work in the field of sports management, including:
Professional Organizations
Various organizations in sports management offer more insight into working in their fields. A sample list includes
- North American Society for Sports Management
- Sports Marketing Association
- National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics
- College Sports Communicators
- Women Leaders in Sports
- National Association of Sports Agents and Athlete Representatives
- National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association
Scholarships
There’s no better way to start on your path to a successful career in sports management than with a solid financial foundation. Fortunately, many scholarships are available through UNCF, including some specifically for sports management majors. Keep an eye on the UNCF website for current scholarship opportunities and announcements.
Search for specific scholarships and view those that are currently accepting applications here! Students should also check with each college or university to see if additional scholarships are available to study sports management.
As you explore your options, be sure to use our guide to apply for scholarships and grants. You can also receive guidance by submitting a major interest form if you are interested in a career in sports management. Submit the form on our website to get started. And follow us on UNCF social media channels to receive notifications about our scholarships and member HBCUs. Reach out today!
You can also show your support for students pursuing careers and furthering equity in sports management by contributing to UNCF member schools. Education is the greatest tool we have in creating a just and equitable society in which economic mobility is available to all. Help us achieve this future by donating today!