But exactly what jobs can you get with sports management degrees? Many exciting jobs in sports management offer the growth, fulfillment, and financial security you’re looking for in your career.
Here is everything you need to know about what opportunities follow earning a degree in sports management from the University of Miami.
What is Sports Management?
Sports management encompasses all of the business aspects of the sports industry. It involves the work that goes on behind the scenes to create the incredible product that fans see on the field, keep the league profitable, and ensure the players are fairly compensated.
If you’re familiar with any professional sports league or team, you’re likely aware of the various sports management jobs supporting that team. Everyone from the agents to the general managers to the scouts falls under the category of careers in sports management.
Earning a degree in sports management can provide you with the knowledge and experience necessary to take on one of these jobs and make it into a worthwhile career.
What Can You Do with a Sports Management Degree?
If you have any interest in sports management, you probably have an idea of some possible jobs you can pursue. However, the wide range of sports management degree jobs available may surprise you. There are several paths you can take after earning your degree in sports management.
Sports Administration
Sports administration jobs involve working directly for a sports organization or program. In these positions, you can be tasked with helping to make the team more successful, the organization more profitable, and the fan experience more enjoyable.
General Manager
The general manager is focused on the success of the team. This is typically one of the highest-paid sports management jobs because it involves making decisions regarding coaching staff, team staff, roster construction, and more. While there are many other team members with whom a general manager will work toward this goal, the general manager often has the final say in many crucial decisions.
Annual Salary: $90,000–$200,000 or more (depending on the organization and level of responsibility)
Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s
Sports Analytics Manager
A sports analytics manager uses data analysis and statistical models to gain insights into player performance, team strategies, and game outcomes. They collaborate with coaches, scouts, and front-office personnel to make data-driven decisions regarding player acquisitions, game strategies, and overall team performance. Sports analytics managers are employed by teams, leagues, or sports analytics firms.
Annual Salary: $80,000–$150,000 or more (depending on the organization and level of responsibility)
Degree Requirements: Bachelor's, master's degree recommended
Sports Accountant
If numbers are your strength, sports accounting may be one of the best sports business jobs for you. Sports accountants take on the typical business accountant tasks of overseeing payroll and filing taxes, but they also work to manage an organization’s finances to reduce losses, improve profits, and further the success of the team.
Annual Salary: $70,000–$120,000 or more (depending on the organization and level of responsibility)
Degree Requirements: Bachelor's
Sports Business Management
If you have an interest in both business and the sports industry, you will find many jobs in sports that can allow you to pair those interests and develop them into a fulfilling career.
Sports Marketing Director
A sports marketing director develops and executes marketing strategies to promote sports teams, events, or brands. They create advertising campaigns, manage sponsorships, coordinate promotional events, and collaborate with other departments to maximize revenue and fan engagement. Sports marketing directors work for teams, leagues, agencies, or corporate brands associated with sports.
Annual Salary: $70,000–$150,000 or more (depending on the organization and level of responsibility)
Degree Requirements: Bachelor's
Sports Account Manager
A sports account manager is responsible for cultivating strong connections with clients, sponsors, and partners, ensuring their objectives are met through effective activation strategies. With a focus on providing exceptional customer service, sports account managers maximize revenue opportunities and serve as the main point of contact for their clients.
Annual Salary: $70,000–$140,000 or more (depending on the organization and level of responsibility)
Degree Requirements: Bachelor's
Business Development Manager
As a business development manager, rather than maintaining current accounts, you’ll focus on gaining new ones. You will focus more on a sports team or program's networking, communications, and relationship-building aspect. You’ll be working with others to grow your team’s fanbase, increase revenue, and connect with any people or entities that can help you further those goals.
Annual Salary: $70,000–$140,000 or more (depending on the organization and level of responsibility)
Degree Requirements: Bachelor's
Sports Representation/Sports Agency
While many sports management careers focus on improving an organization or program, sports representation/agency largely focuses on supporting athletes.
Sports Agent
Athletes hire sports agents to handle the business side of their careers so that they can focus on their on-field performance. They negotiate contracts, handle certain aspects of public relations, and help their clients to grow their personal brands.
Annual Salary: $90,000–$180,000 or more (depending on the organization and level of responsibility)
Degree Requirements: Bachelor's minimum, master's degree recommended
Sports Lawyer
Sports lawyers provide legal representation to athletes and help them navigate the complexities of contract negotiations, sponsorship deals, and other legal issues.
Annual Salary: $80,000–$150,000 or more (depending on the organization and level of responsibility)
Degree Requirements: Juris Doctor
Sports Facilities and Operations
Whether it's a small local field or an enormous stadium, managing and operating sports facilities requires much expertise and planning. This is why there are multiple career paths centered entirely around facility management.
Sports Facilities Director
A sports facilities director is responsible for managing and overseeing the operations of sports facilities, such as stadiums, arenas, training centers, or complexes. They ensure the facilities are well-maintained and safe, and meet the needs of athletes, teams, and spectators. Sports facilities directors handle budgeting, maintenance, event scheduling, staffing, and facility improvements.
Annual Salary: $80,000–$150,000 or more (depending on the organization and level of responsibility)
Degree Requirements: Bachelor's
Sports Facilities General Manager
The general manager of a sports facility is responsible for the overall success and profitability of the facility. They oversee all aspects of facility operations, including finance, marketing, sales, maintenance, and customer service. General managers collaborate with event organizers, teams, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and maximize revenue opportunities.
Annual Salary: $70,000–$120,000 or more (depending on the organization and level of responsibility)
Degree Requirements: Bachelor's (advanced degrees and extensive experience in facility management are often preferred)
Start Your Journey to a Career in Sports Management at the University of Miami
Do any of these sports management jobs sound like your dream career? Sports management is an exciting field with a diverse range of jobs and opportunities — and with a quality education, the sky's the limit. Contact us to learn more about earning a master's in sports management online at the University of Miami today.
