Sport Management

Career Opportunities

Sport Management graduates will be prepared to begin careers in a variety of areas. Professionals sport teams, college athletic department, sport communication and public relations firms, sports agencies, health and fitness facilities, parks, and recreation organizations are some of the businesses for which graduates will be qualified to work.

Entry-level jobs offer a variety of starting salaries and offer excellent opportunities for rapid advancement. Some graduates may follow up the sport management degree by going to graduate school for a master's and/or doctorate, or by attending law school to become sport agents.

The Media

• Newspapers 
• Television
• Cable
• Special interest sports/recreation publications

The Olympic Movement

• The IOC & USOC
• National sport governing bodies (more than 40)
• Various state governing bodies  

State & City Sports Commissions

• New York City, LA, Indianapolis, New Orleans, etc.
• City & state government sports agencies
• Parks & recreation departments

Sports & Leisure Industry

• Ski resorts
• Tennis & golf resorts  
• Major health spas
• Health & fitness clubs
• Racquet clubs

Sports Equipment & Supply industry

• Wilson, MacGregor, Head, Spalding, etc. (golf, tennis)
• Nike, Reebok, Adidas, New Balance
• Sporting Goods Manufacturer's Association
• Leisure, outdoor recreational clothing (skiing, swimwear)

Professional Leagues  

• National Football League
• Major League Baseball
• National Basketball Association
• Women's National Basketball Association
• National Hockey League
• Major League Soccer
• Arena Football League
• Women's Professional Softball League

Professional Minor Leagues

• AAA, AA, A baseball leagues
• National Football League-Europe
• Arena Football 2
• National Basketball Developmental League
• Continental Basketball Association
• American Basketball Association

Colleges & Universities

• League or conference offices (NCAA, etc.)
• Individual institutions

Major Corporations

• In-house marketing & promotions departments
• Individual companies

Sports Marketing Agencies

• International Management Group (IMG)
• ProServ
• Advantage International
• Del Wilber Associates
• Wilhelmenia Models, Inc.

Player Agent or Representatives

• Usually requires a law degree, as well as financial & investment skills

National Sports Organizations

• National Association of Governors Councils on Physical Fitness & Sports
• National Association of State Games
• President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports
• Women's Sports Foundation
• National Association of High School Coaches
• Many more

Major Advertising/Public Relations Agencies

• Now have in-house sport marketing unit

Special Organizations

• YMCA & YWCA
• Special Olympics
• Senior citizens' groups
• Boys' & Girls' Clubs of America

Sports Management Group

• Managing municipal golf courses for cities
• Running special events for companies & marketing firms
• Conducting venue surveys, etc.

Stadiums & Arenas

• Management positions
• Marketing & public relations
• Design & development

Event Management

• Creating & implementing sports events for sponsors
• Consulting on existing events

Professional Player Associations & Unions

• NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA players' associations
• Various player alumni associations

Individual Sports Associations

• PGA Tour
• LPGA Tour
• Senior PGA Tour
• Nike Tour
• United States Tennis Association

Motor Sports

• NASCAR
• Individual race teams or companies (Joe Gibbs Racing, Dale Earnhardt, Inc.)
• Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART)
• Indy Racing League
• National Hot Rod Association
• Formula One racing