Degree in Sports Management: Career Paths, Salary, and Curriculum
A degree in sport management is an academic program that prepares students to manage, market, and lead organizations within the sports industry. It combines business fundamentals such as management, marketing, finance, and law with sport-specific topics like event management, athlete representation, facility operations, and sports analytics.
Offered at the associate, bachelor’s, Master of Science and Master’s levels, a sport management degree focuses on both the commercial and organizational sides of sports, from professional leagues and college athletics to fitness, recreation, and esports. Students typically gain practical experience through internships, case studies, and industry projects. Graduates pursue careers as sports managers, marketing coordinators, event directors, athletic administrators, or operations specialists. Overall, a degree in sport management is designed for individuals who want to turn their passion for sports into a professional career by developing leadership, strategic, and industry-specific skills.
What is a Degree in Sports Management?
A degree in Sports Management is an academic program that focuses on the business, leadership, and operational aspects of the sports industry. It provides students with a strong foundation in sports administration, marketing, finance, event management, and organizational leadership. The degree prepares graduates to manage the strategic and day-to-day operations of sports organizations, including local sports clubs, professional teams, athletic associations, and international sports franchises.
What is included in sports management programs?
Sports management programs typically include a mix of business, leadership, and sport-specific coursework designed to prepare students for careers in the sports industry. Core subjects often cover sports marketing, sports finance, economics, and accounting, along with management and organizational behavior. Students also study sports law, ethics, and governance to understand regulations, contracts, and compliance issues. Many programs include courses in event management, facility operations, sponsorship or brand management. Tehy can also have a closer look at the entertainement & lifestyle industries. Practical experience is a key component, with internships, case studies, and real-world projects built into the curriculum, with an international component. Some programs also offer training in data analytics, media relations, and digital marketing. Together, these elements equip graduates with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills for roles in professional, collegiate, and recreational sports organizations.
What skills do I gain from a sports management degree?
A sports management degree develops a broad range of strategic, leadership, and business skills needed for careers in the global sports industry. Graduates gain practical expertise in managing sports organizations, teams, events, and commercial operations.
Key skills gained from a sports management degree include:
- Strategic analysis: Conducting diagnostic analyses of sports organizations to assess performance and efficiency
- Performance management: Identifying and implementing strategies to improve organizational and athletic outcomes
- Project management: Managing projects from planning and execution through evaluation
- Business development: Formulating short- and long-term development strategies for sports entities
- Communication skills: Creating effective communication tools for stakeholders, sponsors, and media
- Market analysis: Anticipating market trends, fan behavior, and industry dynamics
- Leadership and team management: Leading teams, managing human resources, and coordinating multidisciplinary groups
In summary: A sports management degree builds core skills in strategy, leadership, marketing, finance, sports law, and project management, preparing graduates for careers in sports organizations, professional clubs, governing bodies, event management companies, and sports marketing agencies.
What are the requirements for a sports management degree?
A sports management degree prepares students for careers in the business and administration of sports organizations, teams, and events. The requirements for this degree typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a strong foundation in subjects like business, marketing, finance, and communication – with a bachelor's degree for example. Most programs require completion of general education courses, such as mathematics, English, and social sciences, in addition to core sports management courses covering topics like sports law, ethics, event management, and facility operations. Many programs also encourage or require internships, practical experience, or capstone projects to build real-world skills. Some universities may have GPA requirements or prerequisite courses in business or athletics. Overall, the requirements for a sports management degree combine academic coursework, practical experience, and professional development to prepare graduates for careers in sports administration, marketing, and management.
Why Pursue a Degree in Sports Management?
The sports industry is a multi-billion dollar global market. Earning a degree in this field offers:
- Diverse Career Paths: Access to roles in marketing, project management, event, operations finance, logistics, and executive leadership.
- Industry Networking: Opportunities to connect with professional leagues and sports agencies, sports & lifestyle brands and entertainment venues.
- High Growth Potential: The industry continues to expand into digital media, e-sports, entertainment and global tourism.
What jobs can I get with a sports management degree?
A sports management degree prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in the sports industry, combining skills in business management, marketing, operations, event planning, and athlete representation. Graduates can work across professional sports, fitness, media, tourism, and public sector organizations.
Sports Management Career Sectors
Graduates with a sports management degree commonly find employment in:
- Professional sports clubs and leagues
- Sports and tourism leisure organizations
- Entertainment venues (stadiums, arenas, multi-propose complexes)
- Sports & lifestyle brands
- Fitness and wellness centers
- Sports and recreational facilities
- Sports media and broadcasting outlets
- Specialized sports marketing and sponsorship agencies
- Government sports departments and local authorities
Common Jobs With a Sports Management Degree
Popular entry-level and mid-level roles include:
- Sports event coordinator
- Sports marketing specialist
- Sports Event organizer
- Sports sponsorship manager
- Sports facility or venue manager
- Sports agent or athlete representative
- Product manager in the sports industry
- Human resources assistant in sports organizations
- Project manager in sports agencies
- Executive assistant in sports clubs or leagues
Career Progression in Sports Management
With professional experience, sports management graduates can advance into senior leadership roles, such as sports operations director, event management agency director, or sports department director within public or private organizations.
What Are the Salary Expectations for a Sports Management Degree in Europe, the USA, and Asia?
Salary expectations for a sports management degree vary by region, level of experience, job role, and the reputation of the university. In Europe, entry-level sports management salaries typically range from €30,000 to €45,000 per year, with top-tier business schools offering higher outcomes. For example, graduates from emlyon business school report an average starting salary of €44,000, and 59% secure a job before graduation, reflecting strong employability.
In the United States, graduates with a sports management degree can expect starting salaries between $40,000 and $60,000, with higher earnings in professional sports organizations, marketing agencies, and major leagues. In Asia, salaries vary widely by country: $25,000–$40,000 for entry-level roles in emerging markets, and significantly higher in established sports hubs such as Japan, Singapore, and the UAE.
Overall, graduates from well-ranked institutions, those with internships or industry experience, and professionals working in commercial or managerial roles tend to achieve the highest sports management salaries globally.
What types of degrees are available in sports management?
Several types of degrees are available for those pursuing a career in sports management, ranging from entry-level certificates to advanced research doctorates. The level of education typically dictates the seniority of roles a graduate can pursue.
- Master of Science in Sports Management (taught at emlyon business school) : A specialized graduate degree provided by business schools focusing deeply on industry-specific topics like sports marketing & management, administration, and global sports business.
- Associate Degree: A two-year program providing a foundational understanding of sports business and facility operations, suitable for entry-level assistant roles.
- Bachelor’s Degree: The industry standard (e.g., B.S. or B.A. in Sports Management). It covers core areas like sports marketing, law, and finance.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA): An MBA with a sports concentration provides a broader business foundation (finance, strategy) applied to the sports industry, often for executive tracks.
- Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.): Advanced degrees focused on high-level research, sports economics, or academia.
Many programs also offer specialized tracks in areas like Sports Analytics, Athletic Administration, and Media Relations to help students tailor their expertise.
MSc in Sports, Entertainment & Lifestyle at emlyon
For those seeking a world-class education, emlyon business school offers a specialized MSc in Sports, Entertainment & Lifestyle. This program uses an innovative "we are makers" pedagogy to give students a competitive edge.
What is the curriculum for emlyon sports management program?
The MSc in Sports, Entertainment & Lifestyle empowers students with the most effective sports management strategies. Developed in collaboration with globally renowned researchers, this program offers students an immersive understanding of various business cultures worldwide.
The curriculum encompasses four key phases:
- Foundational management and sports industry fundamentals in Paris (September to December)
- Mindset development and performance-oriented decision-making in Paris (January to March)
- Application of theoretical knowledge in sports management in Quebec (April to July)
- Completion of a professional thesis and internship placement worldwide in the second year (until December)
emlyon graduates are highly sought after by employers, with on average 90% securing employment within three months of graduation, leveraging their professional experiences in place of internships.
How to apply for emlyon'sports management degree?
emlyon's MSc in Sports, Entertainment & Lifestyle welcomes applicants holding bachelor's degrees (Bac +4) with outstanding academic records and a demonstrated passion for the sports sector. Prospective students are encouraged to engage with emlyon business school advisors to optimize their application process and embark on their sports management journey.
Summary: Is a Degree in Sports Management Worth It?
A degree in sports management is a specialized academic program that blends business fundamentals marketing, sales, finance, and law with industry specific applications like event operations, athlete representation, and sports marketing. Whether pursuing a Bachelor’s or a Master of Science (MSc), students develop the leadership skills necessary to manage professional teams and global sports brands.
Core Career Paths & Salaries
Graduates are prepared for diverse roles, including:
- Sports Marketing Specialist
- Sports Event organizer
- Sports Director
- Sports Agent
- Facility & Event Manager
Salary expectations vary by region: entry-level roles in Europe typically range from €30,000 to €45,000, while U.S. graduates often see starting salaries between $40,000 and $60,000. Top-tier institutions like emlyon business school report high employability, with 59% of students securing jobs before graduation.
Curriculum & Skills
Modern programs focus on strategic analysis, marketing, project management, and digital transformation. Specialized degrees, such as the MSc in Sports, Entertainment & Lifestyle, provide immersive international experiences and practical "maker" pedagogy. Key requirements generally include a high school diploma for undergraduate entry or a relevant Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs, often accompanied by internships to bridge the gap between theory and practice.