- Understand how Sports Management allows you to explore the behind-the-scenes magic of the sports world, making sure teams, events, and organisations run smoothly.
- Want to study at the best? We’ve shared a few names so you can find out what are the top Sports Management universities according to Studyportals Meta Ranking.
- If you love sports and want a career that’s exciting, rewarding, and full of opportunities, a sports management degree could be your perfect match.
Sports management is the engine that makes the world of sports move. It mixes business, management, and sports knowledge to ensure that teams, events, and organisations run smoothly.
“Sports management is about organising and running sports behind the scenes, rather than coaching”, explains Paul Greaves, Programme Director of Sport Development & Coaching at the University of Stirling, UK. His university is renowned worldwide for the quality of its sports programmes (and its breathtaking campus).
“Global sports events like the Olympics involve not just athletes but a huge behind-the-scenes effort that includes finance, marketing, and event planning. Sports Management provides the skills to manage all aspects of the sports industry”.
As the sports sector continues to grow, fuelled by advancements in technology, media, and global fan engagement, the demand for skilled experts has never been higher. So, if you love sports and are considering a degree in this field, Sports Management should be somewhere at the top of your options.
Types of Sports Management degrees
A degree in Sports Management opens doors to a wide range of careers. As a Bachelor’s student, you’ll dive into the basics: learn about finance, marketing, leadership, and event management—all tailored to the sports industry. Go for a Master’s degree or an MBA in Sports Management to learn more complex stuff, like sports analytics, international business strategies, and sports law.
On-campus degrees offer a hands-on learning experience with opportunities to network with peers and industry professionals. These programmes often include internships, allowing you to apply what you learn in real-world settings. There are lots of options on our portals.
Online Sports Management degrees
If mobility is an issue, you already have a job, or other circumstances prevent you from travelling to and studying on campus, consider online degrees. An online sports management degree provides a flexible option and covers the same curriculum as traditional programmes, allowing you to gain valuable knowledge and skills at your own pace.
MBA in Sports Management
An MBA in Sports Management is designed for those who already have experience in business or sports and want to move into top-tier management positions. It combines high-level business training with a focus on the sports industry, covering subjects like strategic planning, sponsorship management, and leadership.
What can you do with a Sports Management degree?
Once you graduate, you could become a sports agent, negotiating contracts and sponsorship deals for athletes. You might also lead promotional strategies as a marketing director, working to grow the brand of a team, event, or organisation. If you prefer working behind the scenes, roles like facilities manager - overseeing operations at sports venues—are equally rewarding.
Paul Greaves highlights the diversity of options:
"Graduates go into a range of careers. Some work for national governing bodies as development officers or activity coordinators, while others focus on event management, marketing, or even social media for sports organisations.”
A degree in Sports Management doesn’t just prepare you for roles in the sports world - it equips you with transferable skills that apply to countless industries. Greaves explains, “The management skills we teach - like budgeting, planning, and team management - can be transferred to other industries too. We use sport as the context, but these skills can be applied to all sorts of careers.”
Emerging opportunities in Sports Management
The sports industry constantly evolves, creating exciting new opportunities for professionals with a Sports Management degree. From the rise of e-sports to the increasing role of data-driven decision-making in sports analytics, the field is more dynamic than ever.
- Sports analytics is transforming how teams perform and engage with fans. Professionals in this area use data to optimise player training, devise winning strategies, and analyse fan behaviour.
- E-sports has emerged as a global phenomenon, with opportunities to manage professional gaming teams, organise international tournaments, or work on sponsorship deals in this fast-growing sector.
- Sports development is a diverse field. It includes managing and coordinating programmes that involve people in physical activities, whether children, the elderly, or anyone in between. It also involves marketing these programmes, applying for funding, and overseeing the coaches who run them – so it does have a management side to it, but it is not limited to that. Sports development professionals wear many hats, depending on the role. This is what we can expect from this field in the next decade, according to Paul Greaves:
“In the next 10 years, I see sports development focusing more on health and well-being. People must promote healthy lifestyles and create opportunities for physical activity at the community level. AI is advancing in many areas, but we need people to organise and deliver these activities when it comes to sports. We’ll see more emphasis on local engagement, with new clubs and facilities being developed. It’s about physically and socially connecting people through sport.”
Examples of Sports Management Jobs
Specific roles you can pursue include:
- Sports Agent: Represent and negotiate on behalf of athletes.
- Marketing Director: Lead promotional strategies for sports brands, teams, or events.
- Facilities Manager: Oversee the operations of sports venues, ensuring everything runs smoothly for teams and fans.
- Sports Analyst: Use data to optimise team performance and fan engagement.
- Event Manager: Plan and execute sports events.
Greaves emphasises the value of these experiences, saying,
“That hands-on experience is essential when applying for jobs. Whether volunteering in local schools or helping with community activities, those experiences build skills that are just as important as the academic side.”
What are the best sports management universities in the world?
According to Studyportals University Meta Ranking, these are the top Sports Management schools around the world:
Victoria University (Australia)
Victoria University, based in Melbourne, Australia, it offers highly practical Sports Management programmes, including internships with top sports organisations, such as professional football clubs and government sporting bodies.
University of Twente (UT) (Netherlands)
Located in Enschede, the Netherlands, the University of Twente (UT) combines its technical expertise with a focus on business and innovation in Sports Management. UT integrates technology into sports, making it a great choice for students interested in sports analytics and data-driven decision-making.
University of Bradford (United Kingdom)
The University of Bradford's sports programmes address global challenges in the sports industry, such as ethical governance and inclusive participation. Bradford’s location in a UK sports activity hub enhances students’ career prospects.
Leuphana University Lüneburg (Germany)
Leuphana University in Lüneburg, Germany, is known for its unique focus on combining business, sustainability, and innovation. Its Sports Management programmes explore the intersection of sports and environmental responsibility.
Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico)
Based in Monterrey, Mexico, Tecnológico de Monterrey is a leading university in Latin America. It offers sports management programmes that combine global business strategies with a focus on Latin America’s vibrant sports culture.
Find more of the best sports management universities in the world according to Studyportals University Meta Ranking.
Final Thoughts
A sports management degree allows you to combine your passion for sports with valuable business skills, opening doors to exciting and diverse career opportunities. You’ll gain marketing, event planning, leadership, and analytics expertise. Whether you dream of managing a professional team, organising global sports events, or working behind the scenes in marketing or operations, this degree gives you the tools to succeed.
Take a moment to think about your goals. Do you want to turn your love for sports into a fulfilling career? If the answer is yes, then pursuing a sports management degree could be the perfect step for you.
Start by exploring top Sports Management programmes listed on Mastersportal. The opportunities are waiting - make them yours!
Additional resources:
- Student success story: Sports Management student Nishat Mahmud is determined to play her role in promoting women sports
- Student's guide to athletic scholarships in the USA
FAQs
1. How much does a sports management degree cost?
The cost varies by country and university. Tuition fees for Bachelor’s degrees typically range from €5,000 to €20,000 per year at international universities. Master’s and MBA programmes can be higher, often starting at €10,000 annually, especially for specialised or top-ranked programmes.
2. Are online sports management degrees cheaper than on-campus programmes?
Online degrees are often more affordable, with tuition fees ranging from €3,000 to €10,000 per year. Additionally, online programmes save costs on relocation and living expenses.
3. Are there scholarships for sports management students?
Yes, many universities and organisations offer scholarships based on academic performance, financial need, or sports-related achievements. Examples include:
- Merit-based scholarships for high-performing students.
- Sports scholarships for athletes who demonstrate exceptional skills.
- Scholarships targeted at specific regions or underrepresented groups.
4. How can I find scholarships for sports management?
Start with our scholarships search, there’s a big chance you’ll find something to suit you. Also check university websites, international scholarship platforms.
5. What is the difference between a Master’s and an MBA in sports management?
A Master’s in Sports Management focuses on the sports industry, covering analytics, marketing, and leadership. An MBA in Sports Management combines high-level business training with sports-specific modules, ideal for professionals aiming for executive roles.