How to Become a Sports Business Manager in 2025
What Does a Sports Business Manager Do?
A sports business manager is the person who makes sure the business side of a sports organization runs smoothly. They handle a lot of different tasks, all geared around making money and keeping things organized. Think of them as the behind-the-scenes player who helps the team or organization achieve its goals, both on and off the field.
One major part of the job is financial management. This involves creating budgets, tracking expenses, and finding ways to increase revenue. They might look for sponsorship opportunities, negotiate contracts, and manage ticket sales. A good sports business manager is always looking for ways to improve the bottom line. You can find more information about sports management roles at organizations like the North American Society for Sport Management's homepage.
Another key responsibility is marketing and public relations. This includes developing marketing campaigns to promote the team or organization, managing social media, and working with the media to get positive coverage. They need to be great communicators and be able to build relationships with fans, sponsors, and the media.
Why is this career appealing? For many, it combines a love of sports with business skills. It offers the chance to be involved in a fast-paced, exciting industry while using skills such as organization, leadership, and problem-solving. The ability to work with athletes, coaches, and other professionals is another draw. If you are ready to see a career that has many moving parts then sports management may be for you. Sports business managers make a difference in the viability and success of sports organizations, large and small. The career offers great satisfaction to those who enjoy being a part of the sports industry.
Sports Business Manager Educational & Certification Requirements
A career as a Sports Business Manager frequently starts with a solid educational foundation. While there isn't one single path, most successful professionals possess at least a bachelor's degree. Common undergraduate majors include Sports Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or Finance. A business degree is a strong foundation, with courses covering accounting, economics, and management principles which are all helpful in the sports industry. A sports management program provides instruction that blends business principles with knowledge specific to the sports field, such as sports law, marketing, and event management.
Beyond a bachelor's degree, many individuals pursue a master's degree to gain a competitive advantage. A Master's in Sports Management or an MBA with a focus on sports management can be beneficial. These programs offer advanced coursework and often provide opportunities for internships and networking within the sports industry. Consider researching programs at reputable universities to see what their curriculum offers. You can research universities at websites like US News & World Report.
While certifications are not always mandatory, they can demonstrate a commitment to professional development and enhance job prospects. Certifications related to areas such as sports marketing, event planning, or financial management can be valuable. Look into certifications offered by professional organizations in the sports industry, checking their credibility and relevance to your career goals. Project Management certifications are beneficial, as well. Obtaining these certifications can showcase your dedication to expanding your knowledge and skills, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
Step-By-Step Guide to Becoming a Sports Business Manager
So, you're thinking about a career as a sports business manager? Great choice! It's a field with lots of opportunity. This guide will walk you through the steps to get there, starting from education and continuing through gaining experience. It can seem like a lot, but breaking it down makes it much more manageable.
Step 1: Get the Right Education
A bachelor's degree is the foundation. Look for programs in sports management, business administration, marketing, or a related field. These degrees will give you a strong background in business principles, finance, and marketing, which are all really important for this job. Some schools may offer specific sports business management degrees. This can be advantageous because the coursework will focus on the sports industry. Don’t discount a general business degree, though. You can always specialize later. Check out resources like College Board to research college programs: https://www.collegeboard.org/
Step 2: Consider a Master's Degree (Optional, but Beneficial)
While a bachelor's degree can get you started, a master's degree in sports management or business administration (MBA) can really set you apart. A master's program allows you to specialize and gain a deeper knowledge of the sports industry. It also shows potential employers that you're serious about your career.
Step 3: Gain Relevant Experience Through Internships
Internships are key. Try to get as many as you can during your college years. Look for internships with professional sports teams, college athletic departments, sports marketing agencies, or related organizations. Internships offer practical experience and let you network. Networking will help you to form important connections that help you when you are looking for a job. You can often find internship opportunities through your college career center.
Step 4: Develop Key Skills
Sports business managers need a wide range of skills. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities are a must. You also need to be good with numbers and understand financial statements. Learn to negotiate contracts, manage budgets, and develop marketing plans. Take courses or workshops to improve these skills.
Step 5: Network, Network, Network
Networking is super important in the sports industry. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with people on LinkedIn. Reach out to people who work in the field and ask for informational interviews. These conversations can provide valuable insights and help you build relationships.
Step 6: Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
When applying for jobs, customize your resume and cover letter to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. Show that you understand the sports industry and the specific organization you are applying to. Use examples to demonstrate your accomplishments.
Step 7: Prepare for Interviews
Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to talk about your skills, experiences, and goals. Research the organization and the role so you can ask thoughtful questions. Dress professionally and be prepared to make a strong impression.
How To Network As A Sports Business Manager
Getting ahead as a sports business manager often comes down to who you know. Building a solid network can open doors to job opportunities, mentorships, and valuable insights into this competitive field.
One of the best places to start is with internships. These offer firsthand experience and the chance to make connections with professionals already working in sports. Go beyond just completing your assigned tasks. Make an effort to get to know your colleagues, ask questions, and attend any company events. This shows initiative and genuine interest, which can leave a lasting positive impression.
Another great tactic is attending industry conferences and events. These gatherings bring together sports business leaders, recruiters, and other aspiring professionals. Prepare beforehand by researching attendees and crafting a short "elevator pitch" about yourself and your career goals. Don't just collect business cards; follow up with the people you meet on LinkedIn or through email, referencing your conversation to refresh their memory. You can find information on sports-related conferences at organizations like the Sports Management Resources site.
Don’t underestimate the power of your existing connections. Inform your friends, family, and former classmates about your career aspirations. They might know someone working in sports or have connections that could lead to an opportunity. Also, consider joining professional organizations related to sports management. These groups often host networking events, workshops, and provide access to job boards. Building your network takes time and effort, but it's a worthwhile investment in your future. It increases your exposure and opens doors to resources that are needed to thrive.
Actionable Tips & Resources For Aspiring Sports Business Managers In 2025
Want a career shaping the business side of sports? Becoming a sports business manager in 2025 requires a mix of education, skills, and networking. This section offers some practical steps and resources to get you started. Begin by focusing on your education. A bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement. While a degree in sports management is ideal, degrees in business administration, marketing, or finance can also provide a solid foundation. Look for programs that offer internships or practical experience within the sports industry. Courses focusing on sports law, economics, and communication are incredibly valuable.
Next, build a strong skill set. Analytical skills are vital for interpreting data and making informed business decisions. Become comfortable with budgeting, financial planning, and revenue generation strategies. Develop your communication and interpersonal skills, as you'll be interacting with athletes, coaches, sponsors, and the media. Leadership abilities are also important, because you will be leading teams and projects. Seek out opportunities to develop these skills through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or part-time jobs. Consider certifications related to project management or financial analysis to enhance your resume.
Finally, network, network, network. Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to meet professionals and learn about current trends. Join relevant organizations like the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) to connect with peers and mentors. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building connections and finding job opportunities. Reach out to people working in sports business management for informational interviews. Don't be afraid to ask for advice and guidance. Many professionals are happy to share their experiences and help aspiring managers get their start. Keep up with industry news by reading publications such as Sports Business Journal. Visit professional sports teams' websites like the NFL's homepage to learn about their management structure.