What Does a Sport Manager Do? A Complete Career Guide
If you’re passionate about the strategic and operational side of sports and have a knack for problem-solving, then a career in sport management could be right for you. Today, sport managers are needed not just in professional and collegiate sports leagues but also in recreational sports, nonprofit athletic organizations, sport marketing agencies, and beyond.
With a sneak peek into what the work of a sport manager entails and the skills needed to succeed in sport management, you may be in a better position to decide whether this path aligns with your own interests and professional goals.
What Do Sport Managers Do? A Clear, Modern Definition
What does a sport manager do, anyway?
In simple terms, a sport manager is an industry professional who oversees the business and operational side of a sport-related organization or team. This may include everyday budgeting and financial management, day-to-day operations and logistics, and long-term strategic planning.
Key Responsibilities of a Sport Manager
Now that you have a better idea of the big-picture role of a sport manager, you might be wondering: What do sport managers do on a daily basis?
While the exact responsibilities of a sport manager can vary somewhat from one role to the next, most professionals in this field carry out the following duties on a regular basis.
Operations and Daily Administration
Sport managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a sporting entity, such as a team. They may be responsible for logistical elements, such as scheduling practices and making arrangements for team travel.
Budgeting and Financial Oversight
Financial management is another important aspect of a sport manager’s job. These professionals must have strong financial acumen, as they are often responsible for creating team budgets, securing additional funding as needed, and managing everyday expenses.
Marketing, Promotions, and Fan Engagement
Sport managers also work to spread awareness about their teams or organizations. This task, which is achieved through dedicated marketing and public relations, may involve finding creative ways to engage and interact with fans.
Event Planning and Game-Day Operations
For managers overseeing sports teams, another critical aspect of the job may be event planning and the supervision of all game-day operations. This may include making travel plans to ensure that team members get to their venue on time.
Athlete Services and Program Support
Sport managers often serve as a liaison between athletes and other members of an organization, including coaches and the media. Some sport managers may even represent specific athletes and advocate for their interests.
Facility and Venue Management
Instead of overseeing sports teams or organizations, some sport managers work for athletic venues. These professionals manage the daily operations of these facilities, ensuring that venues are ready for game day and can operate profitably.
Compliance and Risk Management
Because the sporting industry is subject to strict laws and regulations (such as Title IX in collegiate sports), an important aspect of the job is staying on top of these laws. In other words, sport managers must ensure that their organizations are in compliance at all times, typically as part of a risk mitigation strategy.
Sponsorships and External Relations
Many sport managers are responsible for securing sponsorship deals and handling external relations with members of the media and sponsors. This may include organizing special programs such as promotional events.
Where Do Sport Managers Work?
Part of the appeal of a career in sport management is the ability to work in many different settings. Common employers for sport managers include:
- Professional sports teams
- Collegiate athletics
- Recreation programs
- Sport-related businesses (including those in marketing, broadcasting, and PR)
- Nonprofit athletic organizations
Common Job Titles and Specializations in Sport Management
Of course, not all sport managers carry that exact title. As you explore listings for sport management careers, you may come across the following job titles and specializations:
- Athletic Operations Manager
- Event and Game-Day Coordinator
- Facility Operations Manager
- Sport Marketing Coordinator
- Ticketing and Promotions Manager
- Community Relations Coordinator
- Athlete Services Coordinator
- Recreation Program Director
- Fitness and Wellness Manager
- Corporate Partnerships Manager
- Compliance Coordinator (Collegiate Athletics)
- Sports Information or Communications Specialist
- Youth Sports Program Director
- Business Operations Manager (Sport or Recreation)
- Event Sales or Sponsorship Coordinator
- Venue or Stadium Manager
Salary Expectations and Career Outlook for Sport Managers
How much do sport managers make? The answer can vary greatly based on factors such as your level of education, amount of experience, and location. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for administrative services and facilities managers was $106,880 in 2024, with a projected job outlook growth of 4% between 2024 and 2034.
Skills Needed to Succeed in Sport Management
Thriving as a sport manager requires a combination of technical competencies and soft skills. Some essential skills you’ll need in this line of work include:
- Leadership – Being able to effectively manage people and lead teams is a must as a sport manager.
- Budgeting – A strong sense of financial acumen is essential when managing budgets and handling everyday finances.
- Marketing – Being able to get the word out about your sporting organization through dedicated marketing and advertising could be a critical part of your job.
- Communication – Because sport managers effectively serve as the face of their organizations, they need to have strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Event management and planning – Sport managers must be organized in planning and carrying out both short-term events and long-term visions.
How to Become a Sport Manager
If you feel like a career in sport management could be right for you, here are some practical steps you can take to pursue your professional goals.
1. Earn a Degree in Sport Management or a Related Field
Having at least an undergraduate degree in sport management or a related field (such as business) is a requirement for many sport management roles, including many entry-level positions. A more advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Sport Management, could help you further specialize your skills and knowledge to prepare for more advanced roles.
2. Gain Hands-On Experience
Even with an excellent education as your foundation, nothing replicates having direct and hands-on experience in the field. You can gain practical experience through volunteer roles with local sports organizations, internships, or other experiential learning opportunities that may be available through your school.
3. Build a Professional Network
In the world of sport management, who you know is arguably just as important as what you know. It’s never too early to start building a professional network through sites like LinkedIn or by attending industry events. You never know what kinds of opportunities could arise from a network connection.
4. Pursue Professional Development (Optional)
If you want to further your skills while specializing in a niche area of the field, you might consider pursuing additional certifications or designations. Some in-demand certifications for sport managers include:
Sport Managers: Frequently Asked Questions
What does a sport manager do on a daily basis?
Generally, a sport manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, finances, logistics, and marketing of a sporting team or organization.
Is sport management a good career field?
This really depends on where your interests and strengths lie. If you’re passionate about sports and have a strong sense of business and financial acumen, it could be a fitting career path for you.
What degree do I need to become a sport manager?
A degree in sport management or a related field is generally preferred. To remain competitive, an advanced degree (such as a master’s in sport management) may be ideal.
What is the difference between sport management and sport administration?
The main difference between sport management and sport administration is that sport management focuses more on the business/operations side, while sport administration usually centers more on the programs and people within a sports organization.
Ready to Pursue a Degree in Sport Management?
If you already have an undergraduate degree and are looking to build career-ready skills in sport management, then Texas A&M University’s Master of Science in Sport Management could be right for you. With both online and on-campus options available, you can choose the format that works best with your lifestyle. Get in touch to learn more or take the next step by applying today.