Spotlight on Majors – Sports Management

by Kate Hauser

Sports Management


 Turn your passion for sports into a dynamic career.

If you’re a sports lover but not planning to become a professional athlete, there are still exciting careers waiting for you behind the scenes. The global sports industry—worth hundreds of billions of dollars—needs professionals to manage teams, promote events, run facilities, and keep everything running smoothly. A degree in Sports Management is a great way to turn your passion into a profession.

What is Sports Management?

Sports Management is a multidisciplinary field that combines business, marketing, event planning, and leadership with the world of sports. Students in Sports Management programs learn how the sports industry operates and prepare for careers working with professional teams, college athletics, sports facilities, equipment companies, and even esports organizations.

What You’ll Study

Most Sports Management majors earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Courses often include:

  • Business and Accounting
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Sports Law and Ethics
  • Event and Facility Management
  • Athlete Representation and Sponsorship
  • Kinesiology or Health Sciences (depending on the program)

Hands-on experience is key. Internships with sports organizations, athletic departments, and event venues are a core part of many programs. Some schools even let you specialize in areas like sports marketing, coaching, or sports analytics.

Canadian Programs

In Canada, many universities offer Sports Management or related programs through business schools or departments of kinesiology and recreation. For example:

  • Brock University – Sport Management (BSM) – one of Canada’s most established and respected programs.
  • Thompson Rivers University – Bachelor of Tourism Management, with a diploma in Sport and Event Management.
  • Laurentian University, University of Windsor, and Capilano University also offer related degrees and diplomas.

These programs often include co-op placements or field experiences, giving you a head start on your career. Some Canadian colleges offer diploma programs in sport and recreation management, which can lead directly to jobs or transfer into university degrees.

Choosing the Right Program

Here are a few things to consider when exploring Sports Management programs:

  • Business vs. Kinesiology Focus: Programs based in business schools emphasize management, marketing, and finance. Programs within kinesiology or health departments may include coaching and athlete development.
  • Internships and Career Connections: Look for programs with strong ties to local sports teams, leagues, or facilities.
  • Location: Cities with major sports teams or industry hubs may offer more internship opportunities.
  • Alumni and Career Outcomes: Ask where graduates work. A strong alumni network can open doors.

Career Paths

Sports Management majors can work in many areas, including:

  • Professional & University Sports Teams
  • Sports Marketing and Sponsorship
  • Event Planning and Venue Operations
  • Recreation and Community Sports
  • Media and Broadcasting
  • Fitness, Health, and Tourism Industries

Common job titles include:

  • Sports Marketer
  • Event Coordinator
  • Athletic Director
  • Sports Agent
  • Facility or Stadium Manager
  • Fitness Club Director
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Youth Program Director
  • Professional Scout
  • Camp or Cruise Recreation Manager
  • Sports Broadcaster or Journalist

With experience, many professionals move into leadership or entrepreneurial roles, managing entire departments or launching their own ventures in the sports and recreation world.

Resources to Explore

 

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