Overview
The sports industry is a booming business, with a global market size of over \$500 billion. As a result, there is a growing demand for qualified professionals who can manage the business side of sports.

If you’re interested in a career in sports management, it’s important to choose the right university. The best universities for sports management offer rigorous academic programs, experienced faculty, and strong industry connections.
Top Universities for Sports Management
According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, the top 10 universities for sports management are:
Rank | University | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | Loughborough University | Loughborough, UK |
2 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL, USA |
3 | Ohio University | Athens, OH, USA |
4 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA, USA |
5 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | Amherst, MA, USA |
6 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX, USA |
7 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY, USA |
8 | University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL, USA |
9 | Texas A&M University | College Station, TX, USA |
10 | Indiana University Bloomington | Bloomington, IN, USA |
These universities offer a variety of sports management programs, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and online programs. They also have strong partnerships with professional sports teams and organizations, which can provide students with valuable internships and networking opportunities.
What to Look for in a Sports Management Program
When choosing a sports management program, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Accreditation: Make sure the program is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).
- Faculty: The faculty should be experienced and knowledgeable in the sports industry.
- Curriculum: The curriculum should cover a wide range of topics, including sports marketing, finance, law, and event management.
- Industry connections: The program should have strong partnerships with professional sports teams and organizations.
- Career services: The career services office should provide students with support in finding internships and jobs.
Careers in Sports Management
Graduates of sports management programs can pursue a variety of careers in the sports industry. Some common career paths include:
- Sports marketing: Sports marketers promote and sell sports products and services.
- Sports finance: Sports financiers manage the financial operations of sports organizations.
- Sports law: Sports lawyers represent athletes, teams, and organizations in legal matters.
- Sports event management: Sports event managers plan and execute sports events.
- Sports administration: Sports administrators manage the day-to-day operations of sports organizations.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in a career in sports management, it’s important to choose the right university. The best universities for sports management offer rigorous academic programs, experienced faculty, and strong industry connections. By choosing the right university, you can set yourself up for success in the sports industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the average salary for a sports manager?
The average salary for a sports manager is \$65,000. However, salaries can vary depending on experience, education, and industry. -
What are the job prospects for sports managers?
The job outlook for sports managers is expected to grow by 10% over the next decade. This is due to the increasing popularity of sports and the growing demand for qualified professionals who can manage the business side of sports. -
What skills do I need to become a sports manager?
Sports managers need a variety of skills, including:- Communication skills
- Marketing skills
- Financial skills
- Legal skills
- Event management skills
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How can I learn more about sports management?
There are a number of ways to learn more about sports management, including:- Taking courses in sports management
- Reading books and articles about sports management
- Attending conferences and workshops on sports management
- Interning with a sports organization