Do you enjoy making plans? Do you want to be a business expert while also having a passion for sports? If you answered yes, you have the mindset of a sports manager.
As a sports manager, you’ll be surrounded by incredible athletes who have dedicated their entire lives to sports. You’ll be working in an exciting environment with a diverse group of people. Furthermore, you can help your favourite sport grow and develop, making a career in sports management extremely rewarding.
Do you aspire to be a Sports Manager or are you just exploring the field? In either case, you’ve arrived at the right place! This blog discusses the career as a sports manager, necessary skills, colleges and courses, salary, and other requirements for becoming a Sports Manager. To become a Sports Manager, follow the blog’s detailed guide.
Table of Contents
What does a Sports Managers do?
The nature of the job of a sports manager entails applying business principles to the exciting world of professional sports. Any informed sports fan can attest to the significance of sound business decisions in determining a team’s trajectory.
Sports managers are in charge of various tasks and duties within a sports organisation, from financial strategy to ad design. Whether it’s a local sports team or an internationally competitive team, most sporting organisations employ a sports manager.
Sports managers play an essential role in the operation of sporting teams, both on and off the field.
A sports manager’s typical responsibilities and duties may include:
Whether you want to work in your community or in the big leagues, there are sports management careers for you. Here are some career options in sports management:
Sports General Manager:
Sports General Managers are the people who are frequently interviewed after a sporting event.
They are in charge of hiring coaches and players, contract negotiations, and budgeting.
Sports agents:
Sports agents negotiate player contracts and handle other business opportunities.
As an agent, you may work for more than one player in any number of states, so you’ll likely spend a lot of time travelling to meet with your clients and representatives from the leagues they play in.
Sports Account Manager:
Sports account managers work to generate sponsorships for their leagues.
In this role, you will identify new clients, give sales presentations, and work with clients who want to advertise in stadiums.
Sports Marketing Professional:
Sports marketing professionals promote the team—or league—in the community.
This is accomplished through public relations, community events and appearances, and advertising campaigns.
Sports Event Planner:
Sports event planners are the people in charge of many of the promotional giveaways at stadiums across the country, as well as the appearances of current and former players at community events.
Sports Scout:
Sports scouts are the employees in charge of finding talent for a team.
They frequently follow players from their early years through high school and college, reporting back to team management on any potential leads.
Because sporting events are typically held at night or on weekends, scouts should expect to work irregular hours and travel frequently.
Athletic Director:
This role is often associated with high school and college sports.
The athletic director is in charge of overseeing all aspects of an athletic programme, including budgeting, hiring coaches, facility management, and communication with the league with which the programme is affiliated.
Career path of a Sports Manager
Although there are many paths to starting your career as a Sports Manager, here are the ideal ones.
Path 1: Select the Commerce stream after 10th ➜ Complete Bachelor of Sports Management programme (BSM) after 12th ➜ Become a Sports Manager
Path 2: Select the Commerce stream after 10th ➜ Complete Bachelor of Sports Management programme (BSM) after 12th ➜ Pursue a Master’s, MBA or PGDM ➜ Become a Sports Manager
After 10th, students can learn how to use strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills like a professional sports manager. The Clever Harvey-JuniorMBA Entrepreneurship programme ensures that students develop these skills. Try it out for yourself!
Students who have finished their 12th can apply to the Bachelor of Sports Management programme (BSM). Some BSM colleges offer admission based solely on 12th results, while others may hold an entrance examination. Candidates must perform well in the entrance examination in order to be admitted. The college’s admission committee will make the final decision on admission to all colleges.
A sports manager’s annual salary in India is ₹9,71,596. They also receive an average bonus of ₹34,297.
The annual average salary for an entry-level sports manager (1-3 years of experience) is ₹7,06,586.
A senior-level sports manager (8+ years of experience) earns a yearly average salary of ₹12,17,456.
Skills Required to become a Sports Manager
To succeed in their careers, Sports Managers must have diverse skills. Here are some Sports Managers’ skills to work on, list on your resume, and explain during job interviews:
Communication: Communication skills are essential for sports managers because they frequently represent their teams to other coaches, sports media members, and partners. They also frequently collaborate with teams to communicate expectations and educate athletes on best practices.
Leadership: Sports managers may have direct reports and may direct various administrative members of the sports team in their roles as managers. Leadership abilities can help managers maintain the support of their teams and successfully assist others in their duties.
Marketing: Sports managers may assist their teams in marketing and securing opportunities with partners. Selling and negotiating skills can be especially useful in their roles.
Business strategy: The ability to create and implement high-level plans for long-term financial and corporate success.
Organization: Organizational skills are frequently a plus for sports managers. They can assist with travel arrangements, competition schedules, and event and appearance management.
Problem-solving: Problem-solving abilities are important for sports managers because they may need to address public relations issues or respond to budgetary constraints.
The scope of Sports Management jobs in India is expanding significantly as the Indian sports industry emerges as a key player in global markets. As a result, sports management firms are expanding in India, particularly in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
According to FICCI, the International Institute of Sports Management knowledge report, job opportunities in the sports sector will skyrocket by 2022. Furthermore, India has been identified as a key player in the sports market and is planning to host additional international championships. As a result, the demand for professionals in the sports industry is expected to rise by 19% in the coming years.
According to compensation data, the estimated salary potential for a Sports Manager will rise by 42% over the next five years
Types of industries Hiring Sports Managers
Professional sports managers are in much higher demand than one might think. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in sports management are likely to find employment with one of the following organisations:
Major or minor league sports teams
Sport broadcasting companies
Talent agencies
Universities and colleges
Sports facilities
Marketing and public relations firms
Top Recruiters for Sports Managers
Goals can only be achieved if they are well routed and in the right direction. A good education is only the first step toward a successful career. The second and most important step is joining a good, reputable, well-known organisation. To do so, review the list of top recruiting firms for sports managers and apply to one of your choices.
These online sports management courses can help you improve your specific skill sets as a sports manager.
Sports Facility Management
Sports Leadership and Management
Sports Management: The Essentials Course
Performance Analysis Techniques in Applied Coaching Level 3
Sports Revenue Strategies
Essentials of the Professional Sports Business Management
Innovation in Sports: Past, Present and Future
The Complete Course on Sports Events and Facility Management
Certificate Program on Sports Marketing
Certificate Program on Sports Law
The Complete Sports Facility Manager’s Guide
Qualifications to become a Sports Manager
Bachelor’s degree in a related field required: The first step for aspiring sports managers is to obtain a bachelor’s degree. While many universities offer a sports management degree, a bachelor’s degree in business administration can be just as useful. To get the education you need to work as a manager, look for programmes that cover everything from finance and accounting to marketing and law.
Advanced degree: An MBA, PGDM or master’s degree can help you stand out in the competitive sports management industry when applying for higher-paying jobs. You’ll learn more about leadership techniques, business strategies, and communication skills in a master’s programme.
Gain experience: There are several ways to gain expertise in the sporting industry. Internships, volunteering at a local sports club, or competing on a sports team can all help you gain valuable experience. Charities frequently host large-scale sporting events, such as marathons, which can require extensive planning. Most charities look for volunteers to assist with event logistics.
Degrees in India
UG course:
Bachelor of Sports Management programme (BSM): The Bachelor of Sports Management (B.S.M.) degree programme lasts three years. Sports management is a field of study and a career that focuses on the marketing aspects of sports. It includes, among other things, sports marketing, event management, maintenance services, sports economics, sports finance, and sports technology. This course focuses on laying a solid foundation in the sports industry by applying business theory, ideas, and practices.
PG courses:
Course
Duration
MBA Sports Management
2 years
Master of Sports Management
2 years
Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Management
1 year
Degrees Abroad
UG degree: Several colleges offer sports management degrees that will provide a solid foundation for developing the key skills required to survive in the fast-paced sports industry. A degree in business, management, or sports medicine may also help you find work in this field.
Advanced degree: An MBA or a master’s degree in leadership and management will be beneficial as you work to advance your career in sports management. These degrees will provide you with more knowledge of communication, strategy, and leadership techniques. To lead an entire sports team and employees, you’ll need to be confident and well-versed in these areas. They will look to you for guidance, and having additional skills will ensure you are up to the task.
Entrance exams: Students must take important international entrance exams such as the SAT, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL. Clearing these exams is required for admission to universities and colleges in various countries around the world. Clever Harvey’s step-by-step guide to the SAT entrance exam will provide you with all of the necessary information for the SAT exam. Check it out for yourself!
References for Sports Manager
One of the best ways to get to the top is to start by standing on the shoulders of those who have already succeeded. If you want to advance your career in sports management, it may be time to hit the books—great sports management books, that is. Here is a list of motivational books on sports management.
“When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi” by David Maraniss
“The Cubs Way: The Zen of Building the Best Team in Baseball and Breaking the Curse” by Tom Verducci
“The Game” by Ken Dryden
“Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game” by Michael Lewis
“Wooden: A Coach’s Life” by Seth Davis
“Imperfect: An Improbable Life” by Jim Abbot
“Attitude: Develop a Winning Mindset On and Off the Court” by Jay Wright
“Call an Audible: Let My Pivot From Harvard Law to NFL Coach Inspire Your Transition” by Daron K. Roberts
“Eleven Rings” by Phil Jackson
“Playbook for Success” by Nancy Lieberman
It is critical to recognise that the sports industry has evolved and now necessitates a significant amount of effort from suitably qualified individuals. Sports management is at the grassroots level in India, and the Indian sports industry requires talented professionals to lead it. Best wishes as you begin your new career as a sports manager!
FAQs
Is sports management a good career?
Ans: Careers in Sports Management offer individuals real opportunities to make a difference in their community, work with high-profile athletes, and turn a passion into a lucrative career, which very few global industry sectors can offer to their workforce.
Is there a career in sports management?
Ans: Sports Management degrees will lead to a variety of career opportunities. You must decide whether you want to focus more on the business side or work directly with the players and team as a manager, coach, fitness expert, etc.
How do you become sports manager?
Ans: After 10th, choose any stream. After completing 12th, enrol in the Bachelor of Sports Management (BSM) programme. Volunteer or apply for internships. Finally, apply for Sports Manager positions.
What do you do as a sports manager?
Ans: Sports manager, as a profession, entails overseeing nearly all aspects of an athletic programme. This may include athletic training, athlete education resources, ensuring team and coach compliance, and even fostering interest in your team or club in local communities.
Is sports management degree easy?
Ans: A sports management course is generally thought to be fairly simple. This is especially true for students pursuing a degree who are interested in both the sports industry and its business aspects. However, some subjects, like other majors, can be difficult for some students.
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