If you want to put yourself in the game and be a part of your favorite sport, studying sports management is a great way to do it!

A Sports Management Master in Business Administration program, like the one offered through SDSU Global Campus, can fully immerse you in the world of sports marketing, analytics, and management. You’ll get a chance to learn many different aspects of the industry so that you can find where your skills fit best. 

Here is everything you need to know about what you’ll learn in sports management, as well as the top career you could go into. 

What is Sports Management?

Sports management involves the business side of the sports industry and everything that goes into managing teams, players, events, facilities, and more. 

Sports management programs provide you with a very well-rounded education. You gain knowledge not only of management itself, but also of statistics, finance, marketing, and even law. These skills are extremely applicable across many fields, even if you gain your initial training in them in the context of sports. 

The four main roles of management include planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating. Among these, leading is arguably the most important. You need to be able to motivate your staff and players and set a good example. Additionally you need to build a positive relationship with sponsors, the media, and most importantly the fans.  

By earning a degree in sports management, you can become a part of making magic for your fellow fans. 

What Can I Do With a Sports Management Degree?

Working in sports management can lead you to a wide range of careers in the world of athletics from direct management to analysis. 

  • General Manager: General Managers are the architects of teams. They build the roster by scouting players and managing their contracts. They’re also responsible for developing an overall team strategy to work towards big wins and championships. 
  • Athletic Director: If you love sports and working with young players, athletic director is the perfect role for you. They oversee all of the sports teams at a high school or university. They hire coaches, manage budgets, oversee events, and make sure everything runs smoothly.
  • Sports Agent: Sports agents represent individual players and help them manage their career. These agents negotiate contracts, manage sponsorships, and help manage their public image. They want their players to be as successful off the field as they are on.
  • Sports Business Analyst: These analysts turn data into strategies to help sports organizations make smarter business decisions. They mainly conduct market research and analyze financial performance indicators like ticket sales. 
  • Brand Partnerships: Working in brand partnerships is like being a matchmaker, trying to find brands and teams that will work well together for sponsorships. They’re there for the entire deal process, from pitching partnerships, to negotiating deals, to managing the account once they’ve signed.  
  • Sports Marketing: Sports marketing professionals build the team’s brand, especially online. They manage social media accounts, create campaigns to sell tickets, and create fan engagement experiences. They’re also the ones coming up with fun themed games and coordinating player appearances. 

What Makes Sports Management at SDSU Unique?

SDSU Global Campus’ Sports Management Master of Business Administration program features top-tier faculty and an active alumni network. 

The accelerated, fully in-person program can be completed in just 18 months. It provides ample opportunities for hands-on learning experiences, so you’ll be able to build valuable connections with your peers, as well as the expert faculty from the SDSU Fowler College of Business.

The Sports MBA curriculum includes 12-months of classroom courses, a 4 month full-time internship in the field, as well as an international case study trip to the Dominican Republic. Many students secure employment during their final semester with companies in Southern California and across the country.

Apply today to put yourself in the action and become a leader of the sports world!