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Isenberg School of Management Department of Sport Management

Careers in Sport Management

The University of Massachusetts program familiarizes students with all aspects of the field and prepares them to be sport industry leaders of the future.

Sport management professionals work for sports teams and leagues, college athletic programs, national and international amateur-sport organizations, and firms specializing in sport marketing, sport sponsorship, athlete representation, and facility and event management.

The most powerful and widely recognized of these professionals head the business and management operations of sport’s highest profile teams and leagues, as well as national and international federations, conferences, and associations. Down through the administrative ranks, however, sport organizations need and reward capable business professionals.

Entry-level sport management positions are available in such areas as sales, communications, event marketing and management, account management, community relations, game operations, promotions, and Internet marketing. After gaining experience, employees can gradually move on to become directors, vice presidents, general managers, and even presidents and CEOs. While the field of sport management has evolved rapidly, this growth and development has been accompanied by a high degree of competitiveness for available positions.

Sport Job Search Links

Industry Publication Links

A detailed list of sport related publications

Three Main Industry Sections:

Professional Sports

  • League Offices
  • Player Union Offices
  • Individual Franchises
  • Community Relations
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Media Relations (TV, Radio, Print, Website)
  • Sales (Tickets, Suites, Advertising, Sponsorship)
  • Operations
  • Public Relations

Amateur Sports

  • Olympic Sports Organizations
  • Intercollegiate Sports
  • Interscholastic Sports
  • Youth Sports
  • Regional Sport Commissions
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Media Relations (TV, Radio, Print, Website)
  • Sales (Tickets, Suites, Advertising, Sponsorship)
  • Operations
  • Public Relations

Sport Agencies

  • Consulting
  • Sponsorship
  • Player Representation
  • Event Management
  • Marketing
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Law (Representation, Counsel)
  • Management
  • Marketing

Other Types of Agencies:

  • Broadcasting (TV, Radio)
  • Facility Management
  • Licensing and Merchandising
  • Service