Sports Management: Career & Eligibility

02 September,2023  |  By Brainwonders

Sports is a hobby for some people, a passion for many, and a way of life for a few. The sports industry is booming around the world. Careers in the sports industry are not just limited to athletes either. There are tens of thousands of jobs for general managers, fitness directors, coaches, recruiters, professors, PR people, marketing people, salespeople, and more. India as a nation is a breeding ground for sports, and now with a growing number of sports leagues coming up for a wide range of sports, such as Indian Premier League, Hockey Premier League, Indian Super League, Pro kabaddi league, etc. opportunities in this sector abound.

How to Pursue a Career in Sports Management?

Sports management is the business of sports and recreation. Sports managers find numerous opportunities of working in professional teams, colleges, recreational departments and marketing firms. 

While most people who dream of a career in sports wish to represent their country on the field at national and international tournaments, playing a sport is not the only way to be a part of it. There are others who have the requisite knowledge and understanding of the game but work behind the scenes to organize matches, monitor team finances, negotiate contracts of athletes, etc. All in all, sports managers are required to manage all the key aspects related to the business and governance of sports at all levels.

Eligibility Criteria for Sports Management UG and PG Courses:

Sports Management UG Course:

• Marksheet of 10+2 to show the completion of class from any recognised board.
• Clarifying the entrance exams conducted by Universities at National level.

Sports Management PG Course:

• Students must have a minimum score of 60-80 TOEFL, IELTS 6.5 bands.
• A UG degree from a recognised university with the minimum CGPA required by the University in sports related subjects.

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Sports Management Entrance Exams:

• Management Aptitude Test (MAT):

             Frequency of Test: Four (February, May, September, and December).

             Mode of Exam: Online and Offline.

• Common Admission Test (CAT):

            Frequency of Exam: One (November)

            Mode of Exam: Online

• Common Management Admission Test (CMAT): 

            Frequency of Exam: One 

            Mode of Exam: Online 

Must Read: List of Top 20 Toughest Exams In India

Skills Required for Sports Management:

• Physical Fitness
• High Energy
• Passion for Sports
• Stamina
• Resilient and Optimistic
• Keen Observation Skills
• Patience
• Determination
• Enthusiasm
• Management Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Collaborative Attitude
• Time management skills
• Sporting spirit

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Sports Management UG Subjects:

• Physiology and Exercise
• Management of Physical Education
• Education of Psychology, Guidance, and Counselling
• Sports Management
• Applied Anatomy and Physiology
• Sociology of Sports
• Health Education
• Kinesiology and Bio-mechanics
• Educational Methodology
• Principles of Training and Yoga
• Teaching Ability
• Motor learning and Sports Psychology

Sports Management PG Subjects:

• Psychology of Sports and Ethics in Business
• Marketing Management
• Business Statistics
• Managerial Economics
• Legal Aspects of Business
• Business Policy and Strategic Management
• Sports Training and Conditioning
• Principles of Management
• Business Law
• Administration of Games
• Sports Law and Risk Management
• Management Information Systems
• Sports Medicine and Nutrition 

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Associate’s Degree

Students interested in entry-level administrative, management or marketing careers in sports management can earn an associate’s degree. These programs typically require two years of study and can allow students to pursue careers with sports teams, leagues, athletic organizations, and related sports groups. Courses program can teach students subjects like promotion, financial accounting, and human resources management. Students can also take athletic, sports, and exercise-based courses that focus on the scientific, medical, and biological aspects of sports. Typical courses may involve subjects such as:

• Business communication
• Marketing
• Sports and society
• Accounting
• Information technology
• Event management

Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management

A bachelor’s degree program can prepare students for supervisory and direct management positions with sports organizations. Its bachelor’s degree programs can offer areas of specialty, such as athletic development, sports marketing or sports administration. Many programs provide internship opportunities with local or regional sports organizations. Typical courses can include:

• Sports finance
• Sports leadership
• Intercollegiate sports administration
• Sports facilities management
• Sports event management
• Industrial trends in sports and exercise

Are you looking for a career as sports manager and are unaware of the packages they are offered? If - Yes, then you must read: A career as Sports Manager.

Master of Science in Sports Management

A Master of Science (M.S.) in Sports Management degree program offers students the opportunity to focus on applying to the athletic industry. Graduate students may study sports literature and learn athletic management techniques. Graduate students will learn to combine the practical aspects of athletic management with sports theory. Common course topics involve:

• Collegiate Athletics
• Sports Finance
• Sports Marketing
• Leadership
• Sports Law
• Sports Industry Management

Sports Management Top Colleges and Fee Structure:

• Indian Institute of Management Rohtak - INR 7.16 lakh
• Jamia Millia Islamia - INR 2.2 lakh
• KJ Somaiya Institute of Management - INR 18.78 lakh
• School of Management - INR 7.5 lakh
• ISBR Business School - INR 9.15 lakh
• CMS Business School - INR 9.7 lakh 
• Pillai Institute of Management Studies and Research - INR 2.5 lakh
• International Institute of Sports Management, Mumbai - INR 3.5 lakh to INR 7.31 lakh 
• Symbiosis School of Sports Science - INR 8.2 lakh 

Recommended Read: Top 20 Universities in India: Location, Courses, Admission Process, Fee structure.

Popular Career Options and Salaries Offered 

Careers typically require individuals to work with athletes and other sports professionals to meet various short and long-term business objectives. Common careers include:

• Event Coordinator - INR 4 lakh to INR 6 lakh 
• Management Trainee - INR 4 lakh to INR 5 lakh 
• Franchise Operator - INR 7.5 lakh 
• Sports Instructor - INR 4 lakh to INR 5 lakh 
• Sports Marketing Manager - INR 7 lakh to INR 9 lakh 
• Sports Department Manager - INR 4 lakh to INR 6 lakh 
• Athlete Nutritionist - INR 2 lakh to INR 4 lakh 
• Athletic Director - INR 3 lakh to INR 6 lakh 
• Sports Agent - INR 8 lakh to INR 9 lakh 
• Sports Consultant - INR 8 lakh to INR 9 lakh 
• Finance and Business Operations Manager - INR 12.67 lakh
• Brand Manager - INR 12.42 lakh
• Sports Celebrity Manager - INR 4.45 lakh
• Merchandising Manager - INR 8.3 lakh

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• Salary and Duty of a Sports Journalist
• Who are Sports Psychologists and what is their role?

Sports Management Top Recruiters:

• OGQ
• Star Sports
• DNA Networks
• Edusports
• Zee-ten Sports
• JSW Sports
• Decathlon India
• SportsWise India
• Go Sports Foundation
• IMG
• Sports Interactive
• CEAT
• Pitch Vision
• XLR8

Students interested in abroad jobs can work in following organisations:

• National Sports Marketing Network (NSMN)
• North American Society for Sports Management (NASSM)
• National Association of Collegiate Director of Athletics (NACDA)
• National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC)
• World association for Sports Management (WASM) 
• National Association for Sports and Physical Education (NASPE)
• Black Sports Agent Association (BSAA)

Career Scope and Job Prospects

Companies are coming up every day in India and cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Hyderabad now have some world-class companies in this sector. 

Evolution of Sports Industry might lead to the following upcoming trends:

• Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Platforms
• Focus on Sustainability
• Creative Merchandising 

There are 52 official national sports federations in India and governing bodies lookout for professional sports managers. Marketing and branding have also a great scope in the field of sports. Sports marketing managers and sponsorship managers are much in demand. Sports professionals with a deep understanding of sporting merchandise are also in massive demand in India and global brands like Nike, Reebok, and Adidas are increasing their footprint in the country.

Event management companies are on a hiring spree for sports managers to meet the demand for handling sports-related events. In the near future, there will be massive demands for positions like sports directors, operation managers, communications & PR personnel, venue management professionals, implementation managers, sports administrators, media professionals, and so on.

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Hence, it is a booming career for those who are passionate about the world of sports.

Sports Management FAQs:

1. Which College offers sports courses in Delhi NCR?

Ans: GD Goenka offers a PG Diploma in sports management.

2. Can sports management be pursued after B.Com?

Ans: Yes, sports management can be pursued after class B.Com. 

3. Are there any certification courses majoring in Sports Management?

Ans: Yes, there are several certification courses for better career options in sports management.

4. What are the fees to pursue an MBA in sports management?

Ans: The fee structure for MBA in sports management ranges from INR 2 lakh to INR 10 lakhs.