A sports manager is a professional responsible for managing various aspects of a sports organisation or a team. They are involved in scouting and recruiting new talent, negotiating contracts, creating marketing and promotional strategies, managing budgets and overseeing team operations. Sports managers may work in various settings including professional sports teams, college and amateur sports organisations, sports marketing firms as well as sports agencies. 

They must possess strong leadership along with organisational skills and in-depth knowledge of the sports industry as well as the sport they manage. Education requirements for sports managers vary, but many have a background in business, sports management, marketing or a related field. Some employers may also require relevant experiences in the sports industry such as coaching or playing experience.

For Bachelor’s

• The applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in any relevant field.
• Also, the candidate must be actively involved in sports activities during their graduation or while preparing for a career in sports management. 
• Some universities and colleges accept the SMAT test as the entrance exam.

For Master’s

• The seekers can enrol in a Master's degree programme, including subjects related to sports management, to pursue advanced skills and enhance leadership skills for a better future.

A sports manager oversees the administration, management and operations of a sports team, their organisation as well as events. Some of the common job roles for a sports manager include:

• Sports Event Manager
• Sports Team Manager
• Sports Marketing Manager
• Sports Agent
• Sports Facility Manager
• Sports Broadcasting Manager
• Sports Sponsorship Manager

Employment Sector Jobs

Sports managers can find employment in a variety of sectors including:

• Professional Sports Teams
• Sports Agencies
• Sports Marketing Firms
• Sports Broadcasting Companies
• Sports Facilities
• Sports Event Management Companies
• Sports Equipment and Apparel Companies

Some of the top recruiters for sports managers include:

• Major League Baseball (MLB)
• National Basketball Association (NBA)
• National Football League (NFL)
• National Hockey League (NHL)
• Major League Soccer (MLS)
• IMG
• Octagon
• CAA Sports
• WME/IMG
• SFX Sports Group

The salary for a sports manager can vary greatly depending on several factors including location, experience and level of responsibility. Here are some average salaries based on various job titles within the field of sports management:

A sports manager should have a combination of technical, business and interpersonal skills. Some of the critical skills required for a successful career as a sports manager include:

• Leadership
• Communication
• Strategic thinking
• Problem solving
• Financial acumen
• Negotiation
• Networking
• Marketing
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability
• Collaboration

The scope of a sports manager can vary greatly depending on the specific job function and level of responsibility. Here are some of the key areas of responsibility for a sports manager:

• Team Management
• Financial Management
• Marketing and Promotions
• Event Planning
• Sponsorship and Partnership Development
• Athlete Representation
• Game Operations

Here are some of the most significant benefits as a career in sports management:

• High Demand
• Competitive Salaries
• Opportunities for Advancement
• Working with Athletes
• Dynamic Work Environment
• Ability to Make a Difference
• Flexibility and Variety

A career as a sports manager can comes with its own set of challenges and drawbacks including:

• Long Hours
• Stressful Environment
• High Competition
• Constant Travel
• Financial Instability
• Challenges in Working with Athletes
• Ethical and Legal Issues
• Regenerate response
• Limited Control