Employment Guide for the Sports Industry

Why Choose a Career in Sport Management?

The sport industry today is not only exciting but it is a lucrative and continually growing segment of the entertainment, arts, and recreation industry. As a global industry that attracts passionate fans, spectators and players throughout the world, sports have an enormous impact on people’s lives through education, diplomacy, personal achievement, business and overall entertainment. It is estimated that the sports industry generates between $400 and $425 billion in revenue annually. Many more billions are generated through related industries such as hospitality, event management, and fitness/recreation.

Segments of the sports industry offer additional avenues for varying career paths. For example, sports marketing might include a number of areas from product placement, celebrity endorsement, sponsorship sales, merchandising, corporate relations, sales activation, and a host of other activities. Numerous opportunities and resources exist in both the public and private sector for anyone looking to break into this dynamic field.

The Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management Department at the University of New Haven is committed to help you excel in this field. The career possibilities are endless as you see in the following employment guide of the sports industry.

What Degrees Are Best for Jobs in the Sports Industry?

A degree in sport management can help you break into a career in the sports industry. Learn more about the world-renowned degrees at the University of New Haven:

B.S. in Sport ManagementM.S. in Sport Management

Explore Your Paths in the Sports Industry

Students looking at a computer screen.

Sport Marketing

Sport Marketing includes a wide range of responsibilities from selling a team, event or facility to promoting a brand or image for a sponsor.Learn About Sport Marketing Careers
A male tennis player

Special Events

Learn about sporting events and competitions that take place around the world that require efficient business operations to run successfully.Learn About Special Events Careers
A basketball court

NGB of Sport

National Governing Bodies (NGB) of Sports are non-profit, non-governmental organizations responsible for promoting and developing a particular sport within a nation.Learn About Careers with NGBs
A tennis court

Sporting Equipment/Goods

Industry statistics show that U.S. sporting equipment sales at retail sporting goods stores are roughly $41 billion yearly.Learn About Equipment Careers
A football team

Sports Apparel

Sporting apparel sellers and manufacturers attract buyers who are both athletes and non-athletes.Learn About Apparel Careers
A golf course

Sport Facility Management

Sport facilities can range from gyms and park and recreation departments to large arenas and stadiums.Learn About Facility Careers
A soccer stadium.

Sport Analytics

Sport analytics is a rapidly developing segment of the sport industry.Learn About Analytics Careers
Men running.

Non-Profits /Recreation Activities

Recreational Sports are one of the most common staples of American culture.Learn About Rec Careers
A NASCAR race

Professional Sports

Professional sports in the United States are one of the biggest entertainment industry segments in the country.Learn About Pro Sports Careers
Women's lacrosse players

Collegiate Sports

There are over 4,000 colleges, universities, and junior colleges in the United States today.Learn About College Sports Careers
A TV camera

Sports Media Industry

Sports Media covers the broadcasting and reporting of sports in the media.Learn About Media Careers
A man pointing at a book or contract on a desk

Executives and Agents

Almost every professional athlete has a man or woman behind the scenes to negotiate, advise, and maintain a working relationship with each affiliated organization.Learn About Exec and Agent Careers
A man and woman hiking.

Adventure Companies

Adventure companies provide opportunities for people of all ages to participate and experience the outdoors through a number of activities.Learn About Adventure Careers
A long jumper.

Women and Minorities in Sport

Learn more about resources that highlight opportunities for women and minorities in sports.Resources for Women and Minorities
Two people loking out on a stadium.

Getting a Job in the Sports Industry

There are a large number of sports conventions and conferences every year, which are a great resource for networking and obtaining more information about potential employers.Helpful Resources and Tips