From Athlete to Executive: How a Degree in Sports Management Can Help You Transition Your Career

A favorite sport can be a lifelong source of joy, but when it comes time to conclude your career as a student-athlete or professional player, you may find yourself wondering what comes next. A 2020 study found that 30 is the average age for an athlete to retire. At this age or any other, retirement is just the closing of one chapter — not the end of the book. 

Ask yourself what you want the next chapter to look like. Maybe you want to channel your passion for athletics into a new role and capitalize on the experience you’ve gained. Learn how you can accomplish that goal with a degree in sports management.

What Is a Sports Management Degree?

A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sport Management and Administration brings together core business principles and the world of athletics to prepare you for a rewarding career as a business leader for a sports organization. You’ll gain foundational skills in areas such as communication, finance, management, marketing, ethics and law — all within the context of sports.

What Can You Do With a Sports Management Degree?

A sports management degree opens the door to various career paths, including:

• Coach
• Sports manager or agent
• Sports marketer
• Event manager for an athletic organization
• Sports facility manager
• Sports media/public relations (PR) specialist
• Sports analyst or scout
• And many more!

This diversity of options allows you to align your career path with your specific interests and strengths, enabling you to thrive in your new role.

Why Consider a Degree in Sports Management?

In addition to the variety of career opportunities you can access with a sports management degree, there are some other great reasons to consider going back to school for this highly marketable degree:

• Meet your financial goals.

A career in sports management and administration can be especially lucrative. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), agents and business managers for athletes typically earn $82,530 annually. In general, earning a master’s degree can help you earn more than you can with a bachelor’s degree alone, so if you’re looking to maximize your earning potential, going back to school is a smart move.

• Leverage your experience as an athlete.

An M.A. in Sport Management and Administration allows you to build on your experience rather than start over as you transition your career. Your firsthand experience as an athlete allows you to better understand the intricacies of the sports industry, the challenges athletes face and the dynamics between athletes and management. This insider knowledge can be invaluable when making strategic decisions and building strong relationships in the sports business world. 

You can also put the skills you learned as an athlete to work in new ways. These include transferable skills such as:

• Discipline
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Goal setting
• Resilience

A sports management degree complements these essential skills with business-specific principles, preparing you to take on executive roles in sports organizations.

• Grow your business knowledge and credentials.

Experience as an athlete isn’t typically enough to qualify you for an executive position in sports. These roles require a solid understanding of the business side of sports, including marketing, finance, sponsorship, event management and sports law. You’ll explore these areas in depth in a sports management degree program, so having this degree on your resume can make you an attractive candidate for executive positions. 

• Build a professional network.

You’ve likely gotten to know a variety of professionals in the sports industry throughout your athletic career. During your studies in sports management, you'll have the opportunity to build out your network further as you connect with industry professionals, fellow students and professors. Your network can be instrumental in helping you find job opportunities and mentorships from experienced professionals in the field. 

• Make a lasting impact.

A degree in sports management can empower you to make a lasting impact on the industry you’re passionate about. As an executive, you can influence sports organizations' strategies, policies and practices and make positive changes that benefit athletes, fans and the overall sports community. Your unique perspective as a former athlete can shape decisions that prioritize the well-being and development of athletes, making a difference in the lives of those you once stood alongside on the field or court.

• Take advantage of flexible degree programs.

If you’re still working or balancing other responsibilities and don’t think you have time for college classes, you’ll be happy to know you don’t need to put your life on hold to earn your degree. With flexible degree programs — like the 100% online program offered by Southern Nazarene University (SNU) — you can make earning your degree fit your schedule and start taking steps toward doing what you love.

Take Your Passion for Sports Off the Field with a Sports Management Degree

Transitioning from a career in sports to a role in sports management can be a fulfilling journey that leverages your passion and experience to create new opportunities. With a degree in sports management, you can turn the page to an exciting new chapter, building on your athletic background and contributing to the world of sports in a meaningful and impactful way. 

Are you ready to take your passion for sports off the field with a sports management degree? Explore the M.A. in Sport Management and Administration from SNU, and learn “What to Expect from an Online Degree Program”!