A Review of Research on American Sports Management

Understanding of sports management

Sport management involves all aspects of managing sports teams, athletes, events, and facilities, and is an integral part of college and professional sports. In the United States, sports teams are often run as business entities, and sports managers are responsible for developing strategies to attract spectators, boost ticket sales, support athletes, and ensure that events run smoothly. According to Coursera's 2025 Sports Management Career Guide, sport management combines a passion for sports with business acumen to provide practitioners with a dynamic career path.

The scope of sport management includes organizational theory, behavior and strategy, sports operations, marketing, consumer behavior, sponsorship, advertising, licensing, media, public relations, sports tourism, facility and event management, and gender and diversity (Journal of Sport Management). For example, managers may need to coordinate a complex event schedule while increasing revenue through sponsorship and marketing activities. Industry forecasts show that the sports sponsorship market could reach $160 billion by 2030, and fans are increasingly inclined to personalized experiences, which further highlights the dynamic and importance of sports management.

Top university course resources

The United States has a wealth of sports management education resources, covering multiple degree levels from associate to doctoral. According to Sports Business Journal, there are 421 sports management programs in the United States, and sports management is the 38th most popular major, with more than 11,000 bachelor's degrees awarded each year. Bachelor's degree programs generally offer a variety of specializations, including but not limited to:

Athlete Development

Sports Law

Organizational Management

Sports Project Management

Sports Media

Sports Marketing

Intercollegiate Sports

High-Performance Coaching

Specific Sports (such as Tennis)

Bachelor's degrees are divided into Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA). BS programs focus on practical skills, such as event planning and facility management, while BA programs focus more on theoretical knowledge, such as the sociology or history of sports. Advanced degrees, such as an MBA in Sports Management, a Master of Intercollegiate Sports Management, or a Law Degree in Sports Law, provide further specialization opportunities for individuals pursuing senior management or research positions. A doctoral degree is suitable for those who wish to pursue a career in education or academic research.

Although the ranking of specific universities varies depending on the evaluation criteria, students should consider factors such as program accreditation (such as Commission on Sport Management Accreditation, COSMA), faculty strength, and internship opportunities when choosing a program. For example, COSMA accreditation requires programs to cover content such as outcome evaluation, strategic planning, curriculum design, faculty qualifications, and industry connections (COSMA Accreditation Principles). In addition, Examining Sport Management Programs in the United States points out that American sports management programs have evolved from traditional sports education models to more business-oriented courses, reflecting the trend of professionalization in the industry.

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities in Sports Management

Graduates of sports management programs can pursue a variety of careers. Common positions include athletic director, sports marketing manager, event coordinator, and facility manager, among others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the field of sports management are expected to grow by approximately 10% from 2020 to 2030. In addition to traditional positions within sports organizations, new opportunities are emerging in areas such as esports management and sports digital marketing. Alumni of prestigious programs are often at the forefront of industry developments, holding positions in high-profile organizations such as the NFL, NBA, and various college athletic departments.

Skills Needed for Success

Success in sports management requires a combination of technical and workplace skills to navigate the complexity and dynamics of the industry. Here is an overview of key skills:

Technical Skills:

Coaching & Sports Knowledge: Understanding the rules and strategies of a particular sport.

First Aid & CPR: Ensuring the safety of athletes and spectators.

Scheduling: Coordinating events and training schedules.

Behavioral Analysis: Evaluating athlete performance and team dynamics.

Human Resource Management: Recruiting and managing staff.

Workplace Skills:

Competitive Spirit: Staying motivated in a high-pressure environment.

Passion for Sports: Driving long-term career commitment.

Organizational Skills: Managing multiple tasks and complex projects.

Ethical Standards: Maintaining integrity in decision making.

Decision Making: Making wise choices under uncertainty.

Communication & Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with athletes, coaches, and stakeholders.

These skills are essential to managing the complex environment of the sports industry. For example, The Sport Journal highlights the importance of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills (components of emotional intelligence) in career success, especially in communications that require the preparation of reports and financial statements.

The role of technology in sports management

Technology is reshaping sports management, especially in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and smart venue technology. According to PwC's 2025 Sports Industry Outlook, AI is dominant in the dissemination of sports content media, enhancing fan engagement through personalized experiences and data-driven insights. For example, smart venues use AI, sensors, and machine learning technologies to create more connected experiences for fans, such as real-time data updates and interactive seating arrangements.

Data analytics also play an important role in sports management. For example, The Sport Journal describes how to use logistic regression and self-service simulation to analyze basketball three-point shooting data to optimize player performance. This analysis provides actionable insights to coaches and players through predicted probabilities and percentage points. In addition, technology is used to track and manage athlete load and recovery to reduce injury risk and improve performance. For example, FIFA11+ plans and load management strategies use data to optimize training (The Sport Journal).

Another application of technology is personalized simulators, such as the shooting strategy tool designed for Stephen Curry (Electric Insights). These tools use real-time data analysis to fine-tune athletes' strategies, showing how technology can improve competitive performance at a micro level. Overall, technology makes sports management more data-driven, fan-centric, and provides new opportunities for innovation.

Conclusion

Sport management is a dynamic and growing field that combines business acumen with a passion for sports. The United States offers a broad range of prospects for those interested in this field, with its rich educational resources, diverse career opportunities, and technology-driven innovation. By pursuing a sport management degree, developing key skills, and keeping up with technology trends, individuals can succeed in this exciting industry. However, future research should further explore the effectiveness of specific university programs, the long-term impact of technology, and how to improve diversity and inclusion in sport management education.