What is a master's in sports management?

A master’s in sports management — sometimes considered a subset of business administration — is a degree program that helps aspiring leaders develop the in-demand skills they need to become successful head coaches, facilities managers, sports analysts, and more.

How long does it take to get a master’s in sports management online?

An online sports management master’s program can generally be completed within two years. However, completion time depends on your track and whether you’re enrolled full- or part-time.

How much does a master’s in sports management cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual student budget for a master’s degree in business, management, and marketing was $30,112 in 2020. The cost of a master’s in sports management depends on several factors, including your school, program, location, and schedule.

Is a master's degree in sports management worth it?

While no two master’s in sports management graduates are alike, many find that the benefits of this degree outweigh the cost. The BLS reports that several sports management jobs will experience faster-than-average growth from 2023–33. Most of their median annual salaries are also higher than the average for all occupations.

Can you work in sports management without a master's degree?

Yes. Employers typically require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level sports management roles. However, they tend to prefer candidates with master’s degrees for higher-level roles in the industry.

Master's in sports management degrees

Want to make your mark in the sports world? A master’s in sports management can help you level up your leadership skills. Learn about this lucrative degree.

Explore master's in sports management programs

Why earn a master's in sports management?

Lead with confidence and conviction

Gain the strategic management and business skills you need to succeed as a leader in the sports industry.

Increase your earning potential

Pair your passion for sports with advanced skills that can help you land higher-paying roles.

Learn industry-specific ethics and implications

Discover what issues, trends, and responsibilities define the sports industry — and learn how to optimize for growth.

Many coaches, athletic directors, and sports analysts have two things in common: a passion for sports and a master's in sports management. While not always required for these careers, a master's in sports management can help you advance your career and increase your earning potential — while you drive impact for your favorite game.

Learn more about this rewarding degree in our guide.

Explore related management programs and courses

What can you do with a master's in sports management degree?

The skills you learn in a master's in sports management program can be applied to many different sports leadership roles. Here are some examples:

Sports coach or scout

Coaches teach athletes the skills they need to succeed in amateur, collegiate, or professional sports. Their typical duties include planning and conducting practice sessions, strategizing based on team strengths and weaknesses, and motivating athletes to reach their full potential. Scouts find and recruit new player prospects based on their performance — often at the collegiate or professional level.

Required skills: , , , and communication
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2023): $45,910
BLS projected annual job growth (2023-33): 9%, much faster than the average 4% for all occupations

Sports statistical analyst

Sports statistical analysts collect data and create mathematical models to evaluate and compare athletes from various sports. Duties may include projecting player performance, building data extraction and analysis programs, and locating raw data from trusted industry sources. This role best suits candidates with a background in statistics, probability, and/or data science.

Required skills: , , , and
BLS median annual salary (2023): $104,860
BLS projected annual job growth (2023-33): 11%

Entertainment and recreation manager

Entertainment and recreation managers plan and execute various fitness and/or leisure operations. This includes building programs and event schedules, managing team or venue budgets, conducting daily operational tasks, and managing staff to ensure the safety and accessibility of all planned programs.

Required skills: , , , and
BLS median annual salary (2023): $73,460
BLS projected annual job growth (2023-33): 11%

Facilities manager

Facilities managers oversee the equipment, supplies, and staff involved in keeping a venue clean, accessible, and secure. Duties include groundskeeping, operations planning, routine and emergency maintenance, and project management. A facilities manager also ensures that a venue meets various health, environmental, accessibility, and safety regulations.

Required skills: , , , and procurement
BLS median annual salary (2023): $102,340
BLS projected annual job growth (2023-33): 5%

What do you learn in a master's in sports management program?

Master's in sports management programs vary. Core concepts include sports business strategy, business management principles, , sports history, and the ethical considerations of modern sports. Some (MBA) programs offer specialized tracks in sports management.

Most sports management master's programs can be completed within two years. Earning your degree may take more or less time, depending on your track and part- or full-time status. Credit requirements vary by program.

Curriculum for online master's in sports management degrees

Every online master's in sports management curriculum differs slightly, but most focus on the core concepts mentioned above — whether part of a standalone master's program or a specialized track within an MBA program. Coursework may include topics such as:

Sport business foundations: The building blocks, philosophies, and career opportunities behind sports management
Sales in sport business: Key revenue-generating strategies that help fans become part of the experience
Sport analytics: data-driven decision making: The metrics and facts that help you identify problems and create innovative solutions
Sustainability and major sporting events: The key ethical and environmental considerations involved in planning major sporting events
Navigating legal and commercial aspects of sports: An introduction to sports law and how it relates to sport business principles