Reasons to Pursue Sports Management as a Career

According to the industry experts, the sports industry has grown 12 percent year-on-year. FICCI's Vision document 2014 has estimated a total requirement of 43.7 lakh people across the industry by 2022. Also, thanks to the introduction of various sporting leagues like ICC World Cup T20, Indian Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Indian Table Tennis League, the consumption of sports on television has increased immensely, giving a further fillip to the development of sports in India. One must not forget that middle-class parents today are more receptive to the idea of their children pursuing careers in sports—a sure facilitator in the demand for sports management training.

There is no doubt that the sports industry is seeing an upward surge with a slow and steady growth rate. The industry is in need of professional at various skill levels, Sports Managers being one of them.

Over the years, management education has gained momentum, thanks to all the varied specializations available. Sports Management, however, is a relatively new concept. The field opens up a range of opportunities depending on one’s interests and the organization one wishes to join. Right from managing athletes, venues; managing and creating properties; creating wealth and marketing of events to developing businesses, etc. a specialization in Sports Management provides challenging as well as satisfying career avenues.

During the course, an aspirant gains a comprehensive understanding of the multi-dimensional value of the sports industry. Candidates can acquire a variety of skills in business and administration, public relation, marketing, managing media, sports celebrities and officials and are trained even in entrepreneurship.

Sports Entrepreneurship

The sports start-up space in India is seeing a phenomenal rise. It is the ultimate place to be for a sports industry aspirant, to become an entrepreneur and create intellectual properties. Those who wish to pursue this line of work should create niche startups catering to specific requirements of clients. For instance, there’s Sports Consult, a venture that advises sponsors on which sports properties to invest in. Another example is 8848 Sports, a venture that has carved a niche for sports merchandise. There are other ventures like EduSports, a sports education and coaching organization, or Bayside Sports, which caters to recreational activities. There is also a start-up called PlaySports, a mobile app that helps with local-level team formation, tracking of like-minded players as well as tournaments and practice sessions in your locality.

Sports properties require all the elements of a Sports Management course to be put into practice. Here are some of the key areas of job opportunities, salary ranges and growth paths.

Avenues for Sports Management Aspirants

• Sports Teams and League Management
• Sports Sponsorship
• Sports Operation Management
• Sports Facility Management
• Sport Hospitality
• Sport Marketing
• Sports Communications and PR
• Sports Talent Management
• Sports Media and Production
• Sports Logistics
• Sports Human Resource Management
• Sports Tourism
• Sports Legal Aid
• Sports Psychology/Sociology
• Sports Grassroots Management

Sports Management opens up multiple opportunities. The nature of your role improves your performance and experience. One starts as a trainee to become a manager with departments such as operations, marketing, facility management, media management, or any other specific function of one’s choice.

Also Read: All You Need to Know about a Career in Sports Management

Quite often, established sporting companies and startups hire interns or part-time professionals. Naturally, those interested in sports are preferred, as they are not just trained in the art of sports management, but also boast of practical exposure. Salaries too are on the rise, with Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 as pay packages for freshers. Growth in this sector depends on the size of the organisation.

Sports management companies like IMG Reliance, SONY-ESPN, Star Sports; sports event companies such as Marwah SPORTS, Program and sports development companies such as EduSports, KOOH Sports, Sports Gurukul are constantly on a lookout for management trainees, assistant managers, operations/marketing/business personnel, and other mid and senior level executives. Sporting federations and associations also scout for talented sports managers.

— Writer is COO, International Institute of Sports Management (IISM), Mumbai