Kickass Guide to Sports Marketing Career, Degrees, Skills, Jobs Opportunities
Beyond the thrill of cheering crowds, sports is an important and economically boosting industry. The global sports market reached $614.1 billion last year, according to Statista. This field offers numerous roles from corporate sales to digital media, making sports marketing careers a dynamic field.
Sports marketing is the real hero behind promoting athletes, teams, and brands. A skilled sports marketer keeps public enthusiasm and the fan base intact for the continuous flow of product purchases and ticket sales.
Join us as we dissect sports marketing as an option for a career in sports management, and study what options sports management colleges in the US offer for this industry.
Is Sports Marketing a Good Career?
Marketing itself is an in-demand career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the employment rate of marketing managers is expected to rise by 6% between 2020 and 2030. Sports marketing is one of the promising careers keeping the hype of sports in mind. Within the diverse marketing industry, sports marketing has now become a popular sports management degree program in the USA. There are numerous roles for sports marketing professionals from athlete promotion to brand partnerships. All roles offer a challenging yet rewarding career.
In a sports marketing career, there are various roles. Some of them are:
- Corporate Sales Director
- Sports Marketing Account Executive
- Sports Marketing Account Manager
- VP of Business Development
- Head of Marketing
- School Athletics Director
- Sports Events Coordinator
- Sports Agent
- Compliance Director
- Athletic Business Manager
- Digital Media Manager
- Fitness Manager
- PR Manager
- Brand Manager
- Endorsement Manager
A sports marketing career offers immense growth. From creating fan engagement for a sports team, launching product strategies for a sportswear brand, or working on sponsorship negotiations for a corporation, sports marketers play a vital role at the center of a multi-billion-dollar global sports industry.
Sports marketing has come a long way, but at its heart, it is still about using marketing strategies to promote sports gear, events, teams and players.
What types of sports marketing careers are there to choose from?
Sports marketing career objectives are diverse, it can be about marketing an athlete or a whole team. There are numerous options when it comes to career opportunities in sports marketing. Some of them we have discussed below.
Agencies
Sports marketing agencies work with some of the best talents in the industry, and they make serious money doing it. For someone who chooses a sports marketing career path, agencies offer a collaborative environment. These firms represent athletes. On behalf of them, agencies negotiate contracts, promote their clients, and agree on advertising rights. A sports marketing professional in an agency can work from managing client relations to crafting innovative campaigns. Sports marketing agency promises an exciting and multifaceted career path for those passionate about sports and marketing. A few popular sports agencies include Excel Sports Management, Newport Sports Management Inc., and Sportstars, Inc.
In-House Teams
Opting for a sports marketing career in in-house teams such as New York Rangers or Chicago Bulls in the realm of sports marketing enables you to understand an organization in a better way. Working directly for a sports organization helps you play an integral role in devising the brand’s core strategies. Sports marketers within in-house sports teams typically collaborate closely with other departments for better deals and offers.
Sponsorships
A sports marketing professional in sponsorship roles acts as a liaison between brands and sports entities for mutually beneficial partnerships. You get to identify and secure sponsorship opportunities, negotiate contracts, and ensure that it is a win-win situation for both parties. Individuals in sponsorship positions have strong communication and negotiation skills. Popular sponsors for sports events and athletes include Reebok, Adidas, Puma, Nike, etc.
Event Management
Event managers in the sports industry have to plan, organize, and execute events from high-profile tournaments such as NBL, US Open, Super Bowl, etc to social gatherings for promotional activities. Event managers have meticulous attention to detail and effective coordination. They work with various stakeholders including sports personalities and vendors. Working in event management offers a lot of exposure and career growth. These points explain why jobs in sports/event marketing provide career potential.
Digital and social media
The number of followers speaks a lot for a sports brand in this digital era. Social and digital media are now the most important tools for sports marketing as it enables sports fans to engage, react, and feel connected to the teams and athletes they love. Individuals entering this field can expect a promising sports marketing career outlook and they need the know-how to devise strategies to connect with people through digital platforms.
How to Get Jobs in Sports Marketing?
There are many sports marketing career jobs. Sports marketing is quite a diversified field now and there are many sports marketing career jobs. As per BLS, employment in sports will grow faster than the average between 2022 to 2032. About 106,800 openings are projected each year, on average This section is a sports marketing career guide to start the hunt for a sports marketing job.
Building a Portfolio
For newcomers entering the field of sports marketing, constructing an impactful portfolio is a crucial step in establishing credibility. Focus on highlighting relevant coursework, internships, and any personal projects that showcase your enthusiasm and skills. Even if you lack professional experience, a well-organized and thoughtfully crafted portfolio can effectively convey your potential and eagerness to contribute to the exciting world of sports marketing. Your portfolio can include experience of marketing for school events or during college.
Internships
Internship experiences offer invaluable hands-on exposure, allowing newcomers to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. It is best to seek internships with sports marketing agencies, teams, or relevant organizations. Popular job-hunting portals such as Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Indeed can be used to search for internship opportunities.
Networking
Networking is vital in sports marketing. Attend industry events, use platforms like LinkedIn, and engage with professionals. Building connections not only opens doors to job opportunities but also helps in knowing what is actually working for job hunters. In this competitive field, a strong network is essential for career growth and success. Some platforms to get started in networking include Sports Marketing Networking, LinedIn, Sports Networker
Resume and Cover Letter Tips
Crafting a resume that showcases relevant skills is inevitable. Tailor it to the job, showcasing digital marketing and event management expertise. Personalize your cover letter, and write about how your passion for sports marketing aligns with the company’s needs. You can try Zety, Resume.io or Fresh Resume.co for crafting your resume for free.
What Kind of Skills Do You Need for Sports Marketing?
Marketing
It goes without saying but having basic marketing skills is essential. This includes a strong understanding of marketing principles, and strategies, and the ability to create and implement effective campaigns.
Data Analysis
Proficiency in data analysis is an important sports marketing skill. The skill to interpret and derive data helps in making informed decisions, and optimizing marketing campaigns.
Communication
Strong communication skills are vital for sports marketing professionals. This includes the ability to discuss ideas clearly, communicate them and effectively market it to diverse audiences.
PR
Public relations skills are important to excel in media relations, crisis management, and strategic communication. Building and maintaining a positive brand image using press releases, media outreach, and other PR strategies are integral components of success in sports marketing.
Sports Culture Awareness
Having sports culture awareness is important for sports marketers. This awareness helps in connecting with the target audience for positive results.
Where to Find Sports Marketing Colleges or Schools?
There are a few sports management colleges and schools in the US that offer sports management programs with specialization in sports marketing degrees. You will come across online sports management programs as well. When choosing a college, it is best to opt for the one that is nearby to cut off the extra expense of commuting and tuition fees. Most student counselors also suggest choosing in-state business colleges. Here are some of the best sports marketing schools for you to choose to develop your career.
- Indiana University Bloomington offers a 4-year Master of Science in Marketing program with a concentration in Sports Marketing
- University of Oregon – Warsaw Sports Marketing Center: offers an MBA in Sports Business and Marketing
- Texas A&M University – The Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management (KNSM) offers BS. in Sports Management and Marketing
- University of North Florida offers BS in Sports Management with a concentration in Marketing.
- University of South Carolina offers Sport and Entertainment Management, B.S. offers Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management including marketing. The curriculum is business-focused.
- University of Massachusetts Amherst – Isenberg School of Management offers a Bachelor’s in Sport Management with a focus on marketing.
- Barry University offers an MS in Sports Management. Their master’s program offers two tracks, along with one dual degree in Sports Management/MBA option.
- Seina Heights University offers a BBA in Sports Management. Students complete their program with an internship.
- The University of Tampa offers a Sports Management Major. The curriculum consists of sports management courses as well as courses from the Sykes College of Business.
- Ohio Northern University has a Business Administration college that offers a Sports Management Degree. Students study Sport Management, Social Issues in Sport, Facility/Event Management, Team Promotions Practicum, and Business Writing.
Conclusion
Choosing a career in sports marketing can be a good professional choice. Sports and entertainment marketing is a rapidly growing industry and from the looks of it, this field will grow exponentially. For success in this dynamic profession, honing essential skills such as marketing expertise, data analysis, communication, public relations, and a nuanced understanding of sports culture is crucial. Building a compelling portfolio, gaining hands-on experience through internships, and actively networking are strategic steps. Reputable business schools and universities in the US are offering specialized programs. If you love sports and want to build a career off the field, look for a sports management college degree for undergraduates and graduates.
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