$81,243
Average Starting Salary
$46,665
Average In-State Tuition
360
Average Student Enrollment
What is an MBA in Sports Management?
An MBA in Sports Management is a graduate degree that helps prepare students for leadership roles in the sport industry. MBA programs in Sports Management are becoming increasingly popular as the demand for qualified sports professionals continues to grow. Many top online MBAs offer programs in Sports Management, and there are a number of specialized MBAs in Sports Management available as well. You will learn about the business side of the sports industry, and how to effectively manage and lead sports teams and organizations. With an MBA in Sports Management, you will be prepared to take on a variety of challenging and exciting leadership roles in the sports industry.
100 Best MBAs in Sports Management
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MBA Programs in Sports Management
What is the Career Outlook for Sports Management MBAs?
Employment for Sports Management MBAs is projected to grow 10.8% percent increase nationwide from 2018 to 2028 with over 2,600 new sport managers needed each year, according to the US Department of Labor.
Area | Base | Projected | Change | %Change | Avg. Annl Openings |
United States | 19,400 | 21,500 | 2,100 | 10.8 | 2,600 |
Alabama | 80 | 80 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Arizona | 100 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Colorado | 170 | 210 | 40 | 23.5 | 30 |
Georgia | 390 | 460 | 70 | 17.9 | 60 |
Hawaii | 30 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Indiana | 190 | 210 | 20 | 10.5 | 30 |
Kentucky | 30 | 40 | 10 | 33.3 | 0 |
Maine | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Maryland | 200 | 220 | 20 | 10 | 30 |
Massachusetts | 510 | 580 | 70 | 13.7 | 70 |
Michigan | 320 | 330 | 10 | 3.1 | 40 |
Minnesota | 220 | 240 | 20 | 9.1 | 30 |
Missouri | 120 | 110 | -10 | -8.3 | 10 |
Nebraska | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Nevada | 270 | 330 | 60 | 22.2 | 40 |
New Jersey | 200 | 230 | 30 | 15 | 30 |
New York | 3,800 | 4,190 | 390 | 10.3 | 500 |
North Carolina | 500 | 550 | 50 | 10 | 70 |
Ohio | 90 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Oregon | 140 | 150 | 10 | 7.1 | 20 |
Pennsylvania | 180 | 180 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
Tennessee | 2,360 | 2,620 | 260 | 11 | 310 |
Washington | 120 | 110 | -10 | -8.3 | 10 |
Wisconsin | 80 | 90 | 10 | 12.5 | 10 |
What is the Starting Salary for Sports Management MBAs?
Average starting salary for MBA students from universities that offer an MBA in Sports Management today is $84,361.40 with the lowest of starting of $35,850.00 and the highest reported starting salary of $182,272.00.
10 Highest Starting Salaries
- Stanford University - $182,272.00
- Harvard University - $175,000.00
- New York University - $161,475.00
- The University of Michigan - $153,465.00
- University of Southern California - $150,314.00
- Rice University - $142,212.00
- Georgia Institute of Technology - $136,819.00
- University of Rochester - $132,671.00
- Jacksonville University - $129,665.00
- The Pennsylvania State University Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies - $127,000.00
10 Lowest Starting Salaries
- Elizabeth City State University MBA - $35,850.00
- Delaware State University - $46,300.00
- Fort Lewis College - $50,400.00
- Lander University - $50,700.00
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette - $51,200.00
- East Tennessee State University - $52,400.00
- Pittsburg State University - $52,600.00
- State University of New York College at Plattsburgh - $55,350.00
- Barry University - $55,400.00
- University of Evansville - $56,850.00
Sports Management Earnings by State and Experience
According to data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, top executives pay and employment in 2021 is listed in the table below.
State | Employment | 1 to 4 Years | 5 to 9 Years | 10 to 15 Years | 15 to 20 Years | 20+ Years |
Arizona | 50 | $37,030 | $44,710 | $68,010 | $89,670 | $166,150 |
California | – | $36,760 | $61,500 | $81,370 | $125,750 | $191,040 |
Connecticut | 150 | $54,300 | $64,670 | $76,000 | $142,560 | $210,650 |
Florida | 480 | $34,120 | $40,240 | $68,480 | $102,890 | $137,480 |
Georgia | 240 | $38,280 | $45,180 | $56,600 | $69,730 | $86,160 |
Illinois | 280 | $30,660 | $46,730 | $71,680 | $116,950 | $155,730 |
Louisiana | – | $16,670 | $18,480 | $52,350 | $59,480 | $63,930 |
Maryland | 150 | $22,910 | $26,240 | $44,390 | $82,270 | $133,900 |
Massachusetts | 90 | $36,360 | $43,630 | $75,190 | $159,800 | $179,020 |
Michigan | 180 | $37,230 | $46,960 | $59,400 | $114,030 | $173,930 |
Minnesota | 80 | $41,930 | $44,860 | $49,740 | $88,670 | $99,600 |
Missouri | 80 | $25,270 | $30,650 | $57,980 | $75,100 | $86,860 |
Nevada | 240 | $18,360 | $42,310 | $49,120 | $57,020 | $66,360 |
New Jersey | – | $42,460 | $46,710 | $54,330 | $78,600 | $114,250 |
New York | 2,830 | $36,990 | $53,210 | $72,140 | $133,280 | $204,230 |
North Carolina | 210 | $35,770 | $51,970 | $74,140 | $150,440 | $233,250 |
Ohio | 70 | $38,840 | $45,720 | $58,200 | $150,650 | $250,658 |
Oregon | 110 | $31,690 | $46,410 | $72,380 | $83,740 | $127,380 |
Pennsylvania | 80 | $23,270 | $41,870 | $55,640 | $66,850 | $76,890 |
South Carolina | – | $35,340 | $40,490 | $56,130 | $84,980 | $133,730 |
Tennessee | 620 | $43,180 | $55,990 | $65,560 | $119,670 | $159,940 |
Texas | 610 | $36,590 | $45,780 | $55,790 | $64,600 | $106,940 |
Virginia | 130 | $58,380 | $68,230 | $76,600 | $98,700 | $131,120 |
Washington | 60 | $42,250 | $47,150 | $69,220 | $102,710 | $133,070 |
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What Can I Do With an MBA in Sports Management?
With a degree in sport management, you will be able to apply for a variety of jobs in the world of sports. The level of jobs available to an MBA holder in sport management is quite high. You also can apply for managerial or coaching positions in both amateur and professional sports organizations. Additional areas of employment include:
- Recreational facilities, such as fitness clubs and bowling alleys
- Arenas and stadiums
- Sports-related stores and equipment companies
- Amateur or professional sports teams (including minor league, college, university
- Olympic, national and international teams)
What Skills Do I Need to be Successful In Sports Management?
In order to be successful in sports management, you will need excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. You must be able to effectively communicate with a variety of people, including athletes, coaches, staff members, and clients. It is also important to be well-organized and detail-oriented, as you will be responsible for coordinating many different moving parts. Strong problem-solving skills are a must, as unexpected issues often arise in the world of sports. Finally, it is critical to have a passion for sports and an understanding of the business side of things in order to be successful in this field.
Requirements for Getting into a Sports Management MBA Program
There are a few requirements that you’ll need to meet in order to be admitted into a sports management MBA program. Firstly, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as business, marketing, or sports management. Secondly, you’ll need to have several years of experience working in the sports industry. And lastly, you’ll need to take and pass the GMAT exam. If you can meet all of these admissions requirements, then you should have no problem getting into a top MBA program for sports management.
What Typical Classes Will I Take in My Sports Management MBA Program?
In your sports management MBA program, you will likely take classes such as finance, marketing, and business law. You will also take classes specific to sports management, including ones on sports administration and sports economics. In addition, you may take classes on subjects related to the athletes you will be working with, such as physiology and nutrition.
At the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management, students enrolled in the MBA/MS in Sport Management dual degree program expect a diverse curriculum. Key classes that are typical of other sports management MBAs include:
- Sport Marketing: This course explores marketing strategies and tactics within the sports industry, including sponsorship, branding, and fan engagement.
- Sport Law: Students learn about legal issues in sports, such as contracts, intellectual property, and risk management.
- Sport Analytics: This class focuses on data analysis and decision-making in sports, using statistical tools and performance metrics.
- Sport Leadership and Ethics: Students examine leadership styles, ethical considerations, and organizational behavior in sports management.
- Sport Finance and Budgeting: The course covers financial management principles, including budgeting, revenue generation, and financial analysis in sports organizations.
- Sport Event Management: Students gain hands-on experience in planning, organizing, and executing sports events, from logistics to promotion.
- Sport Media and Communication: This class delves into the role of media in sports, including public relations, media relations, and digital communication strategies.
Can I Earn an Online MBA in Sport Management?
There are a number of online MBA programs in sport management, so you should be able to find one that meets your needs. Many of these programs are accredited, so you can be sure that you are getting a quality education. Most online MBA programs will require you to complete a capstone project, which will give you the chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a real-world situation. An online sports management degree has the following advantages:
- You can study at your own pace and in your own time.
- It is a very flexible degree, which means that you can easily combine it with other commitments.
- An online sports management degree is often cheaper than a traditional one.
- You will have access to a wide range of resources and support from experienced professionals.
Is Getting a Sports Management Degree Worth It?
A sports management degree can be a great investment, providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a variety of exciting and rewarding careers in the sports industry. The field of sports management is growing rapidly, and graduates with a degree in sports management can expect to find good job prospects and earn a competitive salary. In addition to being a fun and interesting field, sports management is also engaging and action-packed, making it an exciting career choice for many people.
How Much is Tuition for MBA Sports Management Programs?
The average Tuition for an MBA in Sports Management is $46,664.83 with a highest of $165,591.00 and the lowest of $7,048.00
10 Most Expensive MBA Programs in Sports Management
- Stanford University - $165,591.00
- New York University - $160,130.00
- University of Southern California - $154,339.00
- Harvard University - $149,820.00
- Rice University - $139,081.00
- The University of Michigan - $137,056.00
- Miami University - $136,342.00
- Washington University in St. Louis - $134,020.00
- Texas Christian University - $115,380.00
- University of Rochester - $108,038.00
10 Least Expensive MBA Programs in Sports Management
- The University of Rhode Island - $7,048.00
- Indiana University Northwest - $7,458.00
- University of Central Oklahoma - $9,068.00
- Augusta University - $10,590.00
- Elizabeth City State University MBA - $11,630.00
- State University of New York College at Plattsburgh - $13,121.00
- East Tennessee State University - $13,280.00
- Pittsburg State University - $13,785.00
- Truman State University - $14,400.00
- University of West Georgia - $15,125.00
GMAT Scores Needed for an MBA in Sports Management?
The lowest GMAT score needed for an MBA in Sports Management is 318 and the highest is 737 with an average GMAT score to be accepted in a Sports Management MBA program is 575.
10 Highest GMAT Scores for Sports Management MBAs
- Stanford University - 737
- New York University - 733
- University of Southern California - 732
- Harvard University - 730
- The University of Michigan - 720
- Rice University - 710
- Georgia Institute of Technology - 690
- University of Florida - 690
- Indiana State University - 685
- Arizona State University - 684
10 Lowest GMAT Scores for Sports Management MBAs
- Clark Atlanta University - 318
- Elizabeth City State University MBA - 425
- Duquesne University - 435
- University of North Alabama - 447
- The University of Texas at San Antonio - 450
- The University of Michigan-Flint - 455
- Sam Houston State University - 456
- Indiana University Northwest - 458
- Jacksonville University - 460
- East Carolina University - 470
Student / Faculty Ratio for MBA Programs in Sports Management
The lowest student faculty ratio from a Sports Management MBA program is 4:1 while the highest ratio is 34:1, and the average from all MBA programs is 16:1.
10 Sports Management Programs with the Highest Student Faculty Ratio
- Arizona State University - 34
- Lamar University - 33
- University of Florida - 32
- University of Central Florida - 29
- Florida Atlantic University - 29
- Universidad Ana G. Mendez - Gurabo - 28
- Georgia State University - 26
- The University of Texas at San Antonio - 25
- Minnesota State University Moorhead - 25
- Colorado State University - 24
10 Sports Management Programs with the Lowest Student Faculty Ratio
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute - 4
- Stanford University - 5
- Woodbury University - 5
- The Pennsylvania State University Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies - 6
- Illinois Institute of Technology - 7
- Harvard University - 7
- University of Evansville - 7
- U.S. Air Force Academy - 7
- Tuskegee University - 7
- Adelphi University - 9
Student Enrollment Information for MBA Programs in Sports Management
The MBA program with the lowest student enrollment that offers an MBA in Sports Management is 7 from Central Washington University. The MBA program with the highest student enrollment offering an MBA in Sports Management is Highest: 2,122 from University of Southern California. The average student enrollment from all universities that offer an MBA in Sports Management is 360.
10 MBA Programs in Sports Management with the Highest Student Enrollment
- University of Southern California - 2,122
- Washington University in St. Louis - 1,996
- The University of Michigan - 1,280
- Rice University - 1,277
- University of Miami - 1,261
- Arizona State University - 1,257
- Texas A&M University - 1,231
- University of Florida - 1,222
- University of Rochester - 1,113
- Stanford University - 930
10 MBA Programs in Sports Management with the Lowest Student Faculty Ratio
- Central Washington University - 7
- State University of New York College at Plattsburgh - 13
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute - 18
- Sam Houston State University - 19
- Kutztown University - 21
- Washburn University - 23
- Saginaw Valley State University - 24
- Winona State University - 28
- Minnesota State University Moorhead - 28
- Delaware State University - 34
Best MBA Programs in Sports Management
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- About the Author
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Julia, originally from Germany, earned her MBA degree in 2016 at the Rotterdam School of Management in the Netherlands. She has worked for over 6 years as a Project Manager in the Tourism, Banking and Logistics industry. Eager to explore the world, she has travelled to over 30 and lived in 5 different countries, even exotic far flung places like Papua New Guinea. Now she focuses on her writing career, helping others to find their path in life.