$83,945

Average Starting Salary

$33,409

Average In-State Tuition

165

Average Student Enrollment

Online Sports Management Programs

Discover information on start dates, credit transfer processes, initial salary expectations, financial aid opportunities, GMAT requirements, tuition fees, student-to-faculty ratios, and average post-graduation employment rates.

  • Starting salary for new MBA graduates in Sports Management is reported to be between $55,689 and $132,453 with an average of $83,504.
  • Tuition for in-person, campus MBA programs in Sports Management ranges from $6,660 to $137,106, and averages $33,409
  • Online tuition in for Sports Management MBAs ranges between $6,660 to $137,106, with an average total tuition cost of $33,698
  • A GMAT score between 394 and 671 with an average of 531 is needed for acceptance into an MBA program in Sports Management.
  • Best MBA Programs in Sports Management
  • There are 102 campus and 60 online MBA Sports Management Programs.
  • Average student enrollment varies between 5 and 2,102 with an overall average of 165.
  • Student / Faculty Ratio for MBA programs offering a Sports Management concentration varies between 1:20 and 2:1 with an average of 2:1 students.
  • 113 MBA programs in Sports Management are ranked by the following institutions MBAGuide: 97, US News: 10, BW: 7, Economist: 3, Forbes: 5 and FT: 2.

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

Rank University Rank Based In Online
1 University of Southern California 16 Los Angeles, CA Yes
2 University of South Carolina 26 Columbia, SC Yes
3 University of California, Davis 51 Davis, CA No
4 Pepperdine University 57 Los Angeles, CA Yes
5 Texas Christian University 58 Fort Worth, TX Yes
6 Florida State University 61 Tallahassee, FL Yes
7 Northeastern University 66 Boston, MA Yes
8 Baylor University 67 Waco, TX Yes
9 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 69 Blacksburg, VA Yes
10 Pace University 78 New York, NY No
11 University of Kansas 89 Lawrence, KS No
12 Thunderbird School of Global Management 90 Glendale, AZ Yes
13 Saint Joseph's University 91 Philadelphia, PA Yes
14 University of Louisville 100 Louisville, KY No
15 The College of New Jersey 105 Ewing, NJ Yes
16 University of Oklahoma 106 Norman, OK No
17 Texas Tech University 108 Lubbock, TX Yes
18 California State University, Los Angeles 118 Los Angeles, CA No
19 Fairfield University 140 Fairfield, CT No
20 University of Colorado Denver 145 Denver, CO Yes
21 La Salle University 146 Philadelphia, PA No
22 The University of North Carolina at Greensboro 153 Greensboro, NC No
23 Western Illinois University 180 Macomb, IL Yes
24 Louisiana Tech University 188 Ruston, LA Yes
25 The University of Tulsa 189 Tulsa, OK Yes
26 Naval Postgraduate School 192 Monterey, CA No
27 Drake University 193 Des Moines, IA Yes
28 John Carroll University 194 University Heights, OH No
29 The University of Michigan-Flint 197 Flint, MI Yes
30 University of Idaho 200 Moscow, ID No
31 Claremont Graduate University 205 Claremont, CA No
32 Kansas State University 210 Manhattan, KS No
33 Arkansas State University 213 State University, AR Yes
34 Indiana University of Pennsylvania 224 Indiana, PA Yes
35 Widener University 229 Chester, PA Yes
36 Central Connecticut State University 231 New Britain, CT No
37 Robert Morris University 232 Moon Township, PA Yes
38 University of Dayton 234 Dayton, OH Yes
39 North Dakota State University 235 Fargo, ND No
40 Longwood University 238 Farmville, VA Yes
41 University of Colorado Colorado Springs 252 Colorado Springs, CO Yes
42 University of Maine 254 Orono, ME Yes
43 Metropolitan State University of Denver 256 Denver, CO No
44 Clayton State University 270 Morrow, GA No
45 George Mason University 273 Fairfax, VA No
46 University of Montana 274 Missoula, MT Yes
47 Wayne State University 275 Detroit, MI Yes
48 Seattle University 279 Seattle, WA No
49 Indiana State University 280 Terre Haute, IN No
50 Rider University 283 Lawrenceville, NJ Yes
51 University of Alaska Fairbanks 293 Fairbanks, AK Yes
52 University of West Florida 295 Pensacola, FL Yes
53 The University of Akron 300 Akron, OH Yes
54 Stephen F. Austin State University 306 Nacogdoches, TX Yes
55 California State University, Bakersfield 309 Bakersfield, CA No
56 University of North Texas 323 Denton, TX Yes
57 Whitworth University 335 Spokane, WA Yes
58 East Carolina University 342 Greenville, NC Yes
59 Arkansas Tech University 345 Russellville, AR Yes
60 East Tennessee State University 352 Johnson City, TN Yes
61 Trinity University 360 San Antonio, DC No
62 Augusta University 376 Augusta, GA Yes
63 University of Northern Colorado 383 Greeley, CO Yes
64 Indiana University Southeast 401 New Albany, IN Yes
65 Texas A&M University-Kingsville 402 , TX Yes
66 Mississippi College 404 , MS Yes
67 University of Vermont 409 Burlington, VT No
68 University of North Florida 410 Jacksonville, FL No
69 University of Louisiana at Lafayette 415 Lafayette, LA Yes
70 California State University, Stanislaus 417 Turlock, CA Yes
71 Worcester Polytechnic Institute 422 Worcester, MA Yes
72 Truman State University 425 Kirksville, MO No
73 Dominican University 428 River Forest, IL Yes
74 Towson University 438 Towson, MD No
75 State University of New York at Geneseo 439 Geneseo, NY No
76 Idaho State University 440 Pocatello, ID Yes
77 Lynn University 448 Boca Raton, FL Yes
78 University of Wisconsin-River Falls 454 River Falls, WI No
79 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 463 Chattanooga, TN Yes
80 Nicholls State University 465 Thibodaux, LA No
81 Clark Atlanta University 467 Atlanta, GA No
82 Albertus Magnus College 468 New Haven, CT Yes
83 Lamar University 471 Beaumont, TX Yes
84 Francis Marion University 476 Florence, SC Yes
85 Rowan University 480 Glassboro, NJ Yes
86 University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 483 Stevens Point, WI Yes
87 State University of New York College at Plattsburgh 499 Plattsburgh, NY No
88 Western New England University 507 Springfield, MA Yes
89 University of Illinois at Springfield 515 Springfield, IL Yes
90 Winona State University 533 Winona, MN No
91 Murray State University 540 Murray, KY Yes
92 Weber State University 541 Ogden, UT No
93 Jacksonville University 559 Jacksonville, FL No
94 University of Hawaii at Hilo 569 , HI No
95 California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM) 572 , CA Yes
96 Virginia Military Institute 598 Lexington, VA No
97 Franklin Pierce University 629 , NH No
98 Tiffin University 632 , OH No
99 Ferris State University 644 , MI No
100 Northwest Nazarene University 655 , ID No

Mba Programs In Sports Management

MBA Programs in Sports Management

Search Accredited MBA Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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.

AreaBaseProjectedChange%ChangeAvg. Annl Openings
United States19,40021,5002,10010.82,600
Alabama80800010
Arizona1001000010
Colorado1702104023.530
Georgia3904607017.960
Hawaii3030000
Indiana1902102010.530
Kentucky30401033.30
Maine2020000
Maryland200220201030
Massachusetts5105807013.770
Michigan320330103.140
Minnesota220240209.130
Missouri120110-10-8.310
Nebraska1010000
Nevada2703306022.240
New Jersey200230301530
New York3,8004,19039010.3500
North Carolina500550501070
Ohio90900010
Oregon140150107.120
Pennsylvania1801800020
Tennessee2,3602,62026011310
Washington120110-10-8.310
Wisconsin80901012.510

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 $83,504.22 with the lowest of starting of $55,689.00 and the highest reported starting salary of $132,453.00.

10 Highest Starting Salaries

  1. Claremont Graduate University - $132,453.00
  2. Naval Postgraduate School - $128,000.00
  3. University of Southern California - $122,634.00
  4. University of Maine - $122,449.00
  5. Saint Joseph's University - $112,500.00
  6. Pace University - $106,170.00
  7. California State University, Los Angeles - $104,690.00
  8. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - $103,987.00
  9. Texas Christian University - $103,847.00
  10. The University of Tulsa - $103,750.00

10 Lowest Starting Salaries

  1. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - $55,689.00
  2. California State University, Bakersfield - $56,126.00
  3. Lamar University - $57,000.00
  4. Dominican University - $58,000.00
  5. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro - $58,783.00
  6. Indiana University Southeast - $60,200.00
  7. University of Vermont - $60,514.00
  8. University of Alaska Fairbanks - $61,042.00
  9. University of Louisiana at Lafayette - $62,075.00
  10. University of Colorado Colorado Springs - $63,000.00

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.

StateEmployment1 to 4 Years5 to 9 Years10 to 15 Years15 to 20 Years20+ Years
Arizona50$37,030$44,710$68,010$89,670$166,150
California–$36,760$61,500$81,370$125,750$191,040
Connecticut150$54,300$64,670$76,000$142,560$210,650
Florida480$34,120$40,240$68,480$102,890$137,480
Georgia240$38,280$45,180$56,600$69,730$86,160
Illinois280$30,660$46,730$71,680$116,950$155,730
Louisiana–$16,670$18,480$52,350$59,480$63,930
Maryland150$22,910$26,240$44,390$82,270$133,900
Massachusetts90$36,360$43,630$75,190$159,800$179,020
Michigan180$37,230$46,960$59,400$114,030$173,930
Minnesota80$41,930$44,860$49,740$88,670$99,600
Missouri80$25,270$30,650$57,980$75,100$86,860
Nevada240$18,360$42,310$49,120$57,020$66,360
New Jersey–$42,460$46,710$54,330$78,600$114,250
New York2,830$36,990$53,210$72,140$133,280$204,230
North Carolina210$35,770$51,970$74,140$150,440$233,250
Ohio70$38,840$45,720$58,200$150,650$250,658
Oregon110$31,690$46,410$72,380$83,740$127,380
Pennsylvania80$23,270$41,870$55,640$66,850$76,890
South Carolina–$35,340$40,490$56,130$84,980$133,730
Tennessee620$43,180$55,990$65,560$119,670$159,940
Texas610$36,590$45,780$55,790$64,600$106,940
Virginia130$58,380$68,230$76,600$98,700$131,120
Washington60$42,250$47,150$69,220$102,710$133,070
[Year] Best Mba Programs In Sports Management
Advance your business career

Discover Sports Management MBAs

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:

  1. Sport Marketing: This course explores marketing strategies and tactics within the sports industry, including sponsorship, branding, and fan engagement.
  2. Sport Law: Students learn about legal issues in sports, such as contracts, intellectual property, and risk management.
  3. Sport Analytics: This class focuses on data analysis and decision-making in sports, using statistical tools and performance metrics.
  4. Sport Leadership and Ethics: Students examine leadership styles, ethical considerations, and organizational behavior in sports management.
  5. Sport Finance and Budgeting: The course covers financial management principles, including budgeting, revenue generation, and financial analysis in sports organizations.
  6. Sport Event Management: Students gain hands-on experience in planning, organizing, and executing sports events, from logistics to promotion.
  7. 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 $33,408.89 with a highest of $137,106.00 and the lowest of $6,660.00

10 Most Expensive MBA Programs in Sports Management

  1. University of Southern California - $137,106.00
  2. Texas Christian University - $111,060.00
  3. Pepperdine University - $106,750.00
  4. Northeastern University - $98,400.00
  5. Claremont Graduate University - $97,010.00
  6. University of California, Davis - $83,428.00
  7. Baylor University - $83,156.00
  8. Worcester Polytechnic Institute - $77,568.00
  9. Loyola University Maryland - $59,450.00
  10. University of Portland - $58,014.00

10 Least Expensive MBA Programs in Sports Management

  1. Augusta University - $6,660.00
  2. Lamar University - $8,432.00
  3. Stephen F. Austin State University - $11,270.00
  4. Arkansas Tech University - $11,400.00
  5. Texas A&M University-Kingsville - $12,000.00
  6. University of West Florida - $12,461.00
  7. Clayton State University - $13,266.00
  8. Arkansas State University - $13,563.00
  9. University of Montana - $13,718.00
  10. University of Alaska Fairbanks - $13,980.00

GMAT Scores Needed for an MBA in Sports Management?

The lowest GMAT score needed for an MBA in Sports Management is 394 and the highest is 671 with an average GMAT score to be accepted in a Sports Management MBA program is 531.

10 Highest GMAT Scores for Sports Management MBAs

  1. University of California, Davis - 671
  2. University of South Carolina - 670
  3. University of Southern California - 645
  4. University of Vermont - 640
  5. University of Oklahoma - 637
  6. Worcester Polytechnic Institute - 634
  7. Northeastern University - 633
  8. Texas Christian University - 631
  9. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - 630
  10. Pepperdine University - 626

10 Lowest GMAT Scores for Sports Management MBAs

  1. Montana State University - 394
  2. Francis Marion University - 400
  3. Saint Xavier University - 400
  4. Whitworth University - 400
  5. Mississippi College - 406
  6. Texas A&M University-Kingsville - 425
  7. Dominican University - 425
  8. Le Moyne College - 433
  9. University of Illinois at Springfield - 450
  10. Louisiana Tech University - 450

Student / Faculty Ratio for MBA Programs in Sports Management

The lowest student faculty ratio from a Sports Management MBA program is 1:20 while the highest ratio is 13:1, and the average from all MBA programs is 2:1.

10 Sports Management Programs with the Highest Student Faculty Ratio

  1. University of Colorado Denver - 13
  2. University of Illinois at Springfield - 11
  3. Seattle University - 8
  4. Thunderbird School of Global Management - 8
  5. Pepperdine University - 7
  6. University of Southern California - 6
  7. Naval Postgraduate School - 5
  8. Texas Tech University - 5
  9. Worcester Polytechnic Institute - 4
  10. Pace University - 4

10 Sports Management Programs with the Lowest Student Faculty Ratio

  1. Indiana University Southeast - 0
  2. Longwood University - 0
  3. Central Connecticut State University - 0
  4. Towson University - 0
  5. The University of Akron - 0
  6. Robert Morris University - 0
  7. University of North Florida - 0
  8. University of West Florida - 0
  9. The University of Michigan-Flint - 0
  10. Montana State University - 0

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 5 from Lamar University. The MBA program with the highest student enrollment offering an MBA in Sports Management is Highest: 2,102 from University of Southern California. The average student enrollment from all universities that offer an MBA in Sports Management is 165.

10 MBA Programs in Sports Management with the Highest Student Enrollment

  1. University of Southern California - 2,102
  2. Pepperdine University - 907
  3. University of South Carolina - 688
  4. University of North Texas - 645
  5. Pace University - 452
  6. Northeastern University - 414
  7. Baylor University - 410
  8. Texas Christian University - 371
  9. Florida State University - 356
  10. East Carolina University - 287

10 MBA Programs in Sports Management with the Lowest Student Faculty Ratio

  1. Lamar University - 5
  2. The University of Akron - 6
  3. State University of New York at Geneseo - 10
  4. State University of New York College at Plattsburgh - 12
  5. University of Louisiana at Lafayette - 13
  6. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point - 16
  7. Worcester Polytechnic Institute - 18
  8. Trinity University - 18
  9. Montana State University - 20
  10. University of Wisconsin-River Falls - 22

Best MBA Programs in Sports Management

[Year] Best Mba Programs In Sports Management

Find the Top 100 Ranked Sports Management Programs

Discover top MBA programs specializing in sports management, empowering leaders to excel in the dynamic sports industry in 2023 and beyond.

Discover the Best Ranked Programs

Related Posts:

Find Accredited MBAs

Similar Posts