2023 Best MBA Programs in Sports Management

$83,945

Average Starting Salary

$33,409

Average In-State Tuition

165

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

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	Merion Station, 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	Aliber Hall 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	Jonesboro, 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, 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	Kingsville, TX	Yes
66	Mississippi College	404	Clinton, 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	Hudson, 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	Layton, UT	No
93	Jacksonville University	559	Jacksonville, FL	No
94	University of Hawaii at Hilo	569	Hilo, HI	No
95	California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM)	572	Alhambra, CA	Yes
96	Virginia Military Institute	598	Lexington, VA	No
97	Franklin Pierce University	629	Rindge, NH	No
98	Tiffin University	632	Tiffin, OH	No
99	Ferris State University	644	Big Rapids, MI	No
100	Northwest Nazarene University	655	Nampa, ID	No

If you notice any errors in the MBA program database, please contact us.

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 $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

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

10 Lowest Starting Salaries

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - $55,689.00
California State University, Bakersfield - $56,126.00
Lamar University - $57,000.00
Dominican University - $58,000.00
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro - $58,783.00
Indiana University Southeast - $60,200.00
University of Vermont - $60,514.00
University of Alaska Fairbanks - $61,042.00
University of Louisiana at Lafayette - $62,075.00
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.

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

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 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.

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

University of Southern California - $137,106.00
Texas Christian University - $111,060.00
Pepperdine University - $106,750.00
Northeastern University - $98,400.00
Claremont Graduate University - $97,010.00
University of California, Davis - $83,428.00
Baylor University - $83,156.00
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - $77,568.00
Loyola University Maryland - $59,450.00
University of Portland - $58,014.00

10 Least Expensive MBA Programs in Sports Management

Augusta University - $6,660.00
Lamar University - $8,432.00
Stephen F. Austin State University - $11,270.00
Arkansas Tech University - $11,400.00
Texas A&M University-Kingsville - $12,000.00
University of West Florida - $12,461.00
Clayton State University - $13,266.00
Arkansas State University - $13,563.00
University of Montana - $13,718.00
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

University of California, Davis - 671
University of South Carolina - 670
University of Southern California - 645
University of Vermont - 640
University of Oklahoma - 637
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - 634
Northeastern University - 633
Texas Christian University - 631
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - 630
Pepperdine University - 626

10 Lowest GMAT Scores for Sports Management MBAs

Montana State University - 394
Francis Marion University - 400
Saint Xavier University - 400
Whitworth University - 400
Mississippi College - 406
Texas A&M University-Kingsville - 425
Dominican University - 425
Le Moyne College - 433
University of Illinois at Springfield - 450
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

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

10 Sports Management Programs with the Lowest Student Faculty Ratio

Indiana University Southeast - 0
Longwood University - 0
Central Connecticut State University - 0
Towson University - 0
The University of Akron - 0
Robert Morris University - 0
University of North Florida - 0
University of West Florida - 0
The University of Michigan-Flint - 0
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.