Employment Guide for the Sports Industry
Why Choose a Career in Sport Management?
The sport industry today is not only exciting but it is a lucrative and continually growing segment of the entertainment, arts, and recreation industry. As a global industry that attracts passionate fans, spectators and players throughout the world, sports have an enormous impact on people’s lives through education, diplomacy, personal achievement, business and overall entertainment. It is estimated that the sports industry generates between $400 and $425 billion in revenue annually. Many more billions are generated through related industries such as hospitality, event management, and fitness/recreation.
Segments of the sports industry offer additional avenues for varying career paths. For example, sports marketing might include a number of areas from product placement, celebrity endorsement, sponsorship sales, merchandising, corporate relations, sales activation, and a host of other activities. Numerous opportunities and resources exist in both the public and private sector for anyone looking to break into this dynamic field.
The Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management Department at the University of New Haven is committed to help you excel in this field. The career possibilities are endless as you see in the following employment guide of the sports industry.
What Degrees Are Best for Jobs in the Sports Industry?
Explore Your Paths in the Sports Industry

Sport Marketing
Sport Marketing includes a wide range of responsibilities from selling a team, event or facility to promoting a brand or image for a sponsor.
Special Events
Learn about sporting events and competitions that take place around the world that require efficient business operations to run successfully.
NGB of Sport
National Governing Bodies (NGB) of Sports are non-profit, non-governmental organizations responsible for promoting and developing a particular sport within a nation.
Sporting Equipment/Goods
Industry statistics show that U.S. sporting equipment sales at retail sporting goods stores are roughly $41 billion yearly.
Sports Apparel
Sporting apparel sellers and manufacturers attract buyers who are both athletes and non-athletes.
Sport Facility Management
Sport facilities can range from gyms and park and recreation departments to large arenas and stadiums.
Sport Analytics
Sport analytics is a rapidly developing segment of the sport industry.
Non-Profits /Recreation Activities
Recreational Sports are one of the most common staples of American culture.
Professional Sports
Professional sports in the United States are one of the biggest entertainment industry segments in the country.
Collegiate Sports
There are over 4,000 colleges, universities, and junior colleges in the United States today.
Sports Media Industry
Sports Media covers the broadcasting and reporting of sports in the media.
Executives and Agents
Almost every professional athlete has a man or woman behind the scenes to negotiate, advise, and maintain a working relationship with each affiliated organization.
Adventure Companies
Adventure companies provide opportunities for people of all ages to participate and experience the outdoors through a number of activities.
Women and Minorities in Sport
Learn more about resources that highlight opportunities for women and minorities in sports.
Getting a Job in the Sports Industry
There are a large number of sports conventions and conferences every year, which are a great resource for networking and obtaining more information about potential employers.
