The sports sector has evolved from more than entertainment into a thriving and sprawling industry. One that needs specialized skill sets and professionals to lead the industry.
What is MBA in Sports Management?
An MBA programme in Sports Management amalgamates the business management context with the intricate world of sports. One can learn in-depth about the dynamics of sports teams, leagues, tournaments, sponsorships, sports marketing, sports events management, operations, finance, and fan engagement strategies.
Highlights about the MBA in Sports Management
| Full Form | Master of Business Administration in Sports Management |
| Course level | Post-Graduation |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Examination Type | Semester-based |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with 50% or more from a recognized university, or successful performance in entrance exams such as CAT/CMAT/MAT/GMAT, followed by a personal interview. |
| Admission process | Merit and Entrance Based |
| Course Fee | INR 50,000-5 LPA |
| Average salary | INR 2 to 9 LPA |
| Top Recruiting Area | Academics, Universities, Colleges, Educational Institutions, Sports Agencies etc. |
| Job Positions | Administrators, Headmasters, Manager, Sports Consultants, etc |
| MBA in Event Management Scope | MPhil/PhD |
In today’s sports-centric world, MBA Sports Management programme equips students with an understanding of the business side of sports. Think revenue generation, athlete management, sports media, and journalism to sports teams, players, and tournament analytics and law.
1. Practical Industry Projects
Several institutions foster a culture of engaging in real-world projects to have a deeper understanding of the sports industry.
2. Leadership development and soft skill learning
Colleges have designed the MBA Sports Management programme to nurture leadership qualities and teach students soft skills essential for leadership roles.
3. Industry network
MBA schools bring in regular industry interactions in the form of masterclasses, workshops, seminars, specialized events, and more. Helping students to expand their network and stay abreast of the latest trends and technological advancements.
4. International learning
Many institutions have international partnerships to help foster cultural exchange and understanding of diverse management approaches.
For example, up to 20% of the faculty and learning at MBA ESG’s Sports Management programme is by international experts. Along with a 14-day educational visit to Paris.
5. Electives
Leading Sports Management programmes offer students niche electives. For instance, Sports Tourism, Sports Analytics, Sports Law and Ethics, and Sports Media amongst others.
MBA in Sports Management Admission Process
While each institute has its admission process, there are certain basics every programme admission flow has:
a. A graduation degree with minimum academic performance record.
b. Entrance exam and a submitted application with references and essays.
c. Personal interview with alumni and/or selection committee.
d. Fee submission post-selection to confirm the seat.
Eligibility for MBA in Sports Management
Academic qualification: Candidates require a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Minimum Cut-off: Few institutions require a minimum cut-off from graduates.
Work experience can add more relevance to your application, however, is not a must requirement amongst various institutions.
Entrance Exams
Apart from having a bachelor’s degree, applicants for the MBA Sports Management programme are required to take entrance exams like CAT, GMAT, or an institute-specific entrance exam.
For instance: At MBA ESG, Bangalore, applicants will be required to take in JET (Jain Entrance Test) aptitude test as a prerequisite for the admission process.
Course Syllabus
An MBA in Sports Management syllabus will hone you with their defined:
a. Foundation of Sports Management with modules like – Introduction to Sports Industry, Business Communication in Sports, Sports Marketing, Financial Accounting and Analysis in Sports etc.
b. Advanced management concepts –Sponsorship and Branding, Strategic management in Sports etc.
c. Specialized areas/ electives modules – Sports Media and Journalism, Global Sports Business, Sports Analytics and Data Science etc.
d. Live projects/ applied learning/ industry projects – Internships, Dissertation, Project Management etc.
Please note the actual course structure, electives and timelines may vary from institution to institution.
MBA in Sports Management Fees
Here is something you can expect when you apply to an institute in India. Structure:
a. Tuition costs: Average INR 5-8 LPA
b. Additional cost: Average INR 20,000– 1,00,000 one-time cost based on the additional resources provided. (Books, study material, library access and more)
Students can also apply towards scholarships offered by their choice of MBA school.
Please note: These costs may vary from college to college.
Top MBA in Sports Management Colleges in India
Some respectable institutions around the world provide the most distinguished MBA programs that could be of great benefit to the growth of students, both academically and financially.
Some of the best institutions in India are:
1. Indian Business School
2. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research
3. MBA ESG – Global Business Management School
4. Jain University
MBA in Sports Management: Skills Required
When applying to an MBA in Sports Management programme, the school seeks for:
a. Your sports industry knowledge and passion
b. Analytical and strategic thinking, and business acumen.
c. Your soft skill set – adaptability, agility, resilience etc.
d. Your leadership skills and communication skill set in fast paced aggressive sector.
e. Ability to effectively communicate your worth and network.
MBA in Sports Management Job Opportunities
An MBA Sports Management graduate will find themselves choosing from the many opportunities in the sports sector. They can become part of organizations like Paytm that empower and sponsor sporting events for ticketing, and operations. Or be part of Sports Analytical organizations like Kabaddi Adda that is focused on one sports stat for Kabaddi players, teams, and tournaments. General job opportunities in the sports sector include:
- Professional Sports Agents
- Sports Events Coordinator
- Player Contract Managers
- Team Manager/ Athlete Manager
- Sports Facilities and Operations Manager
- Sports and Fitness Program Coordinators
- Sports Brand Sponsorship Managers
- Equipment / Health Club Managers
- Sports Media managers
- Sports Business Development Managers
- Sports Marketing, etc.
MBA Sports Management Salary in India
The sports sector is a fast-paced growth environment that offers an average salary to managers ranging from INR 7 to 14 LPA. These figures generally vary from brand to brand and person to person at entry level. In a rapidly expanding sports sector with increasing leagues, tournaments and opportunities, there is abundant career growth in designation and finances.
MBA in Sports Management Scope in Future
The evolving sports sector landscape offers a multitude of opportunities for sports management professionals to thrive. Let’s understand this from the stats:
– Financial Express states that – ‘Indian sports industry recorded 49% growth in 2022 to reach Rs 14,209 crore; sponsorship grows 105% to reach Rs 5,907 crore.’
– Statista states that – ‘The Sports market in India is projected to grow by 15.59% (2022-2027) resulting in a market volume of US$17.64m in 2027.’
With the growing leagues, tournaments, and sports-related events and clubs in India penetrating the tier 3 and 4 cities and towns, there will be an increasing need for sports management professionals to take the sector forward.
MBA Sports Management: FAQS
1. How to get Admission in a good college?
Here are some savvy tips to help you with your admission into MBA Sports Management:
a. Build a Sports Portfolio: Intern/ Volunteer with one or more local or national sports organizations, showcase personal projects.
b. Keep your application interactive: Add a video or link your application to your socials.
c. Updated and engaging social media: Build your social content to engage with content, ideas, and discussion in sports.
2. What is the MBA Sports Management duration in India?
The average duration of an MBA in Sports Management in India is 2 years. While some institutions also offer the course for a period of 1 year.
3. Is an MBA in sports management worth it?
The global rise of the sporting sector and within India makes the Sports Management career a rewarding one for the future. An MBA in Sports management is an excellent choice to set yourself up for success in the thriving sports industry. MBA Sports Management will help you to hone your knowledge, build your professional network, and overall skills to succeed in the sports sector.
4. What are the top MBA Sports Management recruiting areas?
Brands hire in the areas of:
Sports event management
Facility management
Sports operations management
Brand partnerships/ Business development manager
Sponsorships lead executive
Sports marketing assistant and leads
Sports Analysts etc.
5. Which are some of the top MBA Sports Management recruiters?
Leading brand hiring in India in the sports sector are:
- Sporjo Sports
RISE Worldwide
JSW Sports
DNA
Mashal Sports
Baseline
ITW Consulting
Cornerstone
Dream Sports
SportzLive
Percept Limited
