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What kind of jobs are there that combine sports and finance?
I've loved playing sports since I was a little kid and now that the end of high school is approaching, I know the likelihood of me continuing to play is very slim. However, I still want to be involved in sports. I want to pursue finance in the future because I'm interested in investing and I also really like math. Are there any jobs that combine two of my biggest interests?
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4 answers
David Ludwick
CEO
69
Answers
Huntington Beach, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Caitlin
There are definitely jobs that combine your interests in both sports and finance! Here are some options:
1. **Sports Financial Analyst**: You could work for sports teams, leagues, or agencies, analyzing their financial health, revenue streams, and overall performance. This role involves looking at things like player contracts, broadcasting deals, sponsorships, and ticket sales.
2. **Sports Investment Analyst**: You could work in an investment firm that focuses on sports-related investments, such as owning stakes in teams or sports businesses. This could involve analyzing market trends, valuing sports assets, and advising on potential investments.
3. **Sports Agent**: A sports agent represents athletes and negotiates contracts on their behalf. It involves understanding both the financial and legal aspects of sports contracts and helping athletes maximize their earning potential.
4. **Sports Marketing Finance**: Many companies that sponsor sports events or teams need people to manage their marketing budgets, ROI on sponsorships, and media rights deals. Finance professionals in this space ensure that marketing and promotional campaigns are profitable.
5. **Corporate Finance in Sports**: Many large sports organizations or media companies have finance departments to handle budgeting, forecasting, and managing their financial operations. This could include teams, leagues, or sports media companies like ESPN, NBC Sports, etc.
6. **Financial Planner for Athletes**: Athletes, especially those in the professional leagues, often need financial planners to manage their wealth. This involves guiding athletes in their financial decisions and helping them plan for life after their sports careers.
7. **Sports Venture Capitalist**: You could get involved in the venture capital space and invest in startups related to sports, from tech solutions to sports apparel and equipment companies.
These careers allow you to merge your love of sports with your interest in finance. Does any of these sound like something you'd want to explore?
There are definitely jobs that combine your interests in both sports and finance! Here are some options:
1. **Sports Financial Analyst**: You could work for sports teams, leagues, or agencies, analyzing their financial health, revenue streams, and overall performance. This role involves looking at things like player contracts, broadcasting deals, sponsorships, and ticket sales.
2. **Sports Investment Analyst**: You could work in an investment firm that focuses on sports-related investments, such as owning stakes in teams or sports businesses. This could involve analyzing market trends, valuing sports assets, and advising on potential investments.
3. **Sports Agent**: A sports agent represents athletes and negotiates contracts on their behalf. It involves understanding both the financial and legal aspects of sports contracts and helping athletes maximize their earning potential.
4. **Sports Marketing Finance**: Many companies that sponsor sports events or teams need people to manage their marketing budgets, ROI on sponsorships, and media rights deals. Finance professionals in this space ensure that marketing and promotional campaigns are profitable.
5. **Corporate Finance in Sports**: Many large sports organizations or media companies have finance departments to handle budgeting, forecasting, and managing their financial operations. This could include teams, leagues, or sports media companies like ESPN, NBC Sports, etc.
6. **Financial Planner for Athletes**: Athletes, especially those in the professional leagues, often need financial planners to manage their wealth. This involves guiding athletes in their financial decisions and helping them plan for life after their sports careers.
7. **Sports Venture Capitalist**: You could get involved in the venture capital space and invest in startups related to sports, from tech solutions to sports apparel and equipment companies.
These careers allow you to merge your love of sports with your interest in finance. Does any of these sound like something you'd want to explore?
Marylou DiFilippo
Actor, Teacher
64
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Marylou’s Answer
My son is an athlete. He went to law school. To practice sports and entertainment contracts. (He’s a pianist).
Perhaps look into sports contracts. And how to proceed. Can’t hurt.
If you work at something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.
As the great Joseph Campbell said, “Follow your bliss”
Carry on!
Perhaps look into sports contracts. And how to proceed. Can’t hurt.
If you work at something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.
As the great Joseph Campbell said, “Follow your bliss”
Carry on!
Marian Liu
Technology Consultant
9
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Marian’s Answer
You can do finance in sports OR sports in Finance.
Finance in sports- you can become a financial advisor for athletes and manage their sponsorships, salary, contracts.
Sports in Finance- sports investment banker (get funding for sports associations), Private equity in sports (pick which teams to invest for your company), etc. You might want to connect with professionals in Investment Banking to learn more about this. My sister's in IB and it's EXTREMELY competitive.
There's a ton of overlap and opportunities, depending on whether you want to lean more sports or finance.
Finance in sports- you can become a financial advisor for athletes and manage their sponsorships, salary, contracts.
Sports in Finance- sports investment banker (get funding for sports associations), Private equity in sports (pick which teams to invest for your company), etc. You might want to connect with professionals in Investment Banking to learn more about this. My sister's in IB and it's EXTREMELY competitive.
There's a ton of overlap and opportunities, depending on whether you want to lean more sports or finance.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Caitlin,
First of all, I love that you’re thinking ahead about how to blend two of your biggest passions—sports and finance. The good news is that, There are plenty of ways to combine them, and both Marian and Marylou gave solid suggestions. Let’s expand on their advice and give you an even clearer picture of your options!
So Firstly..... Fight!!!..... Finance in Sports vs. Sports in Finance 👀
Marian’s breakdown is spot on, so I am gonna dive deeper into both paths for you!
1. Finance in Sports (Managing Money in the Industry)
If you want to work with athletes, teams, or sports organizations while handling their finances, consider:
Sports Financial Advisor – Manage athletes’ investments, sponsorship earnings, and long-term financial security. Many athletes need guidance to avoid financial pitfalls (because, let’s be honest, not everyone is great with money).
Salary Cap Analyst – If you love strategy and numbers, this role involves helping sports teams manage player salaries while staying within league regulations (think NBA, NFL salary caps).
Sports Accountant – Work for a sports franchise, ensuring their books are balanced, taxes are handled, and revenue streams (ticket sales, sponsorships, TV deals) are managed.
Athlete Wealth Manager – A more exclusive role where you oversee a player's entire financial portfolio, from investments to retirement planning.
2. Sports in Finance (Investing in the Industry)
If you love the business side of sports and want to work in high-level finance roles that shape the industry, look into:
Sports Investment Banking – Help sports franchises secure funding, negotiate mergers, and structure big financial deals. (Warning: this path is cutthroat—Marian wasn’t joking when she said Investment Banking is competitive.)
Private Equity in Sports – Work with investment firms that buy stakes in teams, stadiums, or media rights. You’ll help decide which sports businesses to invest in.
Sports Economist – Analyze how financial trends affect the sports industry, from team valuations to the economic impact of the World Cup or Olympics.
Franchise Valuation Analyst – Determine how much a sports team is worth based on revenue, player contracts, sponsorships, and market trends.
Marylou’s Suggestion about Sports Law & Contracts, she made a great point—if you’re open to law, sports contract negotiation is a huge part of the industry. Lawyers help negotiate player contracts, sponsorship deals, and endorsement agreements. Some go on to become sports agents, representing top athletes and handling their entire financial and business affairs.
Other Overlooked Careers at the Intersection of Sports & Finance
If none of the above seem like the perfect fit, here are more niche roles to explore:
Sports Analytics (Moneyball-style careers!) – Teams use data to maximize performance AND financial efficiency. You could analyze player stats to determine contract values.
Stadium & Event Finance Manager – Manage the financial side of major sporting events, from budgeting to sponsorship revenue.
Fantasy Sports & Sports Betting Analyst – If you love numbers and risk assessment, you can work in the rapidly growing world of sports betting and analytics.
Now now, before I leave, Marylou quoted Joseph Campbell’s famous "Follow your bliss", and I love that. But I’d tweak it slightly—🤫 so, follow your bliss, but make sure you’re also building a skillset that keeps doors open. You don’t have to pick a perfect career now, but by leaning into finance, sports business, and analytics, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to pivot. Keep exploring, keep learning, and when the time comes, you’ll be in a position to make the best move for YOU.
Good luck, Caitlin—you’ve got an exciting road ahead! Stay dedicated and you will achieve whatever you seek! 🤗
Since you are in highschool: Choose a Finance or Business Major – Look for universities with strong finance programs and consider electives in sports management or analytics.
Get Involved in Sports Business Early – Join clubs, seek internships with sports organizations, or look for finance-related roles in college athletics.
Network with Professionals – Reach out to sports financial advisors, investment bankers in sports, and sports agents on LinkedIn. They can give you real-world insights.
Consider Dual Majors or Minors – If you want a strong mix, pairing Finance with Sports Management, Economics, or even Data Analytics could give you an edge.
Intern at a Sports Organization – Whether it’s a local sports team, athletic department, or finance firm specializing in sports, hands-on experience will be invaluable.
First of all, I love that you’re thinking ahead about how to blend two of your biggest passions—sports and finance. The good news is that, There are plenty of ways to combine them, and both Marian and Marylou gave solid suggestions. Let’s expand on their advice and give you an even clearer picture of your options!
So Firstly..... Fight!!!..... Finance in Sports vs. Sports in Finance 👀
Marian’s breakdown is spot on, so I am gonna dive deeper into both paths for you!
1. Finance in Sports (Managing Money in the Industry)
If you want to work with athletes, teams, or sports organizations while handling their finances, consider:
Sports Financial Advisor – Manage athletes’ investments, sponsorship earnings, and long-term financial security. Many athletes need guidance to avoid financial pitfalls (because, let’s be honest, not everyone is great with money).
Salary Cap Analyst – If you love strategy and numbers, this role involves helping sports teams manage player salaries while staying within league regulations (think NBA, NFL salary caps).
Sports Accountant – Work for a sports franchise, ensuring their books are balanced, taxes are handled, and revenue streams (ticket sales, sponsorships, TV deals) are managed.
Athlete Wealth Manager – A more exclusive role where you oversee a player's entire financial portfolio, from investments to retirement planning.
2. Sports in Finance (Investing in the Industry)
If you love the business side of sports and want to work in high-level finance roles that shape the industry, look into:
Sports Investment Banking – Help sports franchises secure funding, negotiate mergers, and structure big financial deals. (Warning: this path is cutthroat—Marian wasn’t joking when she said Investment Banking is competitive.)
Private Equity in Sports – Work with investment firms that buy stakes in teams, stadiums, or media rights. You’ll help decide which sports businesses to invest in.
Sports Economist – Analyze how financial trends affect the sports industry, from team valuations to the economic impact of the World Cup or Olympics.
Franchise Valuation Analyst – Determine how much a sports team is worth based on revenue, player contracts, sponsorships, and market trends.
Marylou’s Suggestion about Sports Law & Contracts, she made a great point—if you’re open to law, sports contract negotiation is a huge part of the industry. Lawyers help negotiate player contracts, sponsorship deals, and endorsement agreements. Some go on to become sports agents, representing top athletes and handling their entire financial and business affairs.
Other Overlooked Careers at the Intersection of Sports & Finance
If none of the above seem like the perfect fit, here are more niche roles to explore:
Sports Analytics (Moneyball-style careers!) – Teams use data to maximize performance AND financial efficiency. You could analyze player stats to determine contract values.
Stadium & Event Finance Manager – Manage the financial side of major sporting events, from budgeting to sponsorship revenue.
Fantasy Sports & Sports Betting Analyst – If you love numbers and risk assessment, you can work in the rapidly growing world of sports betting and analytics.
Now now, before I leave, Marylou quoted Joseph Campbell’s famous "Follow your bliss", and I love that. But I’d tweak it slightly—🤫 so, follow your bliss, but make sure you’re also building a skillset that keeps doors open. You don’t have to pick a perfect career now, but by leaning into finance, sports business, and analytics, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to pivot. Keep exploring, keep learning, and when the time comes, you’ll be in a position to make the best move for YOU.
Good luck, Caitlin—you’ve got an exciting road ahead! Stay dedicated and you will achieve whatever you seek! 🤗
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