2 answers
Brady
Student
Lima, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
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How can I make a career in sports management profitable?
I am majoring in sports management with a minor in journalism. I want to be a beat writer but I don't want to not make money.
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2 answers
semi hayat
Professional Resume Writer
60
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
semi’s Answer
That’s a great combination, and it’s smart that you’re already thinking about income early.
If you want to be a beat writer, it’s definitely possible, but pure journalism roles can sometimes start with lower pay. The key is to combine your interests with higher-paying opportunities.
Here are a few ways to make it more profitable:
Start with sports media/content roles (writing, blogging, social media) to build experience
Add digital skills like SEO, analytics, or content strategy — these are in high demand
Look into roles like sports marketing, communications, or media relations for teams or organizations
Consider freelancing or building your own platform (sports blog, newsletter, etc.)
You don’t have to choose just one path. Many people start in writing and expand into better-paying roles in the sports business or media.
Try internships in both sports media and sports business to see what fits best.
You’re already on a strong path, just focus on building skills that give you both passion and income.
If you want to be a beat writer, it’s definitely possible, but pure journalism roles can sometimes start with lower pay. The key is to combine your interests with higher-paying opportunities.
Here are a few ways to make it more profitable:
Start with sports media/content roles (writing, blogging, social media) to build experience
Add digital skills like SEO, analytics, or content strategy — these are in high demand
Look into roles like sports marketing, communications, or media relations for teams or organizations
Consider freelancing or building your own platform (sports blog, newsletter, etc.)
You don’t have to choose just one path. Many people start in writing and expand into better-paying roles in the sports business or media.
Try internships in both sports media and sports business to see what fits best.
You’re already on a strong path, just focus on building skills that give you both passion and income.
Charles Allison
Video Editing and Event Production
1
Answer
Sacramento, California
Updated
Charles’s Answer
After a 30+ career working with major league sports teams, the best advice I can give is to always work on your interpersonal relationships, and stay in touch with colleagues when they make career transitions. I started working for an NBA team, but the people that I worked with 20-30 years ago have gone on to work across every sports league and region of the country/world you can imagine. I even find myself today working in corporate communications for a big tech firm in Silicon Valley.
Another key piece of advice I can give is to take roles that can keep you excited and engaged about the work, and never stop learning. Just like teams across all sports have winning and losing seasons, you can experience a wide gamut of successes and failures, and every experience is a valuable tool in your toolbox that you will appreciate having later.
Those points being made, it's important to be clear about where the money can be made in sports management. Every sports organization is full of people who are passionate about the team they are supporting, but the individuals who are making actual *money* are usually limited to players, executives, and top tier salespeople. When getting our foot in the door with a sports organization, I recommend looking for roles that can keep you excited and engaged even though they may not pay as much. Once you're in the door, do the best job you can at whatever job you're doing and you'll be noticed by others who can open doors for you. From that point, always keep your eyes on new opportunities as they open and don't be afraid to apply for jobs that sounds exciting even if your experience doesn't check all the boxes.
If your ultimate goal is to be a sports executive, you want to learn as much as you can about all aspects of the business, but be sure to make connections with the corporate partnerships and sales organizations.
Keep your eyes open for team-specific job fairs. Even if there's not a specific job for you, there are always people there who can give you useful information for your next steps
Another key piece of advice I can give is to take roles that can keep you excited and engaged about the work, and never stop learning. Just like teams across all sports have winning and losing seasons, you can experience a wide gamut of successes and failures, and every experience is a valuable tool in your toolbox that you will appreciate having later.
Those points being made, it's important to be clear about where the money can be made in sports management. Every sports organization is full of people who are passionate about the team they are supporting, but the individuals who are making actual *money* are usually limited to players, executives, and top tier salespeople. When getting our foot in the door with a sports organization, I recommend looking for roles that can keep you excited and engaged even though they may not pay as much. Once you're in the door, do the best job you can at whatever job you're doing and you'll be noticed by others who can open doors for you. From that point, always keep your eyes on new opportunities as they open and don't be afraid to apply for jobs that sounds exciting even if your experience doesn't check all the boxes.
If your ultimate goal is to be a sports executive, you want to learn as much as you can about all aspects of the business, but be sure to make connections with the corporate partnerships and sales organizations.
Charles recommends the following next steps: