MBA Sports Management: Courses, Syllabus & Jobs

An MBA in Sports Management is a specialized business degree that focuses on the management and business aspects of the sports industry. This MBA program typically covers a range of topics related to sports, including sports marketing, sports law, sports finance, event management, and more. Students are taught how to develop and execute strategies for sports organizations and events, as well as how to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that come with the industry. The program is designed for those who are passionate about sports and want to combine their love for sports with business understanding.

MBA Sports Management Overview

• The duration of the MBA in Sports Management program can vary depending on the mode of study. A full-time degree program typically lasts for two years, and the curriculum is delivered through classroom lectures, seminars, case studies, and experiential learning.

• Though distance learning programs may last for 2-4 years and allow students to study at their own pace and convenience through online classes, recorded lectures, and other digital resources.

• Admission to this program in India is typically based on a combination of academic qualifications and performance in entrance exams. Aspirants are usually required to have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study with a minimum of 50%-60% aggregate marks to be considered for admission.

• In addition to academic qualifications, applicants are also required to take one or more entrance exams, few top MBA exams in India are CAT, MAT, GMAT, CMAT, XAT, and NMAT. There are a few other tests as well, which are specified by the universities or institutes offering the MBA Sports Management program.

• Graduates can pursue careers in various fields such as sports marketing, event management, sports media, sports consultancy, sports journalism, sports administration, and more. 

• They can work for sports organizations, sports teams, sports leagues, sports media companies, sports marketing firms, and other related industries.

• They can also pursue entrepreneurial opportunities in sports-related businesses such as sports equipment manufacturing, sports technology, and sports education.

Eligibility for MBA in Sports Management

The eligibility criteria for MBA Sports Management courses in India may vary from one institution to another, but there are some basic minimum requirements that are typically expected of applicants:

• Applicants must hold a three-year bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline or field of study from a recognized institution with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.

• In addition, applicants are typically required to take university-level entrance exams. CMAT, CAT,  MAT, NMAT, XAT, are some of the top MBA exams in India.

• Applicants who are in their final year of their bachelor's degree program can also apply provisionally, but they must complete their degree program and provide proof of their eligibility before the start of the MBA Sports Management course.

Admission Process for MBA in Sports Management Course:

The selection process for MBA Sports Management programs just like any other MBA admissions in India involves the following stages:

• Entrance exams are a crucial part of the admission process for any MBA course in India. As mentioned, various national-level and state-level management entrance exams are accepted by universities and colleges across India. 

• Students must check the eligibility criteria of the colleges they are interested in applying to and the entrance exams they accept. They should then prepare for the entrance exam and aim to secure a good score to increase their chances of being admitted to their chosen MBA Sports Management program.

• Group discussions or GD rounds are an important part of the selection process for all MBA courses in India. During the GD rounds, a group of applicants is given a topic related to sports management, and they are required to discuss and debate on the topic for a set period of time, usually around 20-30 minutes. The objective of the GD round is to assess the candidate's ability to communicate, think critically, work in a team, and present their ideas effectively. 

• The personal interview is usually the final stage of the selection process, and it is a crucial step in determining whether or not the candidate is a good fit. It is essential for candidates to prepare well for the interview by researching the program and the university, practicing common interview questions, and showcasing their skills and knowledge.

• The final selection for this program is based on the candidate's performance in all phases of the selection process, including entrance exams, group discussions, and personal interviews. The selection panel takes its time to review all the candidates before making a decision, and the selected candidates are offered enrollment.

Skills Required for MBA in sports management:

MBA in Sports Management requires a diverse range of specialized skills and knowledge that are crucial for success in the field. Some of the key skills that students can expect to develop during their MBA program include

• Leadership: Effective leadership is essential for managing and motivating teams, driving innovation, and achieving business goals.

• Strategic Thinking: Sports management professionals need to be able to think critically and make informed decisions that align with the long-term objectives of their organization.

• Communication: The ability to communicate effectively is vital for building strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders.

• Financial Management: Financial understanding is essential for managing budgets, developing financial plans, and making data-driven decisions that contribute to the overall success of a business.

• Marketing and Branding: A solid understanding of marketing principles and branding strategies is crucial for promoting sports teams, events, and products.

• Event Management: Sports management professionals need to be skilled in event planning, from coordinating logistics to managing staff and vendors.

• Ethics and Social Responsibility: It's important for sports management professionals to be ethical and responsible in their decision-making, ensuring that their actions align with their values and those of their organization.

Syllabus of MBA in Sports Management

Here are some of the typical subjects covered in MBA Sports Management programs:

SEMESTER I	SEMESTER II
Organizational Behaviour	Strategic Management: Indian And Global Context
Management Principles And Practice	Human Resource Management
Managerial Economics	Advertising And Sales Promotion
Business Communication	Business Research Methods
Fundamentals Of Sports & New Age Dynamics	Marketing Management
Management Of Sports, Leagues & Teams	Quantitative Techniques & Methods For Management
Sports Facilities Planning & Management	Sports Equipment & Technology Management
Business Statistics And Analytics for Decision Making	Corporate Strategy
Sports Health & Nutrition	International Sports Management
SEMESTER III	SEMESTER IV
Sports Marketing & Merchandising	Sports Physiology And Kinesiology
Sports Funding And Financial Management	Sports PR & Advertising Management
Sports Organization And the administration	Sports Training And Conditioning
Sports Organization And the administration	Sports Training And Conditioning
Ethics In Sports	Sports Biomechanics
Brand Management	Strategic Management: Indian And Global Context
Sports Media, Broadcasting & Journalism	Sports Training, Tactics & Psychology
Sports Event, Law & Risk Management	Coaching And Mentoring
Sports Betting And Corruption	Project

Top colleges for MBA in Sports Management

Listed below are several top colleges that offer MBA programs in Sports Management: 

College Name	NIRF Ranking	Average Fees (INR)	Exam Accepted	Average Salary Package (INR)
International Management Institute, New Delhi	30	8-10 lakhs	CAT,XAT	12-17 LPA
Institute of Management Studies, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi	50	85,000	CAT	7-8 LPA
Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resources Department, Pune	17	8-10 lakhs	SNAP	3-5 LPA
Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi	3	65,000	Jamia Millia Islamia MBA Entrance Exam	8-9 LPA
NIMS University, Jaipur	91	1,00,000	CAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT	4-5 LPA
Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad	44	3-4 lakhs	CAT, XAT, GMAT	10-17 LPA
KIIT School of Management, Bhubaneswar	20	13-14 lakhs	CAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT, KIITEE	6-7 LPA
NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata	68	2-3 lakhs	CAT, MAT, GMAT	4-5 LPA
Jain University, Bangalore	79	4-5 lakhs	CAT, XAT, GMAT, NMAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA	4-5 LPA
Singhania University, Jhunjhunnu	95	80,000	—	3-4 LPA
MIT School of Management, Pune	251-300	7-8 lakhs	CAT/ MAT/ XAT/ ATMA/ GMAT/ CMAT or MAH MBA CET	4-5 LPA
Indian Institute of Management, Rohtak	16	7-8 lakhs	CAT	10-15 LPA
Swami Vivekanand University, Kolkata	500+	1-2 lakhs	—	3-4 LPA
School of Management, Dr. Dy Patil University, Mumbai	72	8-9 lakhs	DYPCET	4 LPA
International Institute of Sports Management, Mumbai	—	7-8 lakhs	—	8 LPA
S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai	21	10 lakhs	GMAT, NMAT, CAT, XAT	10-15 LPA
Lovely Professional University, Punjab	49	10 lakhs	LPUNEST	6-7 LPA
Chandigarh University, Chandigarh	51	5-6 lakhs	CUCET	2-5 LPA
Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, New Delhi	—	8,000-10,000	—	6-7 LPA
Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, Chennai	—	50,000	—	2-3 LPA

Scope After MBA in Sports Management

Indeed, with the increasing interest in sports and the growing number of sports leagues and events, the sports management industry is poised for significant growth in India. There are a variety of career options available in the field, such as sports event management, sports marketing, sports media, sports analytics, and sports operations management, among others.

Further, the increasing use of technology in sports is also creating new job opportunities in areas such as sports data analysis and sports technology development. Students who graduate from an MBA in Sports Management program can pursue various career paths in the sports industry, depending on their interests and skills.

In addition to the professional opportunities available, pursuing higher education in sports management can also provide several benefits. An M.Phil or Ph.D. in Sports Management can help individuals to specialize and develop advanced knowledge and research skills in the field. These degrees can lead to career paths in academia, research institutions, or consulting firms. Additionally, individuals with advanced degrees in sports management can be highly valued by organizations and businesses in the sports industry, leading to increased career opportunities and earning potential.

Jobs after MBA in Sports Management

Here are a few professional fields in sports management to consider in India:

Job Profile	Job Description	Average Salary Package (INR)
Sports Marketing	It is the process of promoting and advertising sports teams, events, and products to generate revenue and increase fan engagement. It involves various marketing strategies, including advertising, public relations, sponsorships, social media, and fan engagement programs.	13-14 LPA
Sports Agent	A sports agent is a professional who represents and negotiates on behalf of athletes and coaches. Sports agents are responsible for helping their clients secure contracts, endorsements, and other business opportunities. They may also provide advice and guidance on financial and legal matters.	13-14 LPA
Sports Event Management	It involves the planning, coordination, and execution of various sports events, from small-scale competitions to large-scale international sporting events. Sports event managers are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of an event run smoothly, including scheduling, logistics, marketing, and budgeting.	4-5 LPA
Sports Development Manager	A sports development manager is a professional responsible for creating and implementing programs and initiatives designed to promote and enhance sports participation and performance at all levels, from grassroots to elite.	5-6 LPA
Sports Operations Manager	A sports operations manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a sports organization, such as a professional team, a college athletic department, or a sports facility.	5-6 LPA
Sports Equipment Manager	A sports equipment manager is responsible for managing the equipment and supplies for a sports team or organization. The equipment manager ensures that all equipment is properly maintained and available for use by athletes and coaches.	6-7 LPA
Sports Analyst	A sports analyst is a professional who uses data and statistics to analyze and provide insights into sports teams, players, and events. They may work for media organisations, sports teams, or other organisations involved in the sports industry.	5-6 LPA
Sports Sponsoring, Partnerships, and Merchandising Manager	They are responsible for creating and managing relationships with sponsors, partners, and vendors in the sports industry. The manager also develops and executes marketing and sales strategies that promote merchandise related to the sport, team, or event.	9-10 LPA
Event Coordinating	It involves planning and executing events, from small-scale gatherings to large-scale conferences, concerts, and festivals. Event coordinators are responsible for overseeing all aspects of an event, from budgeting and logistics to marketing and promotion.	3-5 LPA
Sports Communication	It involves managing and coordinating the flow of information within the sports industry. This includes developing and executing communication strategies for sports teams, athletes, and organizations, as well as managing relationships with media outlets and fans.	3-5 LPA
Public Relations Executive	A Public Relations Executive, or PR Executive, is responsible for developing and implementing public relations strategies to build and maintain a positive public image for a company or organization. They work with the media, stakeholders, and the general public to shape public perception and promote their clients' interests.	3 LPA

Top recruiters after MBA in Sports Management

Here is a table of some top MBA Sports Management recruiters and the types of jobs they offer:

Company	Job Titles
Nike	Brand Manager, Product Manager, Retail Store Manager, Marketing Director
Adidas	Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, Digital Communications Manager, Brand Director
Under Armour	Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, Product Manager, Retail Store Manager
ESPN	Business Operations Manager, Event Coordinator, Marketing Manager, Production Manager
Octagon	Account Executive, Sports Agent, Marketing Manager, Event Coordinator
IMG	Marketing Manager, Sponsorship Coordinator, Business Development Manager, Event Coordinator
Madison Square Garden	Marketing Manager, Event Coordinator, Sales Director, Operations Manager

Conclusion

The scope and career opportunities for MBA Sports Management graduates in India are vast and expanding. With the rise of sports as a business, there is a growing demand for professionals who have expertise in sports management. With Sunstone, students can learn occupational skills with the help of training courses. It also provides 100% placement assistance and interview guarantees to its students, which can be helpful in securing job offers. 

FAQ- MBA Sports Management: Courses, Syllabus & Jobs

Which is better MS in sport management or MBA in sports management?

The choice between an MS in Sport Management and an MBA in Sports Management largely depends on your career goals and personal preferences.

MS in sports management is ideal if you are looking for a career in the sports industry and want to gain in-depth knowledge of the field. While, MBA in sports management is ideal if you are looking for a broader range of business skills that can be applied to various industries, including sports management.

Is MBA in sports management approved by UGC?

In India, there are many universities and colleges that offer MBA programs in sports management, but the recognition and accreditation of such programs depend on the affiliating university or institution.