✍️ Vaibhaw Tiwari

🗓️ Oct 28, 2024

There is no denying that the sports industry is expanding rapidly globally. It is experiencing growth at a rate never thought possible, and the momentum is only expected to increase.

According to a BLS report, the sporting sector in the U.S. is expected to expand by 9% over the next decade, which will also surge the market for sports management jobs.

India stands out as one of the fastest-growing nations in this sector. It has witnessed a 15% growth annually, courtesy of its popular sports leagues like IPL, ISL, and PKL, and things are predicted to get better with time.

However, this industry is not going to operate independently. In fact, this thriving ecosystem has already created a massive demand for skilled professionals. The only question that remains now is how to capitalise on this growth.

The simple answer to this question would be to understand the key skills required for the best roles in sports management. In this article, we will delve deeper into the skills you need to have to make a career in sports management, so read along.

Key Skills required for sports management jobs?

The diversity that exists in the sports management industry is unique. You could get offered roles that operate on and off the field. The variety of jobs ranges from managing a team, representing an athlete, or organising large-scale events. Meaning that every role might require different sets of skills. Despite this, some core skills remain crucial across the board. Some of them are listed below, that every aspiring professional must possess:

1. Communication: Whether you are talking with an athlete or on their behalf, communication will certainly be the key. Engaging with the stakeholders when raising funds for your tournament is also essential. And no, conversation is not just about speaking clearly; it also involves active listening and delivering a clear and persuasive message that gets you what you want.

2. Critical thinking: As a sports manager, you will often find yourself in tight spaces. In such a situation, you would be required to rely on your critical thinking skills and analyse the situation to make sound decisions that will help you through those challenges.

3. Conflict resolution: managing players and teams is not easy. So many individuals with thoughts of their own can often result in disagreements. That’s where conflict resolution as a skill comes in handy. You need to ensure harmony and progress in high-pressure environments effectively.

4. Adaptability: One essential skill every sports marketing professional needs to have is adaptability. This is one of the most dynamic fields; with the advent of technology, things are changing rapidly. Hence, to keep up with everything, one needs to be adaptable and open to change.

Want to make career in sports?

Enroll in ISM GLOBE’s Post Graduate Program in Sports Management & Technology (PGPSM), a leading sports management course in India that provides targeted training to help you turn your passion for sports into a successful career.