✍️ Vaibhaw Tiwari

🗓️ Sep 30, 2024

Are you a student looking forward to a career in sports management but don’t know where to begin? Then, you are not alone. In a country like India, whenever someone mentions pursuing a degree in management, they’re often imposed with a degree like BBA, which can provide them knowledge of business management. 

But little do these people know that while a business management degree is good, it doesn’t provide the same specialised knowledge as a sports management degree. A sports management program offers a specialised path that combines strategic thinking with a passion for athletics. This unique blend equips graduates with the skills to navigate the dynamic world of sports, from athlete representation and event management to marketing and sponsorship.

Therefore, this article provides a detailed breakdown and explores the critical distinctions between sports and traditional business management. To help you determine the best path for your career.

Difference between Business Management and Sports Management

There’s no denying that some major elements are present in both courses. For starters, business and sports management involves strategic planning, decision-making, and leadership. However, the focus and implications of these differ drastically.

A traditional business management course centres around broader economic principles and teaches students financial analysis and organisational structures. Furthermore, students get a general understanding of marketing, finance, human resources, and operations. While this foundational knowledge is essential for managing businesses, it’s not specific enough to apply in sports management.

The world of sports management requires people to learn all the basics of business management and more, along with how to apply them in the specific context of the sport. Since the course of sports management delves into the unique challenges and opportunities of the sporting industry, it teaches individuals about the nitty-gritty of this field. 

This course provides in-depth knowledge of sport-related contracts that come in handy while managing an athlete. Different elements like branding, endorsement, and contract negotiation fall under this category, which ensures an athlete’s career is managed effectively. In addition, you also get to learn about sport-related laws. These are crucial for navigating contracts, intellectual property, and dispute resolution within sports organisations. 

In conclusion, a sports management degree equips students with a wide range of skills and knowledge essential for managing all aspects of the sports industry. From organising major sporting events and handling logistics to raising funds through sponsorships, the course provides a comprehensive learning experience. Graduates are well-prepared to manage sports’ business and legal aspects, ensuring success in their chosen career paths.

Want to make a career in sports?

Enrol in ISM GLOBE’s Post Graduate Program in Sports Management & Technology (PGPSM), a top sports management course in India that offers specialised training to advance your career in the sports industry.