Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranking college for a sports management master’s degree program is Ohio University, followed by Lasell University.
- A degree in sports management offers various career paths in the sports industry.
- Careers include facility management, sales, IT, sports marketing, and event planning.
- Top schools for online sports management degrees offer flexible schedules and internships.
Looking to advance your career in the sports industry? An online Master’s in Sports Management offers a flexible pathway to leadership roles in sports organizations, fitness programs, and athletic facilities. Whether you’re interested in sports marketing, event management, or facility operations, this degree gives you the skills to make an impact in one of the most exciting industries worldwide.
This guide highlights the best online master’s programs in sports management, carefully ranked for their comprehensive curricula, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong alumni networks. Schools like The University of Florida, Columbia University, and The University of Massachusetts Amherst are recognized for their commitment to providing students with cutting-edge knowledge, real-world experience, and strong professional connections.
With the growing demand for skilled sports professionals, graduates from these top programs have the opportunity to pursue high-level roles such as athletic director, sports event manager, and sports marketing consultant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the sports industry is expected to grow by 10% over the next decade, offering a wealth of job opportunities for qualified candidates.
Explore our rankings to find the perfect program for you, and take the next step toward achieving your career goals in sports management.
Related (Campus):
- Best Master’s in Organizational Leadership
- Top Master’s in Project Management
- Top MBA Programs in the USA
- Best Entertainment Management Programs
- Best MBA Entrepreneurship Programs
Related (Online):
- Top Online Master’s in Nonprofit Management
- Best Online MBA
- Best Master’s in Supply Chain Management Online
The business aspect of athletic administration is an exciting and fast-growing field that offers a variety of career paths once you have earned a sports management degree. Among the many sports management careers that a graduate program in sports management may provide you, are occupations in:
- Facility management
- Sales
- Information technology
- Sports agencies
- Sports analytics
- Sports marketing
- Sports law
- Sports media
- Corporate partnerships
- Personnel management
- Event planning
- Athletic recruitment
- Financial management
Also, if you’ve always dreamed of a job in professional sports teams (say, NFL, MLB, NHL, and the NBA), a sports management master’s degree could very well be your means to that end.
All across the country, highly qualified sports management professionals are needed to carry out the daily operations and the practical/business side of the sports industry–including:
- The general evaluation of sports organizations
- The improvement of organizational efficiency
- The overall profit generation
- Many other challenging and financially rewarding tasks
Last updated: April 25, 2025
We have here gathered the top 15 best online sports management programs offering a master’s in sports management and ranked them in order of best schools and programs.
Our sports management programs rankings here take some items into consideration, including:
- Affordability, offering financial aid opportunities, such as federal loans, scholarships, and grants,
- Prestige
- Academic rigorousness
- The school’s ability to provide a quality graduate degree program in the field of Sports Management,
- Displays proper accreditation, pursuant to the field of Sports management.
Also, to assist potential students with varying life circumstances, we considered schools that offer any one of a number of unique features in their sports management programs, including:
- Acceleration programs
- Extreme flexibility in attending classes
- Unique payment options
Lastly, because of the nature of the sports industry, colleges and universities that offer robust internships tend to rank higher. Overall, our programs in sports management list is designed to assist you in deciding which school or program is the best for your life and circumstance.
Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
Go ahead–check out the best sports management degree programs, and start planning your future.
Ohio University
No other college could rank number #1 on any sports education list, besides Ohio University (OU) The school essentially invented the category, and has remained an industry giant since its inception. OU seeks to train future leaders in sports management enterprises and is unprecedented for educating many highly respected individuals in the field of professional sports like the:
- NFL
- NBA
- MLB
Also, its Alumni network is considered one of the most prestigious in the country.
U.S. News and World Report ranks OU as one of the best overall universities in the nation, and one of the best places to get an online master’s degree. But it is their highly touted and affordable sports education program that cannot be denied. SportBusiness International ranked their online MSA as the best online sports masters program in the world.
If you are interested in sports management, then this cost-effective online sport management graduate program may be the program for you. Employers will be clamoring over themselves to hire you upon graduation, and a degree from OU will streamline your career into the most exciting places to work.
Lasell University
Lasell University offers a top master’s in sports management completely online. This cost effective sports management program can be completed in 12-24 months, and no GMAT or GRE is required to apply.
The quality, affordability and flexibility of the sports management curriculum are what make this a top degree. After completing the degree, graduates have gone on to such jobs in the sports management industry as
- High School Coach and Athletic Director
- College Head Coach/ Assistant Coach
- Sports Marketing Director
- Professional Operations Manager
- Event Manager
Isenberg School of Management (Subsidiary of UMASS, Amherst)
The MBA with a focus on sports management degree is one of the best degrees that can be achieved in the sports industry and comes from one of the most prestigious business schools in the nation: Isenberg School of Management.
Isenberg is home to a think-tank of professors, who seek to incorporate the latest and greatest research in the field. The professors at Isenberg (and UMass in general) are among the most respected in their field, and it is this resource that Isenberg offers that makes them an undeniable force in the field of sports education. The college is also home to many, year-round, guest lecturers–who are usually some of the most respected leaders in the industry.
This top sports management masters program offers real world experience and provides the best academic experience to prepare graduates for a high-paced career in sports administration.
University of Miami
Perhaps no other school on our list is featured in as many categories of the U.S. News and World Report college rankings. Among the categories that the University of Miami excels at are:
- Best in National Universities
- Best Colleges for Veterans
- Best Education Schools
- Best Global Universities
- Best Business School
- Best Online Graduate Business Programs
- Best Online Graduate Education Programs
So when attending the University of Miami, you know you are receiving a highly respected education.
This is no less true in the case of the online Masters of Science in education in sports administration, which focuses on sports management through a globalized perspective. Also, this best online degree in sports management requires just 30 credits and can be completed in just 20 months.
Texas A&M
The online Master of Science in sports management offered at Texas A&M University offers all of its 36 credit hours online and also offers graduation without a thesis requirement (for those who dread such).
The master’s in sports management focuses on research and field experience, and can be obtained either as a full-time, or part-time student. The course curriculum at Texas A&M is specifically designed to fully equip those who are pursuing careers working in:
- Country clubs
- Athletic departments
- Fitness clubs
- Professional sports
- Sports administration
The U.S. News and World Report ranks this program as the #44th best online graduate education program, which makes it one of the highest ranking sports management degree programs one can obtain online. The Texas A&M online master’s in sports management can be completed through their distance learning program with no residency.
Northeastern University
Northeastern University may just be the most truly unique university on our list. U.S. News and World Report ranks Northeastern University as the #6th Most Innovative School in the nation, and for all the buzz that they’ve created in their unique approach to education, it is hardly difficult to see why.
Other schools offer real-world experience as part of their approach, but with Northeastern and the master of sports leadership degree that they offer, it is made the foundation of all they do. With an emphasis on the relationship between social issues and leadership in business practices, anyone attending Northeastern will find it an unparalleled experience.
This top 10 sports management graduate program will prepare you for an exciting career in the sports industry. This COSMA accredited degree is in a flexible online format with an intensive one-week summer residency program in Boston.
Additionally, no GRE or GMAT is required for this online sports management degree program.
University of Florida
With a #1 ranking in best online graduate education programs, and a #4 in Best online MBA Programs, from U.S. News and World Report, it is little wonder that this university’s top master’s degree in sports management is so highly sought after.
The university has produced some of the most renowned financiers in the sports industry and is likely the college for you if your interest is primarily in finance. Both an internship and a capstone project are requirements for graduation–most universities usually require one or the other of these options.
In other words, this school is one of the most rigorous in the nation and prepares graduate students for dynamic careers in the sport management industry.
Job opportunities upon graduation include:
- Game day coordinator
- Sports administration
- Facility operations manager
- Sports agent
- Athletic performance training and development specialist
Central Michigan University
Michigan is a state renowned for college athletics and in the area of sports management programs, Central Michigan University doesn’t let the reputation down.
If you learn best with attentive professors and a personalized online classroom, you may fit in perfectly at this top master’s in sports management degree program. The staff and advisors at Central Michigan go out of their way to give as much one-on-one attention to their students as possible.
U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #36 in best online MBA programs and #17 in the best online graduate education programs. So, attend this school and attend one of the best places to get a master’s degree in general, and a sports management degree in particular.
New England College
New England College’s MBA in Sport and Recreation Management is one of the top 10 online sports management degree programs. This master’s degree can be completed in 20 months and is designed for working professionals.
An MBA is worth it for increased salary, networking, leadership and management skills as well as preparation to meet challenges on the workforce. New England’s MBA in sports management program takes a look at the concepts of sports management as well as the responsibilities of coaches.
Temple University
Philadelphia is one of the few cities in the country with a sports team involved in every major sports league:
- NFL
- NBA
- NHL
- MLB
With Temple University and their executive master’s in sports business program, you’ll get an opportunity to become a leader in the $1.5 trillion global sport industry through their online program.
The executive master’s program collaborates with the Fox School of Business Online MBA giving students the chance to learn from other top business leaders. You can set your own pace graduating in as few as 13 months, or taking up to 4 years to complete. Overall, U.S. News and World Report ranks Temple University #1 in overall Online MBA Programs.
Drexel University
With its master’s in sports management, Drexel University is a high-octane educational environment designed to make you the best organizer and manager that you can be. Receive a sports management graduate degree from Drexel and you will be receiving the same degree that many respected professionals from around the nation, including:
- Athletic directors
- Head coaches
- General managers
- Marketing directors
Job opportunities upon graduating from this best online sports management program include:
- Sports Marketing Manager
- Account Manager/ Account Executive
- Fitness Director
- Event Planner/ Coordinator
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University is one of the best overall colleges in the South, and their School of Business features a top sports management master’s program.
Interestingly, Saint Leo is the first national college to be accredited by the Commission on Sports Management Accreditation (COSMA). COSMA is also one of the first specialized accrediting agencies with a focus on sport management. Sport management accreditation is important when looking for a degree in this industry, so take into account Saint Leo University.
Saint Leo University has been recognized by many independent institutions–including SportBusiness, and the Alliance for Sports Business (ASB)–as offering one of the best programs in the field. Overall, U.S. News and World Report ranks Saint Leo’s business school in the top 100 colleges in the category of Best Online MBA programs.
This top MBA with a sports business concentration is also known for its internship program and general association with many companies in the sports industry–all of which has worked to the advantage of many graduate students in finding sports management employment upon graduation.
Adelphi University
If small class size and more individualized attention from professors is your preference, then consider putting Adelphi University at the top of your list of potential schools for sports management programs. The university is an industry standard in the field, and yet maintains a “small-town” feel, which encourages strong student relationships with faculty.
Adelphi University has received numerous recognition including as a leader among national universities for ROI (return on investment) by PayScale.
Courses at this top sports management program are geared towards passing down the first-hand experience to graduates–thereby, the faculty at Adelphi consists of highly experienced professors in the field of sport administration.
The 36-credit-hour masters in sport management program focuses on:
- Technology
- Marketing
- Research methods
- Contemporary issues
Also, graduating seniors are required to complete a capstone project in sport administration.
Liberty University
Liberty University is the single largest Christian college in the world, with over 113,000 students worldwide. U.S. News and World Report ranks the university’s online master’s degree program as one of the best in the nation (#110).
Liberty University’s master’s in sports management is designed to instill competency in participating students. The sports management degree seeks to model a Biblical worldview for graduates that can be taken into the world of sport administration and focuses on:
- Ethics
- Social issues
- Marketing
- Public relations
- Finance
- Research
Overall, Liberty is one of the best online schools in the country, as they have for many years sought to offer value degrees at reasonable prices. This reasonably priced master’s in sports management degree program is accredited through the Commission on Sports Management Education (COSMA).
University of Memphis
Master of Science in Sport and Hospitality Management with a Concentration in Sport Commerce
The University of Memphis is a research-focused institution and enrolls about 21,000 students. In sports management, the university offers a Master of Science in health and sports science with a sports commerce concentration.
Sport management graduates have found careers in many fields, including:
- Sports teams
- Sports facilities
- Sports events
- Athletic administration
- Collegiate athletic departments
- Corporate sport marketing departments
- Community recreation organizations
If organizing rosters and planning events isn’t your forte, and you think that you’d much prefer the business/finance side of the industry, then the University of Memphis’ top sport management degree program ought to be highly appealing to you. The U.S. News and World Report ranks the university in the top 150 in the categories of part-time MBA, and Best Online MBA Programs.
Career Paths & Specializations in Sports Management
A Master’s in Sports Management prepares you for leadership positions across the sports industry, from athletic departments to professional sports organizations. Depending on your focus area, the degree can lead to a wide variety of career paths. Here are the key specializations and the career opportunities they open up.
Sports Marketing & Media
Focus: Branding, digital marketing, fan engagement, media relations
Best for: Students passionate about promoting sports teams, events, and products
Career paths: Sports Marketing Manager, Social Media Strategist, Event Promotions Director
Salary insight: Sports marketers earn a median annual salary of $75,000. Roles in major sports organizations and media companies may push salaries above $100,000 with experience.
Athletic Administration & Operations
Focus: Management of sports teams, athletic departments, and facilities
Best for: Those aiming to lead at the collegiate, professional, or community level
Career paths: Athletic Director, Operations Manager, Facility Manager
Salary range: Athletic directors in high schools and universities can earn between $60,000 and $100,000, while those in professional sports organizations may earn significantly more, often reaching $150,000+ depending on the level.
Sports Analytics & Performance
Focus: Data-driven decision-making, player performance analysis, and operational efficiencies
Best for: Students with strong analytical and statistical skills who want to work with sports teams or organizations to maximize performance
Career paths: Sports Data Analyst, Performance Analyst, Sports Researcher
Salary insight: Sports analysts in the industry can earn a median salary of $75,000, with the potential to exceed $100,000 for specialized roles.
Event Management & Facility Management
Focus: Planning, organizing, and executing sports events, managing stadiums or arenas
Best for: Students who enjoy logistics, coordination, and overseeing large-scale operations
Career paths: Event Manager, Facility Operations Director, Sponsorship Coordinator
Salary range: Event managers typically earn $60,000–$80,000, with potential to earn more based on the size and scale of events managed.
Sports Law & Compliance
Focus: Legal issues in sports, including contracts, agent negotiations, and compliance with league regulations
Best for: Students with a legal background or interest in the intersection of law and sports
Career paths: Sports Agent, Compliance Officer, Sports Lawyer
Salary insight: Sports lawyers and agents earn a wide range of salaries, typically $75,000–$120,000, with top earners making more, especially in professional sports or corporate settings.
Fitness & Wellness Management
Focus: Managing fitness programs, health clubs, and wellness initiatives within sports organizations or independently
Best for: Students interested in combining sports management with fitness, health, and wellness promotion
Career paths: Fitness Director, Wellness Program Manager, Health Club Operations Manager
Salary range: Fitness managers earn an average of $50,000–$70,000, with senior roles in large organizations reaching $100,000+.
Sports Management Jobs & Salary Overview
| Setting | Common Roles | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Sports Teams | Sports Marketing Manager, Event Manager | $60K–$150K+ |
| Collegiate Sports Programs | Athletic Director, Operations Manager | $60K–$100K+ |
| Sports Agencies | Sports Agent, Marketing Specialist, Sports Consultant | $70K–$120K+ |
| Fitness & Wellness Facilities | Wellness Manager, Fitness Director, Program Manager | $50K–$90K |
| Media & Broadcasting | Sports Journalist, Social Media Specialist | $50K–$100K+ |
Key Takeaway
Choosing a specialization within your Master’s in Sports Management allows you to align your skills and interests with high-demand roles in the sports industry. Whether you’re interested in the fast-paced world of sports marketing, managing athletes’ performance, or overseeing events and facilities, each specialization offers a unique pathway to a fulfilling career. With strong job growth, competitive salaries, and diverse career settings, a degree in sports management positions you for success in a growing, dynamic field.
And most importantly, when you establish what degree path you wish you to pursue, you’ll gain clarity on which programs best-match your goals. So if you’re having trouble identifying which sports management program is best for you, then first spend some time reflecting on what you want your career in sports management to look like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many aspects of a masters in sports management make it a worthwhile degree. You’ll have a broader range of skills, be eligible for a greater number of jobs, and you will earn more money with a masters degree. Additionally, you will have a greater body of knowledge that allows you to do your job better and perform at a higher level for your employer.
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average master’s degree in the United States costs just over $62,820. The actual cost of your sports management degree depends on numerous factors, including the length of the program, the school you attend, and your residency status. The amount of financial aid you receive also has a significant impact on the cost of the degree.
Sports management is a multidisciplinary field that includes studies of marketing, management, and business, as well as ethics, finance, and legal aspects of sports. Most programs include traditional coursework as well as field experiences during which you can apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. In some cases, you can add a specialization, like athletic administration or sports analysis.
Most master’s degrees in this field are roughly 30-36 credits and are offered in-person and online at many universities. You can use this degree to prepare for a career in amateur, collegiate, or professional sports. This might include roles in management, scouting, or administration, to name a few.
Though there are some difficult concepts and courses in a sports management graduate program, it is not considered a hard degree, especially if your bachelor’s degree is in a related field. Most of the coursework in a sports management program is related to business and marketing, so there are few – if any – graduate-level math and science courses, which tend to be the hardest. Many programs require research and writing, though. These and other requirements can be satisfied with a commitment to your studies and by using tools available to you, like academic and technical support.
Yes, many sports management programs are MBAs.
A typical masters in sports management takes about two years of full-time study. This works out to about 9 credits per semester for four semesters.
A lot of sports management graduates work as operations managers. This job is on the business side of the sports industry and involves day-to-day oversight of general business activities. A good example of this is working as the general manager of a minor-league soccer team. Other common careers you might consider include the following:
• Collegiate athletic director
• Coach
• Development coordinator
• Scout
• Sports facility manager
You might also pursue a career as a sports agent, a sports attorney, or a sports arbitrator, though these careers might require additional education and training.
According to PayScale, the average annual salary for people with a master’s in sports management is $59,000. than. Other factors affecting your income include your level of education, experience, and whether you have any certifications or licenses. The level at which you work heavily influences your salary as well. For example, your salary is likely to be significantly higher if you work for a professional sports team as opposed to an amateur or collegiate team.
According to Indeed, sports agents are among the top-paid sports management workers, with an annual salary of nearly $116,410 per year. There are higher-paying jobs in sports, like managing a professional sports team, which can pay millions of dollars a year. However, these jobs are very rare.