Kickstart Your Future with a Sports Administration Degree

Have you always dreamed of a career in sports but aren’t sure how to make it happen? 

A sports administration degree is your ticket to breaking into this fast-growing industry while combining your love of sports with essential business skills. 

From managing professional teams to organising large-scale sporting events, the world of sports offers an array of exciting opportunities.

Whether you’re a school leaver figuring out your next step or a sports fan looking to turn passion into profession, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about starting a career in sports administration.

QUICK LINKS

• What Is Sports Administration?
• Roles in Sports Administration
• Key Skills You’ll Need
• The Benefits of a Sports Administration Degree
• How to Get Started
• Career Paths in Sports Administration
• Success Story
• Transform Your Passion into a Career 

What Is Sports Administration?

Sports administration focuses on the business side of sports.

Professionals in this field manage athletes, teams, facilities, events, sponsorship partnerships, and more to ensure smooth operations, maximise performance outcomes, and provide an excellent experience for fans and players alike.

Roles in Sports Administration

Sports administration encompasses diverse roles, including:

• Event Manager: Overseeing tournaments, charity matches, or marathons.
• Facilities Manager: Managing stadiums, gyms, or sports centers.
• Team Manager: Handling logistics for professional teams.
• Sports Marketing Manager: Building brand partnerships and promoting teams or events.
• Sponsorship Manager: Maximising sponsorship deals for clubs or athletes.

Key Skills You’ll Need

Successful sports administrators possess a blend of business savvy, organisational skills, and a deep understanding of sports.

Key skills include communication, problem-solving, leadership, and a knack for working under pressure.

An academic foundation strengthens these capabilities, which is why degrees like the ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) are so valuable.

The Benefits of a Sports Administration Degree

A sports administration degree isn’t just about learning skills—it’s about opening doors.

Have a quick look at this video to see how this degree can help you break into the industry:

@icmscampusGame On at ICMS! 🏆⚽️ Exploring the World of Sports Management! 🎓 #SportsDegree #ICMSLife #GameChanger♬ original sound – ICMS

Here’s more about what makes this degree worth pursuing:

1. Practical Experience through Internships

At ICMS, students don’t just sit in lecture halls.

The ICMS Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program allows you to gain real-world experience with industry leaders, giving you an edge after graduation.

Tenahya Dennis is a student in sports management at ICMS. She got an internship with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, a professional rugby league club. This internship led to her being offered the job of Front Office Coordinator.

Watch her story here:

@icmscampus Our Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) student Tenahya showcases her journey to working with the @manlyseaeagles #bachelordegree #bachelors #sportsmanagement #nrl #manlyseaeagles #ICMS ♬ original sound – ICMS

2. Industry Connections

A degree from ICMS connects you to a vast network of sports professionals.

Through industry partnerships, students have the opportunity to meet mentors, potential employers, and industry influencers.

For instance, ICMS student Lachlan Small completed an internship with Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches—teaching lifesaving skills, managing events, and learning hands-on how to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.

3. Professional Growth

Programs like the ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) offer a career-focused approach, including real-world assessments, helping you develop essential skills applicable in the job market.

4. Versatility

Your degree doesn’t limit you to one sector.

Whether you want to work in professional sports, event management, or even sports media, this degree equips you with transferable skills to chart your career path.

How to Get Started

Choosing the Right Program

Not all sports administration degrees are created equal. Consider these factors when choosing where to study:

• Internship Opportunities: Does the program include placements in real-world settings? ICMS offers internships as part of its curriculum.
• Industry Partnerships: Choose a program connected to sports organisations for networking opportunities.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Look for programs that combine business fundamentals with sports-specific courses.

At ICMS, the curriculum is designed to balance academics with practical experience, preparing graduates to excel in leadership roles.

Career Paths in Sports Administration

One of the biggest benefits of this field is its versatility. A sports administration degree unlocks diverse career paths, including:

1. Player or Team Management

Help athletes or entire teams focus on performance by overseeing contracts, logistics, and daily operations.

2. Event Coordination

Organise high-stakes events, like championship games or charity tournaments, ensuring every detail runs smoothly.

3. Marketing and Sponsorship

Connect sporting organisations with marketing opportunities—building partnerships and promoting athletes, teams, or events to fans.

4. Facilities Management

Operate sports grounds, stadiums, and gyms efficiently to ensure they are maintained and profitable.

Success Story

Liberti, a sports management student at ICMS, turned her passion into a management career, crediting the program’s diverse opportunities and networking for helping her break into the sports industry.

Watch her story here:

@icmscampusLiberti turned her passion for sports into a management career at ICMS. Real-world experience made the difference. It starts with you!♬ original sound – ICMS

Transform Your Passion into a Career

The world of sports administration is dynamic, competitive, and incredibly rewarding.

Whether you dream of managing a professional team, organising international tournaments, or creating marketing campaigns for global sports brands, a sports administration degree can set you on the right path.

At ICMS, we don’t just offer a degree—we prepare you for a lifetime of success.

Between our Bachelor of Business (Sports Management), the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program, and an unmatched community of supportive mentors and professionals, we provide everything you need to thrive.

Think you have what it takes to succeed in sports administration? Learn more about how ICMS can help you achieve your dreams.

FURTHER READING: 

• Curious about career growth in sports? Learn about the exciting opportunities a sports management degree can unlock—read more here.
• Take the first step towards a thriving career in the sports industry with a sports business degree—click here to explore your options.
• Discover why a bachelor of sports management could be the key to your success in the dynamic world of sports – click here to find out more.
• Looking to start or advance your career in sports? Enrolling in a sports management course may be the right choice for you – click here to learn why.