Sport Business Foundations from edX

Most people want to work in a career they are passionate about which is what draws many people to the highly competitive field of sport business, or what is commonly known as sports management. This course is rooted in traditional business foundations as they apply to the sport business realm and is taught by professionals who are all working in, or have worked in, the sport business field in connection to sports teams, sporting events, and athletic administration.

This course is an introduction to career opportunities and pathways, professional development, and opportunities within the sport management field, and is the first course in a professional certificate in sport business management. (It is not, however, a standalone sport management program or sports management degree program.)

Course participants will learn about the complexity and intricacies within the landscape of the sports industry. Professional Sports, International sport, collegiate sport, and interscholastic sport will all be covered. Students will explore their own interests and strengths to create a baseline understanding of the sports industry as a whole and set the stage for a career path to sports management jobs such as sports agents, account managers, public relations, event coordinators, marketing managers, operations managers, sales representatives, athletic directors and more.

Primary focus of the coursework is on introducing:

Segments of the sports industry such as professional sports teams and franchises, sports leagues, collegiate, and high school and youth sports.
Career concentration areas within the sport management field such as sales, sponsorship, sport marketing, facility management, sport administration and governance, and event management and event planning.
Real-world strategies for professional development and networking
Compare and contrast skills in various segments of the sport industry
Identify common places where you can find jobs in the sport industry
Apply networking and professional development techniques for breaking into the sport management field
Discuss future trends in the sport industry

What's inside

Learning objectives

Compare and contrast skills in various segments of the sport industry.
Identify common places where students can find jobs in the sport industry.

Apply networking and professional development techniques for breaking into the sport management field.
Discuss future trends in the sport industry

Compare and contrast skills in various segments of the sport industry.
Identify common places where students can find jobs in the sport industry.
Apply networking and professional development techniques for breaking into the sport management field.
Discuss future trends in the sport industry

Syllabus

WEEK 1: Outline and segments of the sports industry

Overview

History

Segments of the Industry

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces various segments, including professional and collegiate sports, providing a comprehensive overview of the industry's landscape

Covers professional development strategies and networking techniques, providing invaluable guidance for career advancement in sports management

Analyzes current trends and challenges in the sports industry, such as data analytics and digital media, equipping learners with knowledge of the evolving landscape

Explores different career paths within sports management, including sales, marketing, and operations, allowing learners to identify their interests and strengths

Provides practical knowledge of the sports industry, focusing on key areas such as event management, sponsorships, and marketing, equipping learners with industry-specific skills

Taught by experienced professionals in the sports business field, ensuring that the course content is up-to-date and aligns with current industry practices

Reviews summary

Foundational gateway to sport business

According to students, this course provides a solid introductory foundation to the complex world of sport business. Learners particularly praise its focus on career opportunities and professional development, finding it highly beneficial for those looking to enter or advance within the field. The course content, including industry segments, career paths, and current trends, is considered relevant and well-structured, although some learners suggest that as a foundational course, it offers a broad overview rather than deep dives into specific topics. The insights from experienced instructors working in the sport industry are frequently highlighted as a major positive.

Ideal for beginners; limited depth for advanced learners.

"As a 'foundations' course, it's perfect for beginners, but don't expect highly specialized content."

"It serves as an excellent introduction, but I'll definitely need to pursue more in-depth studies afterward."

"If you already have some experience in sport business, certain sections might feel a bit too basic."

Timely discussions on current industry challenges and trends.

"The module on current trends, like big data and AI in sports, was very insightful and up-to-date."

"I appreciated the discussions on digital and social issues relevant to sport organizations today."

"Understanding future trends in the sport industry helps me prepare for what's next."

Taught by professionals with real-world experience.

"The instructors, being current or former professionals, offered incredibly valuable real-world perspectives."

"It was great to learn from people who have actually worked in various aspects of the sport business field."

"Their experiences and anecdotes really brought the concepts to life and made them relatable."

Broad introduction to various segments of the sport industry.

"The course provided a fantastic overview of professional, collegiate, and international sports."

"I learned a lot about the different segments of the industry, from marketing to facility management."

"It sets a great baseline understanding of the sports industry as a whole."

Excellent guidance for navigating sport industry careers.

"This course truly opened my eyes to the diverse career opportunities in sport business."

"I found the practical advice on professional development and networking invaluable for my job search."

"It helped me identify specific areas within sports where my skills could be applied and where to look for jobs."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sport Business Foundations with these activities:

Review the course syllabus and compile materials

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Review the course syllabus, schedule, grading criteria and assignments to get a clear understanding of course expectations and requirements.

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Read and understand the course syllabus.
Create a folder or notebook to store course materials.
Gather any necessary materials, such as textbooks or online resources.

Make notes from class and readings

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Taking detailed notes will help you retain information and understand the material at a deeper level.

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Take notes during class
Read the assigned readings and take notes
Organize your notes and compile them into a study guide

Review professional contacts

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Refreshing your knowledge of professional contacts will aid in networking outside of class and when seeking out mentors.

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Compile a list of contacts
Update your phone contacts and email accounts

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Seek out a mentor

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Mentors can provide personalized support and advice as you seek to enter the sports industry.

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Attend industry events and networking functions
Reach out to people in your professional network
Set goals and expectations with your mentor

Create a career plan

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A career plan will provide a roadmap for your goals and help you develop the skills necessary for success in the sports field.

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Research different career paths in the sports industry
Identify your skills and strengths
Create a plan to develop the skills you need
Set goals for yourself and track your progress

Form a study group

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Study groups provide an opportunity to discuss the course material with other students and clarify any confusing concepts.

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Find a group of classmates who are interested in forming a study group
Schedule regular study sessions

Develop a marketing plan for a sports event

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Creating a marketing plan for a sports event will allow you to synthesize your understanding of marketing and sports management.

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Identify the target audience for the event
Develop a marketing strategy to reach the target audience
Create a budget for the marketing campaign
Implement the marketing plan and track its results

Attend industry conferences

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Conferences provide a great way to learn about the latest trends, network with professionals, and stay up-to-date on industry knowledge.

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Research industry conferences
Register for conferences
Prepare for conferences

Career center

Learners who complete Sport Business Foundations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sports Agent

As a **Sports Agent**, you serve as the representative and advisor for professional athletes. For your clients, you work to negotiate lucrative contracts, marketing deals, and endorsements. This course can be an excellent way to build your foundation in the business side of sports, and can be particularly relevant to the marketing and negotiations aspects of the role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Agent

Marketing Manager

**Marketing Managers** are responsible for developing and overseeing marketing campaigns that promote products, services, or brands. Within the sports industry, this often includes working with athletes and teams to build a recognizable brand and increase visibility to the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Account Manager

**Account Managers** serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients. They manage all communication, reporting, and aspects of the business relationship. If you are interested in a career that involves the marketing and sales aspect of the sports industry, you may want to consider an account manager role. This course can help build a strong foundation for a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Account Manager

Operations Manager

**Operations Managers** oversee the day-to-day functions of an organization's operations. This includes things like budgeting, staffing, and managing facilities. Within the sports industry, this role takes on a unique flavor as it must adapt to the specific needs and challenges of managing sports teams and events. If you are interested in a career that combines business with the passion of sports, this may be a great role to explore, and this course may be helpful for you to better understand the responsibilities of an operations manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Sales Representative

**Sales Representatives** are responsible for generating sales leads, closing deals, and maintaining customer relationships. Within the sports industry, this may involve selling tickets, sponsorships, or merchandise. This course can help you build a solid understanding of the sales cycle within the sports industry.

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Public relations manager

**Public Relations Managers** are tasked with managing the public image of organizations, people, or products. In the sports industry, this role builds and maintains relationships with media, sponsors, and fans. If working in communications and public relations is appealing, this course may be a helpful addition to your professional development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Athletic Director

**Athletic Directors** lead the operations of collegiate sports programs. They oversee all aspects of their program including coaching staff, team operations, and facilities. This course is a good starting point if you wish to attain an athletic director position, as it introduces the landscape of the sports industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Athletic Director

Event Coordinator

**Event Coordinators** plan, organize, and manage events of all sizes. This can include everything from sporting competitions to conferences to concerts. For those interested in working in the operations side of sports, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the success of major events. This course may be useful for understanding the broader landscape of the sports industry, and the role event coordinators play within it.

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Sports Journalist

**Sports Journalists** report on sporting events and write articles for newspapers, magazines, or websites. This course will help build a foundation for the business side of sports and the impact it has on the news.

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Sports Analyst

**Sports Analysts** study and evaluate athletic performance, team dynamics, or game strategy. While this role may not be a direct path from this course, the course will help build some foundational knowledge of the sports industry.

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Sports Coach

**Sports Coaches** lead and instruct athletes or teams in specific sports, and help them improve their skills and performance. While not a direct career path from this course, the course can offer insights into the business of coaching and managing a sports team.

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Sports Psychologist

**Sports Psychologists** help athletes improve their mental health and performance. While not a direct career path from this course, the course can help build a foundation for understanding the challenges and opportunities of sports psychology.

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Nutritionist

**Nutritionists** help people improve their health and wellness through nutrition. While not a direct career path from this course, this course can offer a foundation into the business of sports nutrition and the role of nutrition in sports.

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Physical Therapist

**Physical Therapists** help people restore and improve their physical function and mobility. While not a direct career path from this course, this course may help provide insight into the sports rehabilitation industry.

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Fitness Instructor

**Fitness Instructors** lead exercise classes and help clients achieve their fitness goals. While not a direct career path from this course, the course may provide helpful insights for staying competitive within the fitness industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fitness Instructor