For many professional athletes, the career clock starts ticking as soon as they reach their prime. Unlike most professions, athletes face the reality of relatively short playing careers, often leaving them to contemplate their next move long before retirement. However, transitioning from being an athlete into a sports-related career—specifically sports management—offers a promising pathway for those who want to stay connected to the world of sports.
In this article, we’ll explore how athletes can successfully transition into sports management, the skills needed, and the opportunities that await them in this field.
Why Sports Management?
Sports management encompasses the business side of the sports industry, including managing teams, handling athlete contracts, organizing events, and even leading sports organizations. It’s a natural fit for athletes who have an intimate understanding of the sport, its operations, and the pressure of competition.
Athletes bring a unique perspective to sports management, given their experience on the field or court. They know the importance of teamwork, leadership, and strategic thinking, qualities that make them well-suited to managing sports teams or becoming agents, event managers, or even athletic directors.
Key Areas of Sports Management
- Team Management Athletes transitioning into this field can become general managers, overseeing the recruitment of players, organizing training, and negotiating contracts. They work directly with coaches, medical teams, and scouts to ensure the team’s success on and off the field.
- Sports Marketing and Public Relations Athletes understand the importance of branding, both for themselves and for teams. Moving into sports marketing or PR allows them to leverage their knowledge of audience engagement, sponsorships, and media relations.
- Event Management Organizing sports events, from local tournaments to international championships, requires a deep understanding of logistics, marketing, and sports operations. Athletes familiar with the rhythms of sports competitions are well-equipped to manage these high-pressure events.
- Player Representation and Agency Many athletes move into player representation, becoming sports agents. Their firsthand knowledge of the industry enables them to negotiate favorable deals for clients and help young athletes navigate their careers.
- Athletic Administration This involves managing the operations of sports organizations, from professional leagues to university athletic departments. Athletic administrators handle budgets, staffing, and policy decisions that shape the future of sports programs.
Challenges Athletes Face in the Transition
While transitioning to sports management may seem like a logical next step, athletes face several challenges in making the leap:
- Reputation as a Player vs. Manager
An athlete’s reputation on the field doesn’t always translate into immediate respect in the boardroom. They need to prove that they can manage business operations, not just excel athletically. - Business and Management Skills
Athletes often need additional education or certifications to gain the financial, legal, and marketing expertise required in sports management. Transitioning into a managerial role means learning new disciplines that aren’t typically part of athletic training. - Building New Networks
While athletes may have connections within the sporting world, they need to expand their networks to include business leaders, sponsors, and stakeholders involved in sports management.
Steps to Successfully Transition into Sports Management
- Start Early
Athletes should begin thinking about their post-playing career while still active. They can take advantage of offseason training programs, internships, or mentorship opportunities to gain insights into sports management. - Further Education
Many universities offer degrees or certificate programs in sports management. These programs cover topics such as finance, law, marketing, and leadership—skills critical for success in the sports industry. Earning a degree in sports management, marketing, or business administration provides a solid foundation. - Networking
Building strong relationships is key to succeeding in any business, and sports management is no different. Athletes can use their existing connections to start networking with sports executives, marketers, agents, and coaches to build relationships within the business side of sports. - Seek Mentorship
Mentorship from someone already established in sports management can provide invaluable guidance and advice. Many former athletes who have successfully transitioned into sports management are willing to share their experiences and offer mentorship to those just starting. - Gain Experience
Internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer positions within sports organizations can help athletes build their resumes. Working on events, helping with marketing campaigns, or shadowing experienced managers can provide hands-on experience and insight into the daily operations of sports management. - Leverage Transferable Skills
Athletes already possess many skills that are transferable to sports management, including leadership, teamwork, and resilience under pressure. Highlighting these abilities when pursuing a management role can set former athletes apart from other candidates.
Success Stories of Athletes Turned Sports Managers
Many successful sports managers began their careers as athletes. Here are a few notable examples:
- Steve Yzerman
After an illustrious NHL career as a player, Yzerman transitioned into management, becoming the general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning and later, the Detroit Red Wings. His leadership skills on the ice translated seamlessly into his role as an executive, where he’s known for his ability to build competitive teams. - Billy Beane
A former baseball player, Beane became the general manager of the Oakland Athletics. He is widely recognized for his innovative approach to team management, using data analytics (Moneyball) to build a competitive team despite a limited budget. - Magic Johnson
The basketball legend transitioned into a successful career as a sports executive and entrepreneur. His involvement in the ownership and management of sports teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Dodgers, is a testament to his business acumen.
Conclusion
The transition from athlete to sports manager may seem daunting, but with proper planning, education, and networking, it is a natural and rewarding step for many athletes. The skills learned on the field—leadership, strategic thinking, and perseverance—can be incredibly valuable in the world of sports management. By investing in further education and seeking mentorship, athletes can make the jump from the playing field to the boardroom, staying connected to the sport they love while building a successful new career.
This transition is not just about staying within the sports world; it’s about taking an athlete’s passion for the game and applying it to new challenges, ensuring their lasting impact on the industry they helped build.