Sports Management

A lifetime of sport with a winning degree

Do you want to make your mark on the business side of the sports industry? You’ll be a big fan of our major in sports management.

You’ll study in Indianapolis, home to six professional sports franchises, several Olympic governing bodies, the NCAA, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. From day one, you will be immersed in the city's sports scene, immediately getting you into the game. These franchises aren't a destination for you: they're within walking distance and a key component of your IU Indianapolis educational experience.

You’ll work directly with these and other organizations before you graduate, volunteering, working high-profile tournaments and games, interning with professional and amateur sports teams, and solving real-life business problems.

In addition to the bachelor’s degree, you'll earn a certificate from the Kelley School of Business.

Explore the sports management curriculum
See why studying sports in Indy makes the most sense

What jobs can you land after graduating?

  • Assistant coordinator, eligibility analysis 
  • Assistant director of community engagement
  • Assistant manager, facility operations
  • Athletic operations assistant
  • Communication manager
  • Community relations
  • Corporate partnership activation coordinator
  • Destination development manager
  • Director of facilities and game operations
  • Inbound sales executive
  • Logistics manager, event operations
  • Marketing and communications manager
  • Operations manager
  • Sales associate
  • Sales and service consultant
  • Sports marketer
  • Talent acquisition specialist
  • Tourism manager
  • Youth sports program coordinator

Where are the most recent grads finding jobs?

  • Alliance Sport Marketing
  • Hamilton County Economic Development Corporation
  • Hamilton County Tourism
  • Hoosier Futbol Club
  • IHSAA
  • Indiana Fever
  • Indiana Sports Corp
  • Indianapolis Colts
  • Indianapolis Indians
  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway
  • Indy Eleven Professional Soccer
  • Indy Fuel Hockey
  • Integrity Athletics
  • IUPUI Athletics
  • LEARFIELD 
  • MainGate
  • MarketCast
  • NCAA
  • Pacers Sports & Entertainment 
  • Penske Entertainment
  • Special Olympics
  • Topgolf
  • USA Diving
  • YMCA of Greater Indianapolis

Can you go on to earn an advanced degree?

Yes! In sports, working with big data is key, whether it involves fan experiences, marketing campaigns, or return on investment. One of the most popular options is our 4+1 program in sports analytics, allowing you to graduate with both a B.S. in sports management and an M.S. in sports analytics. Another popular option is achieving an M.B.A. to advance your potential for success in leadership roles with major sports organizations and franchises. 

Add more degrees to your playbook

Trying to get a competitive edge?

There’s more than one career path in the sports industry, and there are more academic programs we offer to get you ready for your career kickoff. From minor and certificate programs to complement your bachelor's degree to advanced degrees to develop more in-depth sport industry knowledge, you can find it all at IU Indianapolis.

Minors & Certificates

B.S. + M.S. in Sports Analytics

Professional, research, and educational opportunities only in Indy

Student participates in the SII

Solve industry challenges

When you get involved with the Sports Innovation Institute (SII), you’ll investigate real-world problems from the local sports scene. SII leverages the power of students and faculty experts to tackle today’s sports-industry challenges with innovative solutions. 

Sports Management student works with Indy Eleven

Gain hands-on experience

With so many opportunities to get hands-on experience, a city like Indianapolis is one of the best places to launch a career in the sports industry. As an undergraduate, you’ll complete an internship for academic credit and receive exposure to sports organizations before graduating. 

Sports Management student gives a presentation at TESM capstone showcase

Build a business foundation

When you major in sports management, you’ll see the business side of sports like never before. Our degree program incorporates coursework so you'll earn a second degree–a business foundations certificate–from the Kelley School of Business that will set you up for success.

Step into the game with a career in sports management

Sports management careers are booming.

When you're managing the business side of sports, you're always a major player in the game. Our graduates work in crucial and demanding positions at sports organizations and venues, managing arenas and stadiums, handling publicity for their favorite teams, and developing the market for innovative sports products.

$3.4 billion

is the economic impact of the sports industry in central Indiana according to the IU Public Policy Institute.

17+ major sporting events

have been held in Indianapolis over the last four years providing hands-on learning opportunities for students.

Put your education in motion