Transform Your Passion into Profession with an MBA in Sports Management
Sports is a vibrant field filled with exciting career opportunities. Those passionate about sports can find a fulfilling path by acquiring the right skills. The sports industry is among the fastest-growing sectors globally, offering numerous professional avenues. An MBA in Sports Management effectively combines a love for sports with essential business acumen.
In India, two leading institutions offering specialised MBA programs in this field are KJ Somaiya Institute of Management in Mumbai and Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences in Pune. Both programs feature strong curricula, valuable industry connections, and numerous opportunities for students to thrive in their sports careers. This blog will delve into the course offerings of these esteemed programs to help you decide which best fits your aspirations.
What are the unique course offerings?
1. Symbiosis School Sports Sciences (SSSS): MBA In Sports Management (MBA SM)
Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences offers a two-year full-time residential MBA in Sports Management (MBA SM).
Program Structure
Curriculum Details
The curriculum at Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences (SSSS) is crafted for students seeking an in-depth knowledge of various aspects of sports management, marketing, event management, and technology within the sports industry.
The program spans four semesters. It combines core courses with specialised tracks. These tracks include Event Management, Sports Marketing, and Technology in Sports.
The table below outlines the curriculum for the Sports Management Programme. It consists of essential core courses, specialised tracks, and hands-on experiences. The programme progresses from foundational knowledge to specialised areas and emphasises practical application throughout. Here’s an overview of some of the core courses given below.
Overview of Course Details
| Semester | Focus | Course Details & Activities |
| I & II | Foundational Learning | Sports Economics, Financial Management, Sports Marketing, Research Methodology, Electives (Event Planning, Media Management) |
| III | Hands-On Experience | Summer Internship, Projects (Sports Analytics, Equipment Management), Specialization Exploration |
| IV | Advanced Specialization | Brand Management, Strategic Management, Fan Engagement, Deepened Expertise in Chosen Tracks |
2. K J Somaiya Institute of Management (KJSIM) MBA-Sports Management ( MBA-SM )
K J Somaiya Institute of Management (KJSIM) offers a full-time two-year MBA in Sports Management. The program is specifically tailored for the sports sector, combining standard MBA classes with specialised modules in sports management and practical experiences.
Program Structure
Curriculum Details
The curriculum is sports-oriented and designed to give students a competitive edge. With guidance from experienced faculty, students gain valuable insights and strategies to tackle challenges and excel in the sports business industry.
Below is a summary of various subjects and course details that cover four semesters.
Summary of Course Details
| Course Duration | Semester | Course Details |
| First Year | I | Business Communication, HR Practices, Sports Industry Intro, Accounting, Statistics, Strategic Management, Operations, Legal/Ethics, Governance, Action Learning (Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec – TOSS) |
| II | Sports Marketing, Research, Finance, Economics, Ventures/Innovation, Project Management, Analytics, Technology, Sports Events and Facilities Management, Summer Internship | |
| Second Year | III | Integrated Marketing Communications, Celebrity Marketing, PR & Journalism, Strategic Brand Management, Media Management, Licensing & Merchandising, E-Sports (Coursera, 4 modules), Action Learning (Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec – TOSS/Internal SSA Events |
| IV | Sports Psychology, Equipment Management, Destination & Tourism, Grassroots Development, Sports Science, E-Sports (Coursera), Master’s Thesis, Winter Internship (Nov – Jan) |
In addition to classroom training, KJSIM promotes a collaborative learning environment that fosters peer interaction, teamwork, and knowledge sharing. Practical learning encompasses a variety of activities, as listed below.
Exploring Practical Learning at KJSIM: An In-Depth Look at the Sports Management Program
At KJ Somaiya Institute of Management (KJSIM), the Sports Management curriculum emphasises collaboration and peer engagement while prioritising practical learning. The program offers real-world experiences through hands-on initiatives, blending experiential education with academic depth to prepare students for the dynamic sports industry.
Industry Visits: Immersing in Sports Retail Operations
KJSIM arranges visits to prominent sports brands like Decathlon and Adidas. Students gain insights into supply chain management, customer service, and community-building efforts. These industry visits provide valuable insights into operational excellence and community engagement strategies, equipping students with essential knowledge applicable to the field.
Event Volunteering: Gaining Practical Experience Through Sports Events
KJSIM facilitates various event volunteering opportunities so that students can obtain practical experience. Below are some events in which students actively participate and gain firsthand experience.
| Event | Organizer | Description |
| AIU Squash Championships | Somaiya Sports Academy | Students engage in event management activities, including planning, marketing, security, technical roles, communication, hospitality, and ceremonies. |
| 141st IOC Session | RISE Worldwide | Students assist with global media management tasks such as accreditation, press coordination, and supporting journalists, including police verification. |
| Annual Sports Day | Somaiya Vinay Mandir School | Students contribute to the development of grassroots sports and learn about the significance of community-level initiatives in sports. |
Elevating Skills: Practical Workshops and Conferences for MBA in Sports Management at KJSIM
The curriculum includes various hands-on workshops and engaging conferences led by industry professionals and thought leaders. Here’s a brief overview of the exciting opportunities available to students.
Practical Workshops: Learning from the Best
KJSIM’s series of workshops gathers experienced professionals who share valuable insights and practical knowledge. Notable sessions include:
| Workshop/Session Title | Facilitator | Description |
| Embracing Fluid Mindset for Co-creation | Deepthy Raghvendra (Professor) | Equips participants with psychological flexibility, teamwork, and co-creation skills, promoting an adaptable mindset suited to the sports industry |
| Event Management & Feasibility Study | Karamveer Bakshi (Consultant – Sports Advisory, PWC) | Students gain a deep understanding into the operations and financial aspects of sports events, preparing students for successful event planning and execution |
| Strategic Networking for Career Paths | Paul R (Founder, Positive Sports Vibe Community) | Focuses on building professional connections, aiding students in exploring career opportunities and navigating the competitive landscape of sports. |
| Design Thinking Workshop | Prof. Hetal Mundra (Community Architect, RiiDL, Somaiya) | Students are challenged to think creatively and develop innovative solutions for real-world sports-related problems. |
| Licensing & Merchandising | Mehul Dave (Head of Merchandising & Licensing, RISE Worldwide) | This session provides practical insights into licensing and merchandising strategies that are essential in the sports industry. |
Engagement through Conferences and Conclaves: Industry Immersion
KJSIM enhances learning through participation in high-profile conferences and conclaves, offering students a platform to engage with industry trends and leaders:
| Event Title | Location | Description |
| SPORTSCOM AGM Panel Discussion | New Delhi | Discusses the latest developments in sports communication with industry pioneers. |
| SportsTech Startup Conclave | Stein Auditorium, New Delhi | Explores cutting-edge technology in sports, connecting students with innovative startups. |
| e4m TechManch – Digital Marketing Conference 2024 | Hotel Taj, Santacruz, Mumbai | Focuses on digital marketing strategies tailored for the sports sector. |
| ISSK – International Sports Summit | Kerala | A global perspective on sports management, featuring international experts and case studies. |
| NSSC – National Sports Science Conference | Symbiosis, Pune | Highlights the role of sports science in inspiring change and empowering the future of athletics. |
These events provide MBA students with unparalleled exposure to industry insights, networking opportunities, and emerging trends, ensuring they are well-prepared to lead in the evolving sports management landscape.
Career Placements in MBA Sports Management
With the increasing demand for sports professionals, MBA graduates are increasingly valued for their skills in managing sports-related industries. This summary outlines different placement trends that assist graduates in gearing up for successful careers in this vibrant sector.
Here is a comparison of the placement trends for K J Somaiya Institute of Management and Symbiosis School Sports Sciences, which offer an MBA in Sports Management.
| Parameter | Symbiosis (Batch 2022 -2024 Final Placements) | KJ Somaiya (Batch 2022 -2024 Final Placements) |
| Total No. of Students | 51 | 660 ( Overall) |
| Highest Package | 8 LPA | 28.25 LPA |
| Average Package | 4.8 LPA | 14.75 LPA |
Profile of Industries Represented by Recruiters For Both Colleges
| Recruiters Profile | Sports Management Companies | Prominent Recruiters (General) |
| Primary Focus | Sports, fitness, and related ecosystems | Diverse industries (finance, tech, consulting) |
| Key Industries | Sports Technology, Marketing, Retail, Development | Banking, Consulting, Technology, FMCG, Media |
| Company Types | Sports teams, fitness brands, sports tech firms | Banks, tech giants, consulting firms, FMCG |
| Career Opportunities | Niche roles in sports management, events, marketing | Broad roles in finance, consulting, IT, sales |
There’s a growing demand for individuals with experience in the sports industry. Many leagues, teams, and sports organizations are actively seeking this talent. To attract skilled professionals, they have an opportunity to rethink their approach to human resources.
In the future, sports organizations will likely adopt a more holistic view of their workforce. They will focus on attracting, rewarding, and retaining talent to meet their business goals. Organizations should aim to develop top performers in the field and management.
As the global sports landscape changes and expands, job opportunities in this field increase. Historically, there has been a mismatch in the supply and demand for sports jobs. Many people want to work in sports, but there aren’t enough positions.
However, recent developments in the sports industry have created more employment opportunities. Therefore, leagues, teams, and major events must enhance their recruitment strategies for trained sports professionals.
