Before we dive into the “how,” let’s tackle the real question: Can sports be a career?
Absolutely. Not only can it be a career, but for many, it’s also a life mission, a way to stay connected to the passion that shaped their childhood, their spirit, their entire way of living.
I still remember sitting in the PCA stadium as a kid, watching IPL with stars in my eyes, dreaming, “How do I stay in this world forever?” That love for the game didn’t fade with time; it grew. And today, it fuels my career.
But how do you really make a career in sports?
Fill out the form to kickstart your career in sports: https://forms.gle/SWvcDyG4PaCUnBAV8
First, understand this, sports aren’t just about playing. Sports is so much more. Just like you wouldn’t call a plumber to fix your electrical wiring, you need specific expertise for different aspects of sports. Careers in sports are beautifully diverse sports science, sports management, sports law, sports technology, sports creative industries like journalism and photography, and many more.
If you’re someone who loves sports, or you’re an athlete looking for life after the game, Congratulations! You already have a head start. You understand the passion, the sacrifice, the drive. Now, it’s about channelling that fire into a professional path.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a career in sports-
Step 1: Choose Your Stream Early
If you’re still in school, consider taking science subjects in grades 11 and 12 for Sports Science and a business or commerce stream for Sports Management. From there, pursue a bachelor’s degree in Sports Science or Sports Management. Several Indian universities now offer these programs, and if you’re open to studying abroad, opportunities are even wider.
But here’s my honest advice: don’t chase the name of the university. Chase the curriculum. Find where the professors are doing research that excites you. Align your studies with your passion, not just prestige and ranking.
Step 2: Get in the industry
Theory can only take you so far. Internships are gold. They help you figure out which module of the industry excites you most, whether it’s injury rehab, performance, nutrition, marketing, or tech innovation.
I remember my first internship- a tiny sports startup in Australia, with barely five employees. I did everything from coordinating events to making coffee runs. It was chaotic, underpaid, and exhausting. But the learning? Priceless.
Working in smaller organizations teaches you the whole ecosystem, not just one narrow job description. I could understand how sponsorship, athlete management, media, and logistics all intertwine through my very first gig. When you eventually move to bigger organizations, you’ll be ten steps ahead.
Step 3: Find a Mentor
This industry is still growing, and honest information is rare. Having someone who’s been there, done that, can guide you through the confusing parts, For example- what courses to pick, how to network, when to switch jobs, and even how to deal with setbacks (because there will be a few).
A mentor once told me, “The sports industry is not instant noodles, it’s slow cooked biryani” Those words stayed with me on tough days when opportunities felt scarce.
Step 4: Build Your Network Early
Sports is a close-knit industry. Networking isn’t optional, it’s survival. Start with a clean, professional LinkedIn profile. Connect with people you admire. Engage in conversations. Ask questions. Offer to volunteer. Shadow professionals when you can. Sometimes, one coffee meeting can open doors that months of job applications cannot.
Also, create your own community, a WhatsApp group of sports enthusiasts, an Instagram page documenting your journey, or a blog sharing industry insights. Your network grows when you bring value to the table.
Step 5: Explore Unconventional Paths
Sports careers aren’t just about coaching or athlete management anymore. You could be a sports photographer capturing iconic moments, a sports journalist telling powerful stories, a sports tech entrepreneur building apps that change the game.
One of my closest friends started by live-tweeting local matches. Today, she runs her own sports media company.
The field is wide open, if you dare to look beyond traditional paths.
And if you’re someone from a completely different industry, eyeing sports with curiosity, trust me, once you step in, there’s a good chance you won’t want to go back.
One last piece of advice: be patient. This is not a get-rich-quick industry. It’s a calling.
You won’t see overnight success, but if you love it, truly love it- the journey will be worth it.
Making a career in sports isn’t easy. The industry is lean, competition is fierce, and sometimes, the pay checks won’t match your dreams, at least in the beginning.
But if you love sports, if you believe it’s where your soul feels most alive, then it’s worth it.
Build the right skills, stay patient, be humble enough to start small, and dream big enough to not settle.
Chhavi Banga
The Sportz Planet Desk
