Decades ago, the sports industry was a combination of talented athletes and mom and pop business owners. But now, in an economic time when many industries are hurting, sports business is one that is thriving and growing.
Sports are an escape for many people, something to cheer for, something to be passionate about. Walk through any office building in March during the NCAA basketball tournament and you¹ll spot sneaky workers glancing over their shoulders as they refresh game scores on their Internet browsers.
But today, more and more professionals get to check those scores without fear of consequences from human resources. These professionals have put their business, marketing and sales skills to good use in the multi-billion dollar sports industry.
Just a few decades ago, going to college to prepare for a job in sports was practically unheard of. Most positions in the business were filled through personal connections, word of mouth or luck. But now, a solid education in sports business is crucial as the field grows more complicated and the competition grows fiercer.
Ohio University started the first sports management degree program in 1966.