Wake-Up Call
There’s a major wake-up call coming for the traditional sports industry.
For those of us that remember what it was like in the industry 20 years ago, if you wanted to work in sports, you jumped through hoops (and most likely internships) in hopes of landing a gig with a minor league team, a pro team, a league office, a stadium/arena, or in radio, television, or maybe even (gasp!) newspapers/magazines, as the digital media age was still in diapers.
And of course, if you were lucky enough to break into the business with a pro team, the door was usually only cracked open for you through entry-level ticket sales jobs.
“Ok, so $12k base salary, 60-70 hours per week, nights, weekends, occasional holidays AND I get a free schedule magnet every year?! Where do I sign?!”
The days of people forming endless lines to take these kinds of jobs are numbered.
But Pete, there will always be people who want to sell tickets for their favorite team!
Yes, there will. For every 22 year old that only needs to worry about beer money.
Don’t get me wrong, working for a team or a league office can be the proverbial mountain peak for some people.
But there comes a point when your relentless work ethic coupled with the seasonal grind of what you’re doing makes you start to question not just your own personal finances, but even more so, where that opportunity will lead you next.
If you’re looking for a job in sports today, the landscape has changed dramatically. While still competitive, the options are much more plentiful if you make the conscious decision to examine the job market outside of traditional sports.
Sports Betting. Sports Tech. Multi-Platform Sports Media.
Just look around.
I’ve spoken to hundreds of sports job seekers and I can tell you unequivocally that most of them are just as excited by the prospect of working for DraftKings and Barstool as they are for their favorite team.
And this “sports-adjacent” job market is only gaining momentum.
Want to work in a remote-first culture that values people who have a true underdog mentality? Check out Underdog Fantasy. They currently have a ton of open roles.
How about an imaginative multi-plat media business that is reinventing the way we view sports, business and culture? Front Office Sports continues its hyper growth and is looking for partnerships and events professionals.
Or maybe you’re interested in the vast infusion of venture capital and private equity into the sports industry and want to learn about leadership roles in sports tech focused startups? Research the portfolio companies of firms like Seventy-Six Capital and Phoenix Sports Partners.
And remember, these are only a few examples.
There are agencies, management consulting firms, even Fortune 50 companies that are looking for sports partnership and market strategy roles.
The concept of sports as an asset class is no longer abstract. It’s reality.
And with any asset class, finding top-tier talent to provide value growth is a priority.
So while you still have to work incredibly hard to make it in sports, rest assured, we’re entering into an age of much more opportunity and reward for those who think differently.
And I promise, you’ll still be able to get your schedule magnet.
