Where Sport Management can take you
A Major That Opens Doors
SPM prepares you for a dynamic career in the multibillion‑dollar sport industry: from professional teams and college athletics to community programs, events, analytics, and sport business leadership.
Sport Management (SPM) puts you on a path toward careers that bring together sport, business, leadership, and community impact. You might be aiming for roles with professional or collegiate teams. You might want to work in event operations, sport marketing, athlete development, or community recreation. Or you may see yourself in analytics, facility management, or sport business strategy.
Whatever your direction, SPM gives you the industry knowledge, hands‑on experience, and professional network to get there. This is more than a major, it’s your launch point to be part of the action, not just watch it.
SPM Career Growth Projections
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects steady to strong growth across many careers connected to sport, recreation, entertainment, and business operations. Roles in event management, marketing, recreation leadership, and organizational administration are expected to grow as communities, universities, and professional organizations continue expanding programs, facilities, and fan engagement efforts.
Students with a B.S. in Sport Management can pursue a wide range of careers across professional sports, college athletics, community recreation, sport marketing, event operations, and sport-related business sectors. The percentages below reflect projected national growth rates from 2024 – 2034 according to the BLS.
- Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers (including sports marketing): plan programs to generate interest in products or services
- 6% growth (faster than average)
- Coaches and scouts: teach amateur or professional athletes the skills they need to succeed at their sport. Scouts evaluate athletes as possible recruits.
- 6% growth (faster than average)
- Entertainment and recreation managers: plan, direct, and coordinate activities and operations related to fitness and leisure
- 8% growth (much faster than average)
- Event and facility managers: plan, coordinate, and oversee sport events, tournaments, and venue operations
- 4% growth (as fast as average)
- Lawyers: represent clients on legal proceedings or transactions
- 4% growth (as fast as average)
- Management analyst: recommend ways to improve a sport organization’s efficiency, strategy, and operations
- 9% growth (much faster than average)
- Meeting, convention and event planners: arrange all aspects of events, conferences, and sport-related experiences
- 5% growth (faster than average)
SPM Alumni Spotlights
SPM alumni are shaping the sport industry at every level – working with professional teams, leading college athletic programs, managing major events, supporting athlete development, and driving sport business strategy. Their stories show what’s possible when you combine industry knowledge with hands‑on experience. Explore where an SPM degree can take you, and imagine the path you’ll create next.
Powering Elite Sport Venues from Coast to Coast
Alex Diaz (BSESS ’95, MSESS ’97)
Alex Diaz has spent more than 30 years shaping some of the biggest venues in sports and entertainment, from Madison Square Garden to the Miami Heat’s Kaseya Center and the Brooklyn Nets’ Barclays Center. Today, he serves as chief operating officer of the LA Clippers’ Intuit Dome, overseeing arena operations, major events, and preparations for the 2028 Olympics. A double Gator, Diaz discovered his passion for sport operations at UF and now gives back as a member of the SPM Industry Advisory Board, helping students break into the competitive world of sport facility management.
Transforming the Future of NASCAR
Ben Kennedy (BSSPM ’14)
Ben Kennedy serves as senior vice president for racing development strategy at NASCAR, where he has become one of the sport’s most influential young leaders. He redesigned the national series schedules, introduced new venues and formats, and helped NASCAR complete the only full major‑league sports schedule in 2020. Recognized as a “New Voice Under 30” by Sports Business Journal, Kennedy is known for driving innovation while also supporting the NASCAR Foundation’s work to help children in need. His career highlights the impact SPM graduates can have in shaping the direction of major sport organizations.
Growing Gainesville’s Sports Tourism Industry
Joleen Cacciatore Miller (MSSM ’12)
As executive director of the Gainesville Sports Commission, Joleen Cacciatore Miller leads the organization responsible for bringing major sporting events – and millions in economic impact – to Alachua County. Since stepping into the role, she has overseen more than 200 events and welcomed over 250,000 attendees to the region. Her work blends sport, community engagement, and event strategy, showing how SPM graduates can build influential careers beyond professional teams and into sport tourism, economic development, and community programming.
Rising Leader in Baseball Operations & Athlete Representation
Josh Siegel (BSSPM ’24)
Before he even arrived at UF, Josh Siegel had already launched a successful sports memorabilia business. As an SPM student, he expanded his network through hands‑on experiences with organizations like the Jaguars, Daytona 500, and PGA Tour. His drive caught the attention of the Beverly Hills Sports Council, where he interned, then worked part‑time during school, and ultimately secured a full‑time role after graduating in just three years. Now part of the agency’s baseball operations leadership team, Siegel works directly with amateur and professional players, supports arbitration cases, and navigates the fast‑moving NIL landscape – all while aiming to become a senior agent.
Explore more alumni spotlights to see the diverse paths our graduates are taking and imagine where SPM could take you next.
Organizations Powered by SPM Grads
Graduates of our program work in athletics, professional sport, e-sports, Olympic sport and recreation. They work in sales, marketing, sponsorship and promotions, human resources, athlete development, social media and events, among others. The employers below showcase the breadth and growing influence of the SPM alumni network, just a snapshot of the organizations where our graduates are shaping the future of sport.
- Adidas
- Disney Cruise Line
- Electronic Arts
- Florida High School Athletic Association
- Greater Orlando Sports Commission
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Madison Square Garden Sports
- Minnesota Vikings
- Nike
- Orlando Magic
- Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
- Silverback Gymwear
- Sports Info Solutions
- Tampa Bay Rays
- TNT Sports
- Washington Commanders
- Workiva
Guided By Professionals Who Know the Field
SPM is supported by an Industry Advisory Board made up of professionals who lead in sport business, event operations, athlete development, marketing, analytics, and community sport. These leaders provide insight, mentorship, and strategic guidance that help shape the student experience and keep the program aligned with real‑world needs. Their involvement ensures you’re learning skills that matter and preparing to become the next generation of sport industry professionals.
A Hub for Sport Innovation & Research
SPM students learn in an environment where sport, business, and research intersect. Faculty and research teams explore topics like fan engagement, sport analytics, athlete development, sport policy, and community impact. Students gain hands‑on experience that prepares them for careers in sport organizations, event management, analytics, and leadership roles across the industry.
Undergraduate Admission Information
Your Path to HHP