Does the spirit of competition make you feel alive? Are you eager to help others embrace the fast-paced world of sports and esports? You could be a prime candidate for a degree program like no other: the Bachelor of Science in Sports and Esports Management at Baker College. Spanning four years and 120 credit hours, this unique program is tailor-made to reflect the most significant challenges and opportunities within the fields of sports management and esports management.
Unfortunately, not just anybody can cut it in these fast-paced fields. You will want to develop a keen understanding of these niches and the challenges they involve. These details are highlighted below, along with answers to important questions like “What is sports management,” “What is esports management,” and “What does it take to excel in these fields?”
What Is Sports and Esports Management?
The basis of esports management can be found in the concept of sports management, which essentially involves the business that underscores the athletic industry. While there is no simple answer to the question “What is sports management?” this concept typically encompasses the planning and administrative tasks that occur behind the scenes of sports leagues and events like budgeting, operations, and promotions.
The question “What is esports management?” can also be difficult to answer. While esports share the fierce competition of conventional athletics, they center this competition around gaming. This format drives a myriad of opportunities within the growing field of esports management, which involves an ever-growing roster of elite players. Also essential are maximizing sponsorships and other revenue-generating opportunities.
Similarities Between Sports and Esports Management
Competition can be intense when sports and business align, and that goes for both on-field athletes and esports players. Many core elements that drive the sports industry can also be found in the esports landscape as well:
- Business Principles. Both sports management and esports management draw heavily on fundamental business principles that drive strong objectives and outcomes for marketing, finance, and operations management. Data analytics, strategic partnerships, and even supply and demand play heavily into all aspects of the game and the fan experience.
- Event Management. Athletes make their mark by competing in events all around the globe and throughout the digital landscape. The organization and execution of these events is critical for growing the popularity and reach of the game. From outdoor soccer tournaments boasting clubs from multiple continents to esports competitions that pack local convention centers, management professionals must be prepared to handle multiple moving parts to ensure that events are executed seamlessly.
- Sponsorship and Branding. Today’s sports-centric industries offer numerous opportunities to tie athletes and events together with high-profile and emerging brands. Athletes in both the on-field and cyber arenas can now lend their name and likeness to a huge variety of products and services, giving them an extra source of income and recognition.
- Talent Management. Without skilled athletes, sports and esports events would not be nearly as entertaining. Managers play a pivotal role in guiding these athletes through every step of their career. The goal is maximizing opportunities for sponsorships while limiting outside distractions.
- Fan Engagement. Teams and players wouldn’t be able to make a living in their respective sports (or esports) without supportive fans cheering them on. Hence, the need for management experts to keep fans plugged into their favorite squads and competitors.
Differences Between Sports and Esports Management
Despite the similarities outlined above, sports and esports are easy to distinguish. The main differences relate to the type of activities that form the basis of each pursuit. Conventional sports are highly physical in nature, with familiar examples including football, baseball, basketball, and soccer.
Meanwhile, esports brings intense competition to the virtual arena, where players compete against challengers in a variety of different games spanning genres such as fighting, first-person shooters, and real-time strategy. Several differences exist between the two, but the spirit of competition is always on high.
- Industry Focus. Traditional sporting events such as golf tournaments, baseball leagues, or hockey games present many distinct challenges surrounding their organization and execution. These aspects differ from the ones that can be found in the world of an esports event or league. Simply put, physical competition is always required in conventional sports, and this will always bring challenges that extend beyond the scope of virtual gaming.
- Nature of Events. Organizing and managing an event held outside on a field (or even within a stadium) will always involve challenges that simply do not factor into strictly online events. From weather conditions to athletic injuries, there is always an elevated sense of risk when athletes compete in person.
- Revenue Streams. In sports management, ticket sales, sponsorship, merchandise, and even concessions drive revenue. While these options are available (to some extent) in esports, this field relies more on digital revenue streams.
- Regulatory Environment. Athletic commissions play a big part in organizing sporting events. After all, players must be cleared before they can compete. Sports leagues, commissions, and governing bodies also play a large role in deciding who can perform and where. This exists to some extent in esports but is greatly diminished compared to conventional athletics.
Baker College’s Sports and Esports Management Program
Whether you feel drawn to sports management or esports management — or if you are struggling to choose between the two — Baker College’s Sports and Esports Management Program has something to offer. As an all-encompassing program, this degree includes courses that delve into every facet of sports and esports management. Be prepared for a fascinating glimpse at the behind-the-scenes efforts that promote fan engagement and live event planning.
Learning Outcomes
After completing the Sports and Esports Management Program, sports-minded students will be equipped with the knowledge needed to excel in the always-evolving landscape of the sports world, both online and in-person. Several notable skills acquired include:
- Business Foundations. Students can expect to acquire a deep understanding of the core principles of business, from marketing and finance and even business law.
- Sports Industry Understanding. Students of the game will learn all about what makes the premiere sports leagues and organizations tick. This includes an in-depth look at the structure provided by leagues and commissions, plus the history of sports and other key cultural components.
- Esports Landscape. A wide-ranging knowledge of today’s top games, events, and players will prepare students to embrace the next generation of esports and the numerous business opportunities that this niche promises to present.
- Ethical and Legal Considerations. A myriad of regulations, standards, and contractual obligations ensure that fair play is always at the forefront. The right college program will provide a thorough breakdown of these essentials as they apply to sports and esports management.
- Global Perspectives. Sports mean different things to different people and cultures. It is important to develop a keen knowledge of the role that various cultures play in the sports landscape, especially given the global nature of these industries.
- Networking and Relationship Building. Networking is a must in sports and esports, as management professionals lean on industry experts and colleagues to help them advance in their careers and find new opportunities. Through college courses, clubs, and even team participation, sports and esports management students can develop powerful connections.
Skills Developed
There is no credential quite like a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Esports Management, but there is more to this program than the degree it confers. Skill development is also crucial, especially the following fundamentals:
- Event Management. Students will learn about everything involved in the planning and execution of sports and esports events such as games, tournaments, and more. Essentials include time management, resource allocation, and delegation.
- Marketing and Promotion. Management professionals must understand how to maximize the visibility of teams, events, leagues, and players. This increasingly encompasses digital marketing, although an in-depth understanding of segmentation and pricing strategies will also prove necessary.
- Player and Talent Management. Aspiring coaches, agents, and front office professionals must understand how to scout and develop players while also managing their career opportunities.
- Fan Engagement and Community Building. It takes elite communication and creativity to connect with fans and communities so they feel an attachment to the players, teams, and leagues they support.
- Data Analysis and Performance Metrics. Data-driven decision-making is increasingly valued in sports management. This is an excellent chance to learn how to crunch the numbers and make them work in the team or athlete’s favor to drive powerful performance while reducing the risk of injury.
- Revenue Generation. Analyze the sports landscape to reveal the best ways to increase revenue. This encompasses everything from ticket sales and broadcasting rights to sponsorship deals and advertising partnerships.
- Leadership and Communication. At its most basic level, sports management is all about leadership. This calls for a strong vision that can be clearly conveyed to athletes and fans alike. Leadership and communication skills are invaluable in this ultra-competitive environment.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving. The most effective sports management professionals can draw on numerous perspectives while using critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills. The goal is creative, yet data-driven decision-making that produces optimal outcomes.
Curriculum
Providing a strong foundation in fundamental concepts such as accounting, project management, and organizational behavior, Baker’s sports management and esports management curriculum provides true breadth of study, consisting of general business coursework and targeted classes centered around the modern sports management landscape. Examples of required sports-centric courses include:
- Principles of Sports Management
- Principles of Esports Management
- Coaching and Performance Management
- Sports Operation and Facility Management
In addition to 60 credit hours for the sports and esports management major, plus 30 credit hours dedicated to general education courses, this program provides the exciting opportunity to dive into topics of personal interest by dedicating 30 credit hours to electives. Experiential learning opportunities are strongly recommended for satisfying these elective requirements while also applying newly developed skills in the fields of sports and esports management.
Application and Admission Process
If you are ready to seek your sports management degree, the next step is to apply. The application process is straightforward: you will need an official transcript, plus an application fee. ACT and SAT scores are accepted but not required.
Scholarships and Aid
As you prepare to enroll, be mindful of your financial commitment. This can vary between programs, so take a close look at tuition and program fees. From there, you can work with a financial aid advisor to determine which programs or opportunities can help you cover the cost of tuition.
At Baker College, there are several financial aid options available while seeking an esports degree. The BeFree tuition guarantee is an especially compelling option for qualified Michigan students, who can potentially get base tuition covered. There are also many scholarships worth exploring, including several options for transfer students and returning students. As an esports student, you may even qualify for one of these exciting scholarships:
- Esports Varsity Scholarship. Students involved with The Swarm Varsity Team may be eligible for exciting scholarships that cover either half the cost of tuition or the full tuition rate, plus housing and additional fees.
- Esports Club Scholarship. This one-time award is available to students who participate in Baker’s Esports Club. This is a fun opportunity that would be worthwhile even without the added benefit of a scholarship.
Interested? Contact Baker to Start Your New Career!
Are you passionate about sports or esports? You could play a powerful role in shaping these industries. The first step is to seek your Bachelor of Science in Sports and Esports Management with Baker College. This unique program provides a deep dive into sports and esports management, complete with courses on live event planning, fan engagement, and more. Reach out today to learn more about our esports and sports management degree.