College athletics isn't just changing on the field.

It's changing as a business.

Athlete compensation, transfers, sponsorships, media rights and new regulations have made the business behind college sports increasingly complex.

That also means athletic departments need professionals who understand more than the game.

They need people who understand administration, athlete management, marketing, compliance, operations and sports business.

Athletic Departments Are Sports Organizations

A major college athletic department can operate many of the same functions found inside a professional sports organization.

There are professionals working in:

• Athletic administration

• Marketing

• Communications

• Compliance

• Ticketing

• Development

• Sponsorship

• Event operations

• Athlete services

• Media

• Business operations

The athletes may receive most of the attention, but an entire organization works behind them.

The Athlete's Role Is Changing Too

Today's college athletes have more business decisions to navigate.

Personal branding, partnerships and compensation opportunities mean athletes increasingly need to understand their value away from competition.

That creates opportunities for professionals who can help athletes navigate:

• Branding

• Marketing

• Sponsorships

• Career planning

• Representation

• Business opportunities

Understanding athlete management can therefore be valuable far beyond professional sports.

Explore SMWW Athlete Management

Sports Administration Keeps Everything Moving

Athletic departments also need professionals capable of managing organizations.

That includes budgeting, leadership, operations, event management, staffing and long-term planning.

SMWW's Sports Administration training gives aspiring sports professionals an opportunity to develop a better understanding of the management side of sports organizations.

Explore SMWW Sports Administration

College Sports Needs Business Professionals

The future of college athletics will require people who can understand both sports and business.

Some will work directly with athletes.

Others will work in administration, marketing, operations, partnerships or media.

But they all contribute to the same ecosystem.

That's an important lesson for anyone trying to break into sports:

Your career doesn't have to happen on the field to influence what happens on it.

Find Your Place in College Athletics

If you follow college sports and find yourself interested in the decisions happening behind the games, there may be a career path worth exploring.

Sports Management Worldwide offers specialized online education covering areas across the sports industry, from administration and athlete management to marketing, media and analytics.

The business of college sports is evolving.

The professionals who understand where it's going can prepare themselves to be part of what comes next.

Explore SMWW Courses