The sports and recreation industry is booming across Texas. According to Statista, the industry’s revenue has increased steadily since 2012. By 2024, it is projected to earn $960 million annually. This trend will likely continue, so now is an ideal time to enter the field.
A dedicated degree program like Texas State University’s online Master of Science (M.S.) in Recreation and Leisure, Major in Recreation and Sport Management program positions graduates well for career success, with opportunities available in a wide range of roles. Studying in Texas means that graduates also gain advantageous insights into the current shape of the industry and its future in the state.
Jobs in Sports Management
In 2023, Sports Business Journal (SBJ) ranked Dallas, Texas, as the country’s top sports business city. SBJ stated that Dallas was a clear winner among industry leaders and competitors because “Dallas boasts world-class venues, progressive team owners, and a lower cost of living than most of its big-market peers.”
This has proven itself to be a winning combination time and time again for the Dallas sports industry. The city is also home to world-class athletes from teams like the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), the Dallas Mavericks (NBA), the Dallas Wings (WNBA) and the Texas Rangers (MLB). Those pursuing sports management and recreation jobs in Texas are privy to a great number of opportunities thanks to these factors.
Embracing the Great Outdoors With Recreation and Sport Management
Of course, careers in sports and recreation management go far beyond working with athletes in professional contexts. Though these jobs are available, there are also many opportunities for those looking to work in outdoor recreation industries like fishing, camping, backpacking and more. These popular leisure activities also offer opportunities for workers with recreation management backgrounds.
In fact, the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) reported that the industry generates 7.6 million U.S. jobs, $887 billion in consumer spending and $59.2 billion in local and state revenue yearly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that recreation jobs will grow by 5% over the next nine years.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) via the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account (ORSA) reported that in 2022, there were 387,951 jobs in the outdoor recreation space in the state of Texas alone. The industry created $47.6 billion in GDP that year, or 2% of Texas’s GDP. These phenomenal numbers point to opportunities in the sports and recreation management field, particularly for those studying and working in Texas.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Sports Management Degree
Various positions are available within this booming field, including athletic director, recreation coordinator, facility manager, sports marketer, camp director and more. However, another career path to consider is becoming a coach or scout. BLS reported on workers in these roles in 2023, sharing that the median salary was $45,910 while the job outlook was expected to grow by 9% until 2033.
The BLS page notes that “coaches and scouts typically need a bachelor’s degree.” However, graduates with M.S. degrees are likely to be more competitive in their industries and to have more negotiating power when sharing salary demands than those with only B.A. degrees. Therefore, it is worth seriously considering higher education options, especially when comprehensive sports and recreation management programs are available at an M.S. level.
Pursuing a Masters in Sports Management
Thanks to online programs like Texas State’s M.S. in Recreation and Leisure – Major in Recreation and Sport Management, pursuing a focused and advanced education in this field has never been easier. Not only do students have access to informative foundational courses like Philosophical Foundations of Recreation & Leisure Services, but they also get support in attaining career-appropriate credentials.
For example, these credentials can help graduates become certified parks and recreation professionals or join the Registry of Collegiate Recreational Sports Professionals. Texas State’s program is tailored to the growing sports and recreation management industry, with the primary objective of helping graduates excel in their future roles.
Learn more about Texas State University’s online M.S. in Recreation and Leisure, Major in Recreation and Sport Management program.
