Sports are like an unspoken truth; pretty much everyone enjoys them. Tim Dillon once put it perfectly: “Sports are like tits, everyone likes them.”
Lately, I’m growing tired of this bizarre and fervent push for people to pursue a college education in “sports business.” When you ask these enthusiasts why, the answer is almost always, “Because I love it!”
Sure, we all enjoy watching football, but that doesn’t guarantee a job in that field. The same goes for aspiring fashion students—everyone appreciates fashion, but it doesn’t necessarily translate to a viable career. The reality is, you probably won’t become the next Tory Burch or Coco Chanel; you might end up broke instead.
And before you take offense at my opinion, keep in mind that colleges are eager to convince you that spending a fortune on their education is a smart choice. Naturally, they’ll promise you the moon with a sports business degree.
The truth is, landing a role as an agent or a front-office GM is incredibly rare. If you don’t believe me, just look at the statistics: fewer than 5% of agents and front office personnel in MLB, NFL, NHL, MLS, or NBA hold a college degree, let alone a degree in sports business.
If you’re considering shelling out $80k a year for a degree, why not pursue something more practical?
You’ve raised some thought-provoking points! It’s true that people often pursue degrees in fields they are passionate about, like sports or fashion, without fully considering the job market or potential income. While it’s great to follow your interests, it’s essential to balance passion with practicality.
The data you mentioned about the low percentage of agents and front office personnel who hold degrees in sports business is striking. It highlights that success in competitive fields often relies more on networking, experience, and unique skills rather than a specific degree.
College can be a valuable experience, but choosing a major that aligns with available career paths and job opportunities is crucial. Perhaps exploring internships or related fields with more stable career prospects could be beneficial for those passionate about sports or fashion. Ultimately, being realistic about the job market while still pursuing what you love is key to finding fulfillment and success.