The King University M.S. in Sport Management and Leadership provides a comprehensive educational experience that enhances students’ knowledge of foundational principles, functional skills, and environmental issues in global sport.
Program launches Fall 2026
Program Benefits
- 100% online program
- Focused on the spectator sport industry
- Knowledgeable and caring faculty with years of global sport experience
- Affordable with some funding available
- Opportunity for an international sport practicum
- Full-time option is 3 semesters; part-time option is 5 semesters
- Start in fall or spring
Career paths in athletics
- Executive & Strategic Management: High-level leadership roles such as Athletic Director, General Manager, and VP of Corporate Partnerships.
- Event & Venue Operations: Critical roles ensuring smooth event execution, including Stadium Operations Manager, Venue Operations Manager, and Logistics Coordinator.
- Marketing, Media & Sales: Focuses on fan engagement and revenue, with roles such as Sports Marketing Director, Sponsorship Manager, Ticket Sales Representative, and Social Media Specialist.
- Performance & Officiating: On-field roles including Athletes, Coaches, Umpires/Referees, and Sports Officials.
- Technical & Analytics: Growing fields such as Sports Data Analyst, Video Editor, Broadcast Engineer, and Replay Operator.
Where to Find Global Sports Jobs
- Global Sports Jobs: A primary platform for international sports careers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
- TeamWork Online: Widely used for jobs in North American professional sports, including MLB, NFL, and NBA.
- WorkInSports: Offers a comprehensive career guide and job listings for sports management professionals.
- UK Sport: The official body for elite sport jobs in the UK.
Graduate Degree Requirements
To include how sport managers can get the best out of their teams and organizations, develop their professional skills, and create a sustainable performance culture. The course introduces every key area of people management, including strategy, planning, training, performance management, and the management of change.
To include the exploration of global developments in the management of sport mega-events. Events such as the Olympic Games and the Football World Cup will be examined from a historical, sociological, political, and economic perspective. The course will identify and evaluate the current issues and complexities faced by those responsible for managing sport mega-events.
To include the analysis of governance structures and processes from the youth level to the Olympic Games. The course examines legal and managerial practices, local, national, and international regulatory agencies, and an overview of governance in selected sectors of the industry.
To include building an athletic brand through a marketing management approach and a psycho-sociological approach. The course will cover the branding of sports celebrities, events, organizations, products, and governing bodies.
To include onsite observations of leadership styles and practices of successful sport professionals, programs, facilities, and events that contribute to the development of a global sport manager and leader.
To include an in-depth analysis of global governing bodies such as the IOC, FIFA, ICC, ITF, FIBA, PGA, and World Rugby.
To include risk management strategies that will help sport administrators do their job and avoid potential legal liability. The course will cover financial risk management, insurance, and marketing in multiple sports.
To include industry skills from marketing planning to promotions within the sport and entertainment industry. The course will analyze the marketing roles of influencers, social media, as well as strategies in social networking, data collection, and fan engagement.
To include a comprehensive introduction to understanding the issues and controversies surrounding sport and society. The course will examine issues such as social class, race, and ethnicity within sport.
To include the analysis and evaluation of economics, finance, and investment issues as applied to the sports industry.
To present key concepts and coursework from previous sport management courses. Students will be required to create a digital portfolio that includes examples of projects applicable to a professional sport management environment.
Full-Time Enrollment Model – 12 months
| Course Length | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 weeks | SPMT 5000 - Leading Internal Functions of Sport | SPMT 5350 - Leading External Functions of Sport | |
| 7 weeks | SPMT 5050 - Event Management for the Spectator Sport Industry | SPMT 5150 - Sport Branding | SPMT 5200 - International Sport Practicum SPMT 5250 - International Sport Governance |
| 7 weeks | SPMT 5100 - Sport Governance | SPMT 5300 - Sport Law for the Spectator Sport Industry | SPMT 5400 - Sport and Society SPMT 5450 - Sport Economics SPMT 5990 - Comprehensive Assessment |
| 9 Semester Hours | 9 Semester Hours | 12 Semester Hours | |
| Total: 30 Semester Hours | |||
Part-Time Enrollment Model – 20 months
| Course Length | Fall 1 | Spring 1 | Summer 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 weeks | SPMT 5000 - Leading Internal Functions of Sport | SPMT 5350 - Leading External Functions of Sport | |
| 7 weeks | SPMT 5200 - International Sport Practicum SPMT 5250 - International Sport Governance |
||
| 7 weeks | SPMT 5100 - Sport Governance | SPMT 5300 - Sport Law for the Spectator Sport Industry | SPMT 5400 - Sport and Society |
| 6 Semester Hours | 6 Semester Hours | 9 Semester Hours |
| Course Length | Fall 2 | Spring 2 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 weeks | SPMT 5050 - Event Management for the Spectator Sport Industry | ||
| 7 weeks | SPMT 5150 - Sport Branding SPMT 5990 - Comprehensive Assessment | ||
| 7 weeks | SPMT 5450 - Sport Economics | ||
| 6 Semester Hours | 3 Semester Hours | 0 Semester Hours | |
| Total: 30 Semester Hours | |||
Apply to the Sport Management and Leadership Program
Admission Requirements
Students applying to the Master of Science in Sport Management and Leadership must:
- Submit a completed application for admission to King University (www.king.edu/apply).
- Submit evidence of completion of a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to enrolling.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges/ universities attended.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
- Students who do not meet this requirement may be considered for a conditional acceptance on a case-by-case basis.
- Submit the names and email addresses of two professional or academic recommendations for an automated request.
- Submit a curriculum vitae or detailed resume that includes work experience, educational background, professional experience, professional activities, honors, professional publications and/or presentations and other relevant information relating to the applicant’s experiences.
An applicant who lacks one or more of the admission criteria may be considered for admission with conditional status. Conditional status requires an applicant to meet certain conditions either prior to beginning the Master of Science in Sport Management & Leadership (MSSML) program or concurrent with enrollment in the MSSML program. Applicants accepted conditionally will be notified of necessary conditions that must be addressed prior to full acceptance being granted to the program. Full acceptance is required to continue in the MSSML program.
To graduate a student must complete all requirements as outlined for their program in the Academic Catalog and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00. At least one-third of the credit hours required for a graduate or postbaccalaureate professional degree are earned through instruction offered by King University. Course credit is counted in hours. Credit hours and equivalencies are defined in the Academic Policies section of the catalog.
