The Value of the Sports related Degree in the Sports industry

            When it comes to college degrees, there has always been a global discussion of whether college degrees are “useful”. Due to the high cost of college degrees, some people choose not to attend. Some feel that they do not need to attend college in order to become successful or become an entrepreneur. On the other hand, those people in specialty industries understand that their college degrees are needed. More specifically, the topic of this blog takes aim at the degrees in the Sports Industry. There are various opinions, positive and negative on whether Sports degrees are useful. Of course in my opinion they are, but to some there are other degrees that could help someone excel in the Sports Industry.

            In an article from U.S. News and World Report written by Menachem Wecker, he discusses how some successful Sports industry college graduates have chosen to go through MBA instead of those degree programs focused on Sports. “Some say that an M.B.A. can be provide more professional flexibility than an M.A. or M.S. in sports” (Wecker 2011). The reason for this could be because of the various areas of Sports that those could excel in. There are different areas including marketing and sales and these experts feel that the Sports related Degrees might not resonate as well as the others. Despite which program students choose, they should also avoid the popular misconception that the sports industry doles out high salaries, according to professors and sports industry professionals (Wecker 2011).

            Well known businessman and Sports mogul Mark Cuban also feels the same way. In an interview with Bill Sutton, Cuban says, “If schools want to have any value to sports teams they should offer degrees in Sales.  Not sports sales. Just sales.  Teach kids to sell and they can get jobs anywhere anytime.  Teach kids sports management and you improve their chances of getting a job at Fridays” (thesportsresume.com.). Cuban feels that the reason he and his Dallas Mavericks basketball organization is successful is because of being known for the fan experience and excellent customer service. He feels that there are too many Sports program graduates with very low job opportunity in the industry. As a reader, what is your opinion on these topics? Is any degree worth more or less in this industry? Check out Cuban's opinions in the video below.