Program Outcomes
A Billion-Dollar Industry in Butler’s Backyard
The sports industry is an estimated $485 billion market (2023), providing a wealth of opportunities for graduates of Butler’s Sports Management program. Indianapolis, often hailed as a major sports hub, provides an ideal landscape for aspiring sports professionals—home to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), professional sports teams from the Colts, Pacers, and Fever, and “the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” This setting allows Butler graduates to network organically with industry leaders and experts, positioning them well for careers across collegiate and professional sports in roles. The city’s vibrant sports ecosystem, combined with Butler’s comprehensive curriculum, offers graduates a distinctive advantage as they enter the dynamic field of sports management.
Careers in Sports
Earning a Butler Online Master’s in Sports Management may position you for opportunities in the following career paths:
| Job Title | Salary (US 50th Percentile) | Salary (US 90th Percentile) |
| Athletic Director / Administrator | $69,000 | $111,000 |
| Sports Marketing Manager | $64,000 | $72,000 |
| Facilities / Operations Manager | $116,000 | $145,700 |
| Sports Agent | $61,000 | $110,000 |
| Event Manager | $61,000 | $88,000 |
Source: Payscale (2024)
Fairbanks Center, Room 218
4600 Sunset Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Dr. Joseph M. Valenzano, III
jvalenzano@butler.edu
Dr. Margaretha Geertsema-Sligh
mgeertse@butler.edu