Sports Analytics
Sports Analytics is the study and application of data and statistical methods to evaluate athletic performance, inform decision-making, and improve outcomes across various aspects of sports organizations. The field blends data science, statistics, sports management, and technology to analyze player performance, team strategy, fan engagement, and business operations.
Sample Occupations
- Data Analyst – Sports Performance
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Sports Statistician
- Player Performance Analyst
- Operations Analyst – Sports Organization
- Fan Engagement/Data Marketing Analyst
- Scouting Analyst
- Salary Cap Analyst
- Sports Data Engineer
- eSports Data Analyst
- Performance Scientist (Biomechanics/Physiology Focus)
Types of Employers
- Professional Sports Teams (e.g., NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS)
- Collegiate Athletic Departments
- Sports Media Companies (e.g., ESPN, Fox Sports)
- Sports Technology Firms (e.g., Hudl, Zebra Technologies)
- Sports Agencies and Consulting Firms
- Fitness & Performance Labs
- eSports Organizations
- Athletic Apparel & Equipment Companies (e.g., Nike, Under Armour)
- Fantasy Sports and Betting Companies (e.g., DraftKings, FanDuel)
- Data Analytics Firms with Sports Divisions
Preparing for your career in
Learn and practice:
- Data analysis tools (Excel, Tableau, Power BI)
- Programming (Python, R, SQL, MATLAB)
- Statistical software (SPSS, SAS)
- Communication of data insights to non-technical audiences
- Sport-specific analytics platforms (e.g., SportVU, Synergy Sports, Catapult)
Seek out:
- Internships with athletic departments or sports teams
- Research assistant roles in sports science or data projects
- Student consulting clubs or data competitions
- Volunteer opportunities with local teams or events
- Capstone projects or independent studies in sports data
Networking & Professional Development:
Attend conferences like:
- MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference
- SABR Analytics Conference
- NASSM (North American Society for Sport Management)
Join professional groups:
- SABR (Society for American Baseball Research)
- Connect with alumni and professionals on LinkedIn.
- Follow sports analytics blogs and podcasts to stay current on trends.
How do I know if it's right for me?
ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.
RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.
EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.