The demand for strong sales professionals in sports continues to grow, making the role of sports account executive one of the most important in the industry. Whether you’re working for a professional team, a college athletic program, or a sponsorship agency, this job plays a crucial role in generating revenue and fostering relationships that keep businesses and fans engaged with sports brands.
A sports account executive helps drive income through sponsorships, ticket packages, and premium experiences. They’re often the first point of contact for corporate partners and ticket buyers, making their role essential for keeping both relationships and business goals on track.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what a sports account executive does, what qualifications are needed, how much they can earn, and how to find and succeed in sports account executive jobs.
What Does a Sports Account Executive Do?
A sports account executive works at the center of revenue and client service. Their primary role is to sell products, including season ticket plans, group packages, hospitality suites, and sponsorship deals. At the same time, they need to keep their current clients happy by delivering on the promises made in those deals.
This involves meeting with business clients, drafting sales proposals, managing contracts, and checking in before and after games to ensure everything runs smoothly. They often work closely with the marketing department to create customized packages that attract companies looking to advertise during games or events.
A sports account executive is also expected to follow up with leads, manage customer relationships in a CRM system, and sometimes even help run game-day events to ensure sponsors and clients are getting a great experience.
To succeed in this role, communication is everything. Sports account executives must be able to articulate the value of a deal, negotiate terms effectively, and foster strong relationships over time. Understanding sports marketing and knowing how to match a client’s goals with the right opportunities is also key.
Skills & Qualifications for Sports Account Executive Jobs
Individuals interested in sports account executive jobs should possess a combination of education, experience, and personal traits that support both sales and client service. Most companies seek candidates who have experience in sales, particularly in roles such as ticket sales, sponsorship, or customer service.
Being comfortable using CRM software, such as Salesforce or HubSpot, is also essential because it helps track leads, conversations, and progress toward sales goals.
A degree in a field like business, marketing, or sports management is often expected. However, even more important than your major is real-world experience. Internships with sports teams, minor league organizations, or sponsorship agencies give you a significant edge.
Many teams run inside sales programs, which act as stepping stones to full-time account executive roles.
Soft skills, such as listening, public speaking, and time management, are just as critical. Whether you’re on the phone with a potential sponsor or giving a tour of the stadium to a new partner, you’ll need to be confident, organized, and persuasive.
How to Land Account Executive Sports Jobs
Securing this role begins with preparation and persistence. First, focus on your education. Earning a degree in marketing, business, or sports management shows employers that you understand the basics of sales and the sports industry.
While in school, or shortly after, try to find an internship or part-time job with a team or sports company. These roles give you a chance to build your skills and start making industry connections.
Next, work on your network. Join local or national sports business associations, attend job fairs, and connect with alumni or former coworkers who already work in the industry. Platforms like LinkedIn help make those connections, and it’s okay to reach out and ask for advice or insights about how they got their start.
When you’re ready to apply, your resume should highlight past sales experience and your ability to meet goals. Use numbers when possible — like how many tickets you sold or how much revenue you helped bring in. Your cover letter should reflect your passion for working in sports and your ability to sell and manage relationships.
There are several places to look for account executive sports jobs, including JobsInSports.com, LinkedIn, and the career pages of sports teams and leagues. Set alerts to stay informed about new job postings. Be consistent and apply to positions that match your background, even if you’re starting at the entry level.
Sports Account Executive Salary Expectations
One of the most frequently asked questions is about the salary of a sports account executive. While pay can vary depending on location, team size, and level of experience, there are general ranges to expect.
Those just starting in an entry-level account executive role usually earn between $35,000 and $45,000 per year. These jobs may be with minor league teams or in smaller markets and often include performance bonuses or commissions in addition to the base salary.
As you gain more experience and start working with larger accounts or bigger teams, salaries typically rise. Mid-level professionals in this field usually earn between $55,000 and $75,000. At the senior level, a sports account executive’s salary can exceed $90,000 per year, especially if you’re bringing in major sponsorship deals or managing big-ticket accounts. High-performing executives may earn even more through commissions or bonuses tied to sales results.
It’s also worth noting that many of these roles come with perks, such as access to games and events, networking opportunities, and, in some cases, travel benefits.
Career Growth for Sports Account Executives
Working as a sports account executive is a great way to start or grow a long-term career in the business side of sports. Many professionals begin in this role and later advance to higher-level positions, such as Senior Account Executive, Corporate Partnership Manager, Director of Sales, or even Vice President of Business Development.
To move up, focus on hitting or exceeding your sales targets, maintaining strong relationships with clients, and continuing to learn new skills.
Some organizations offer training or certification programs in sales techniques, such as Sandler or Challenger Sales, which can help you improve your performance and stand out when new opportunities arise.
Networking and staying active in sports business communities also help, as many higher-level roles are filled through referrals or internal promotions.
Where to Find Sports Account Executive Jobs
If you’re serious about working in this field, knowing where to look is just as important as having the right qualifications. JobsInSports.com is one of the top platforms for finding sports account executive jobs, with listings from pro teams, college athletics departments, agencies, and other sports-related companies.
You can also check LinkedIn. Many teams also post job openings directly on their websites, so it’s a good idea to visit that page. Use filters and job alerts so you’re among the first to apply when a new listing appears.
Reaching out directly to hiring managers or recruiters with a short, clear message about your interest and background can also lead to interviews, even if a job hasn’t been posted yet.
Common Mistakes When Applying for Sports Account Executive Jobs
Applying for account executive roles in sports is highly competitive, and even minor mistakes can hurt your chances. Watch out for the following:
- Not showing your sales results. If you’ve worked in sales, be specific. Include how many clients you managed, your close rate, or the revenue you helped generate.
- Using generic application materials. A one-size-fits-all resume or cover letter is easy to spot. Tailor each application to the job description and show why you’re a good match.
- Ignoring soft skills. Communication, relationship-building, and teamwork matter just as much as your ability to close a deal.
- Failing to show interest in sports. Your passion for the industry should be clear. Employers want candidates who genuinely care about working in sports.
- Applying without researching the organization. Understanding a team or company’s brand, goals, and fan base helps you write stronger applications and perform better in interviews.
- Not targeting the right opportunities. If you’re new to the industry, focus on entry-level sports account executive jobs rather than applying to senior roles you’re not yet qualified for.
Ready to Start Your Career? Find Sports Account Executive Jobs on JobsInSports
If you’re serious about landing a role as a sports account executive, JobsInSports.com is one of the best resources available to guide your job search. The site offers one of the largest collections of sports-specific job listings online, including up-to-date opportunities for account executive positions in the sports industry.
Whether you’re aiming for an entry-level sales position with a minor league team or you’re ready to take on a senior role with a pro franchise, you’ll find roles that match your skills and career goals.
Beyond just job listings, JobsInSports offers tools and advice to help you stand out from other applicants. From résumé writing tips to interview prep guides, the platform is designed to support you at every stage of the job hunt. You can also create a profile, upload your résumé, and let hiring managers in the sports industry find you directly.
If you’re passionate about working in sports and want a career that combines your love of the game with business and sales, don’t miss your chance to get started.
