Top 15 Non-Playing Careers in African Sports

Top 15 Non-Playing Careers in African Sports 

No doubt, Africa’s sports industry is witnessing a transformation, with increased investments in sports infrastructure and growing participation across various sports disciplines. While the continent is known for producing world-class athletes, the success of African sports doesn’t solely rely on players. 

Behind the scenes, a wide range of non-playing professionals drive the industry forward, from event managers to sports event managers. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the media, marketing, or health you are passionate about; there are numerous non-playing career paths for you to explore.

Salary Comparison Table

Exploring Non-Playing Careers in African Sports

1. Sports Agent

Sports Agents manage the careers of athletes, negotiating contracts, sponsorship deals, and endorsements. In the last five years, the demand for sports agents has grown significantly, especially with the rise of professional leagues globally. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, sports job growth rate are projected to have a 11% increase by 2031, faster than the average for all occupations​. High-profile agents managing star athletes can earn commissions of 4-10% of an athlete’s contract, which can total millions of dollars annually for top agents.

2. Sports Marketing Manager

Sports Marketing Managers play a key role in promoting teams, events, and athletes. With the rise of digital platforms, their role has expanded to include managing online fan engagement, sponsorship activation, and brand promotion. As of 2023, over 120,000 marketing manager positions existed globally in sports, with an expected increase driven by large events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics​. The average salary globally is about $95,000, with higher earnings for managers working with major franchises or sports leagues.

3. Sports Lawyer

Sports Lawyers are critical in handling legal issues like contract negotiations, intellectual property, and dispute resolution in the sports world. They are heavily involved in arbitration cases and resolving disputes over sponsorships or broadcasting rights. Globally, there are around 25,000 active sports law positions, with demand increasing as leagues globalize. Top sports lawyers, particularly those representing high-profile athletes or sports organizations, can earn up to $200,000 per year or more​.

4. Athletic Director

An Athletic Director oversees the sports programs at educational institutions or professional sports organizations. They are responsible for budget management, strategic planning, and athlete welfare. The demand for athletic directors has been relatively stable, especially at colleges and universities where sports are a big part of campus life. Globally, there are around 40,000 athletic director positions, with an average salary of $66,434 annually​. Higher education institutions, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, are the biggest employers of athletic directors.

5. Sports Event Manager

Sports Event Managers are responsible for the planning and execution of sports events, ranging from local matches to major international tournaments. This role has seen significant growth due to the increasing frequency of large-scale sports events such as the Olympics and the World Cup. Globally, the demand for sports event managers has grown by 15% over the last decade, with around 55,000 positions filled in 2023​.

6. Sports Medicine Physician

Sports Medicine Physicians are specialists who diagnose and treat injuries related to sports and physical activity. They work closely with athletes to optimize their health and performance. There are currently over 20,000 sports medicine physicians globally, and demand is growing due to the increasing focus on athlete healt.. The average annual salary is $256,366, making this one of the highest-paid non-playing roles​.

7. Sports Data Analyst

Sports Data Analysts use statistics and data to help teams and coaches make informed decisions. With the rise of analytics in sports, this career has become highly sought after, particularly in football (soccer), basketball, and baseball. There are approximately 25,000 positions for sports data analysts worldwide, and this number is growing rapidly with the increasing importance of data in modern sports​.

8. Strength and Conditioning Coach

Strength and Conditioning Coaches work with athletes to improve their physical performance through tailored training programs. This role has expanded significantly with the professionalization of sports leagues around the world. As of 2023, there were about 35,000 positions globally, with salaries averaging $48,225 per year. This career is critical for injury prevention and performance optimization, especially in sports like rugby, American football, and track and field.

9. Sports Statistician

Sports Statisticians analyze player and team data to assist coaches in making tactical decisions. The role has become integral in sports like basketball and soccer, where data is used to gain a competitive edge. Globally, there are over 10,000 positions, and the demand is increasing with the growing focus on analytics in sports.

10. Sports Psychologist

Sports Psychologists help athletes enhance mental resilience, manage stress, and optimize performance. They work with individual athletes or entire teams, especially in high-pressure environments like the Olympics or major league sports. There are about 15,000 sports psychology positions globally, with growing demand as mental health becomes a larger focus in sports​. Salaries typically range from $40,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on the level of competition and the athletes involved.

11. Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists specialize in rehabilitation and injury prevention for athletes. They are in high demand across sports, particularly for teams that require dedicated medical staff. As of 2023, over 45,000 physical therapy positions exist in sports globally, with an average salary of $97,720. Therapists working with top-level athletes can earn significantly more.

12. Sports Photographer/Videographer

Sports Photographers and Videographers capture key moments in sporting events for promotional and archival purposes. While it’s a smaller niche, it remains essential for media coverage. There are about 8,000 active positions worldwide, with average salaries of $27,661, though professionals working with major leagues can earn more.

13. Sports Facilities Manager

Sports Facilities Managers oversee the operations and maintenance of sports venues. This role has seen stable demand, especially as sports venues expand and host more events. Globally, there are around 15,000 positions, with an average salary of $63,230​.

14. Sports Nutritionist

Sports Nutritionists guide athletes on dietary practices to optimize performance and recovery. This role has expanded significantly with athletes paying more attention to nutrition. Globally, there are about 12,000 sports nutritionists, with salaries reaching $100,000 for those working with elite athletes​.

15. Sports Consultant

Sports Consultants offer strategic advice to teams, organizations, or athletes to enhance performance or operations. There are approximately 10,000 positions worldwide, with salaries averaging $48,110 annually. Consultants working with larger organizations or high-profile clients can earn significantly more​.

A Growing Ecosystem with Endless Possibilities

For those eager to explore any career opportunities in the African sports industry, the Career in Sports Workshop (CSW) is a perfect place to start. Organized by SWA Sports in collaboration with BGRAfrica, this workshop will tackle the growing talent gap in Africa’s sports business landscape. 

Attendees will benefit from a comprehensive overview of the diverse roles available within the industry, gaining a deeper understanding of sports management, media, health, and entrepreneurship.

At the workshop, you’ll receive hands-on training and education tailored to the unique challenges of the African sports market. You’ll develop essential business and management skills and receive mentorship from experienced professionals like Jimi Akinsola of SuperSport and renowned sports analyst Dr. Kelechi Anyikude, among many others who have shaped sports across the continent. 

Additionally, the Career in Sports Workshop provides a valuable platform for networking, helping you form connections with industry leaders that could be instrumental in advancing your career.

If you’re passionate about building a career in sports, whether as an entrepreneur, media professional, coach, or even a sports enthusiast, this workshop offers the tools and guidance needed to kickstart your journey. 

{{Register for the CSW Here}}

FAQ

What job in sports makes the most money?

The highest-paying jobs in sports are often held by executives, agents, and managers. Among them, sports agents and marketing managers tend to earn the most, particularly if they manage high-profile athletes or brands. Sports agents, who negotiate contracts and secure endorsement deals, can earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually in Africa, but global super agents managing top athletes can earn millions per year​.

What is the most successful African country in sports?

Historically, South Africa and Kenya have been among the most successful African countries in sports. South Africa excels in rugby, cricket, and football, having won the Rugby World Cup multiple times. Kenya is renowned for its dominance in long-distance running, regularly producing Olympic and World Championship gold medalists in marathon and middle-distance events. Other notable countries include Egypt for football and Nigeria for its strong presence in football, basketball, and athletics​.

What sport is most popular in Africa?

Football (soccer) is by far the most popular sport across Africa. Major leagues in countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt attract millions of fans. The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the qualification for the FIFA World Cup are among the most-watched events on the continent. Other popular sports include rugby in South Africa, long-distance running in East Africa, and basketball, which is growing rapidly thanks to the rise of leagues like the Basketball Africa League (BAL)​.

Can you make a career out of sports?

Sports offer a wide range of career opportunities beyond just playing. From event management, marketing, and media roles to medical professionals like physical therapists, sports nutritionists, and psychologists, the industry provides diverse options. As shown in the article, non-playing roles in sports can also be financially rewarding, with salaries for roles like sports event managers or marketing managers ranging from $30,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience and location.