If you are a sports enthusiast and love crunching numbers as well, a career in sports analytics is just the right option for you. Sports analysts leverage data to help sports teams develop strategies and enhance their performance.

But there’s a lot more one can do in the field, so you must scratch the surface and dig deep into the career field before diving in. Let us share a comprehensive guide for young professionals looking to work as sports analysts.

WHAT DO SPORTS ANALYSTS DO?

Typically, sports analysts gather data related to player performance, recruitment, and business operations of the team. They apply mathematical and statistical rules to sports to gain valuable on-field and off-field insights. On-field analytics focus on performance optimisation and coaching strategies. Conversely, off-field data help team owners to make informed decisions for the growth and profitability of their business.

Besides collecting and analysing sports data, sports analysts update players, coaches, and managers with valuable insights. These pieces of information help eliminate guesswork and drive better decisions before or during events and competitions. The role extends to business and entertainment aspects.

WHERE DO SPORTS ANALYSTS WORK?

As a sports analyst, you can apply your skills in various set-ups and explore diverse career opportunities. These include-

• Professional and college sports programs where you can provide teams with valuable information regarding the performance and fitness of individual players
• Sport media companies can leverage your services to involve fans, enhance reporting, and increase the entertainment value of their programmes
• Wearable technology companies require analysts to develop quality products that ensure sales success in the long run
• Training technology companies may use your expertise to manufacture accurate simulators and virtual reality devices
• Human performance labs employ sports analysts to collect and analyse training data and use it to enhance the performance of athletes
• Sport betting companies and websites rely on analysts to predict probable outcomes of matches and find bet values for customers

HOW TO BECOME A SPORTS ANALYST?

The career pathway to sports analytics includes the following steps-

Step1- Earn an undergraduate degree

You can start by enrolling for a bachelor's degree in sports analytics, which covers subjects like math, statistics, sports management, business, and computer programming. Besides a formal degree in sports analytics, you can pursue courses in statistics, business, or engineering with sports analytics as a minor. Further, you can pursue a master's degree in sports analytics.

Step 2- Choose a niche

A specialized degree gives you a good start in the industry, but you can go the extra mile by finding a niche. For instance, you can find a role in sports management, pick sports supervision, or work from teams or websites. Finding a niche means you have less competition to deal with, so you have better chances to kick-start your career.

Step 3- Get relevant experience

Experience is another factor that sets you up for success in the role of a sports analyst. You can look for internship opportunities to gain practical knowledge in sports data analytics. Volunteering is another good option early in your career. Experience gives you brownie points when attending job interviews. Also, prepare an impressive resume to showcase your qualifications, skills, and work experience.

WHAT ARE THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO SUCCEED AS A SPORTS ANALYST?

Another factor to consider as an aspiring sports analyst is the essential skills. Of course, you must be good with numbers and have an interest in sports. But the following skills give you better chances of success in the field-

• A good understanding of sports
• Data awareness
• Relationship management skills
• Presentation skills
• Technical skills

These skills give you an inherent advantage as a budding professional in the industry, even if the role is complicated and requires you to own a mix of interests in technology and sports.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE SALARY OF A SPORTS ANALYST?

Besides being an exciting career option, sports analytics also offers lucrative prospects and impressive growth potential for professionals. Salaries may differ according to your location and role. But here are the average compensation figures for sports analysts in different parts of the world-

• UK- £30823 per year

• USA-  $43,490 per year

• India- ₹ 4,20,013 per year

You can make more money by advancing your skills and experience in the domain. Earning a higher degree might also help.