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Sports Event Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Manager of Sports Events drives the development of national properties, large-scale events, and ... planning and event execution Be the liaison between Red Bull and local authorities to secure all ...

Manager, Sports Events

New York, NY · On-site

$98K - $147K/yr

... planning and event execution Be the liaison between Red Bull and local authorities to secure all ... Sports Marketing strategy Work with Risk Management and Legal departments to facilitate all ...

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Sports Event Planning information

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$20.5K

$75.3K

$142K

How much do sports event planning jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports event planning in the United States is $75,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $89,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sports event planner do?

A sports event planner organizes and coordinates sporting events, including logistics, venue selection, scheduling, and vendor management. They ensure all aspects of the event run smoothly, often working with budgets, contracts, and teams, and may use project management tools to track progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sports Event Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sports Event Planner, you need strong organizational skills, knowledge of event logistics, and a background in event management or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and registration platforms is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) being advantageous. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills help build relationships with vendors, sponsors, and teams, and allow for quick resolution of issues. These skills ensure events run smoothly, meet objectives, and provide memorable experiences for attendees and stakeholders.

What is the highest salary for an event planner?

The highest salaries for sports event planners can exceed $80,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working for large organizations. Top earners often have certifications, strong vendor networks, and manage high-profile or complex events.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in sports event planning, and how can they be managed?

Sports event planners often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing last-minute changes, and ensuring seamless logistics under tight deadlines. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to adapt quickly are crucial for overcoming these obstacles. Building contingency plans and maintaining close relationships with vendors, sponsors, and venue staff can help ensure that events run smoothly, even when unexpected issues arise.

What is sports event planning?

Sports event planning involves organizing and coordinating all aspects of sporting events, from local tournaments to large-scale professional games. This includes tasks such as securing venues, managing budgets, arranging logistics, marketing the event, ensuring safety protocols, and coordinating with teams, officials, and sponsors. Sports event planners work to create successful events that run smoothly and provide a great experience for athletes, spectators, and stakeholders. Attention to detail, excellent communication, and strong organizational skills are essential for this role.

What is the highest paying job in the event industry?

In sports event planning, executive roles such as Director of Events or Event Operations Manager tend to be the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and often involve overseeing large-scale events and managing budgets.

How to Get a Job in Sports Event Planning

The primary qualifications for getting a job in sports event planning are a bachelor's degree and significant experience in a recreational or professional sports setting. Many sports event planners work in other roles before transitioning into a planning role. Many employers prefer applicants who have a master's degree, professional sports officiating training, CPR and First Aid certification, the ability to manage a complex schedule, and familiarity with standard office software. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a job in sports event planning requires communication skills and the ability to manage budgets.

What is the difference between Sports Event Planning vs Sports Marketing?

AspectSports Event PlanningSports Marketing
Required CredentialsEvent management certifications, hospitality or sports management degreesMarketing degrees, certifications in digital marketing or branding
Work EnvironmentOn-site event coordination, logistics managementAdvertising campaigns, promotional activities, digital platforms
Employer & Industry UsageSports teams, event companies, stadiumsSports brands, media outlets, sponsorship agencies

Sports Event Planning focuses on organizing and executing sports events, managing logistics, and coordinating teams. Sports Marketing emphasizes promoting sports teams, events, and brands through advertising and sponsorships. While both roles require knowledge of the sports industry, they differ in daily tasks and skill sets.

Is being an event planner a good career?

Sports event planning is a dynamic career that involves coordinating logistics, managing budgets, and working under tight deadlines. Success in this field requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. It can be a rewarding career for those passionate about sports and event management, with opportunities for growth and specialization.
What cities are hiring for Sports Event Planning jobs? Cities with the most Sports Event Planning job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Event Planning jobs? The most popular types of Sports Event Planning jobs are:
What states have the most Sports Event Planning jobs? States with the most job openings for Sports Event Planning jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sports Event Planning jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sports Event Planning jobs are:
Infographic showing various Sports Event Planning job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,268 per year, or $36.2 per hour.
ADAPTIVE SPORTS WINTER EVENT PLANNING INTERNSHIP

ADAPTIVE SPORTS WINTER EVENT PLANNING INTERNSHIP

Move United

Rockville, MD

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted yesterday


Job description

Position Overview:

An internship with Move United provides the opportunity to gain knowledge and professional experience in adaptive sports, sports management, events management, and other related fields while helping Move United lead a movement so that no one is left on the sidelines, and everyone gets in the game.

The Adaptive Sports Event Planning Intern will learn about planning and delivering a large scale national adaptive sports event. They will also get to experience other programmatic initiatives.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

The internship involves supporting a variety of event and program logistics from start to finish. Depending on the time of year this internship will get to experience one of Move United’s signature events such as The Hartford Ski Spectacular or Move United Warfighter events.

Assist with all aspects of event planning including curriculum design, venue and event logistics, marketing and onsite experience

Assist with identify assets and local support to improve the event goals; coordinate with organizing team

Assist in coordinating workshops, clinics, social events and other aspects of the overall schedule

Assist Move United staff in elevating and promoting Move United’s overall events and programs

Internship period:

August – December, 8-12 weeks

Other periods may be available upon request (please inquire).

Hours:

Full time for winter intern - Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm EST. Flexible hours to accommodate differing time zones are available.

30-40 hours/week

This internship is remote, except for in-person event attendance. Some office hour experience available at our Rockville, MD HQ.

Compensation:

$50 stipend per day

All travel expenses to events are paid

Adaptive sports training and education

Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits can be earned upon request

Additional certificates can be earned through our member organizations

Intern Qualities:

Self-motivated

Takes initiative

Flexible/adaptable to change

Organized with multi-tasking abilities

Ability to work well in a team environment

Minimum Qualifications:

Background in the field, including formal education or equivalent experience (Preferred)

Technologically proficient with experience in using Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint) and Adobe Suite

Effective communicator – comfortable using a range of communication tools

Authorized to work in the U.S. and pass a background screening

Availability to travel within the U.S. (air and ground)

Desired Skills (not required)

Experience using CRM systems (i.e. Salesforce), web creation platforms (i.e. WordPress), and digital marketing platforms (i.e. Constant Contact) a plus

Digital design experience (i.e. Canva or Adobe Indesign) a plus

Accepted interns will be required to:

Complete any training required for the internship

Maintain weekly meetings with the supervisor

Participate in a mid and end-of-internship review

Be responsible for completing the necessary paperwork, if seeking college credits

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.