#199 Sports Careers Beyond the Game: Opportunities Off the Field with Stephen Master

Flourish Coaching

Nov 4, 2025

In this episode, Lisa and Stephen discuss:

How to turn a passion for sports into a career off the field
Building connections that open doors and gain experiences through sports internships
What roles are in high demand in the sports and entertainment ecosystem
Balancing passion, education, and hustle

Key Takeaways:

Careers in sports extend far past the playing field, including roles in marketing, analytics, media, and sponsorships. Exploring these options early helps uncover where passion and talent meet.
Networking remains the most powerful tool in the sports industry. Relationships, mentorships, and proactive outreach often lead to opportunities more effectively than cold applications.
Real-world exposure sharpens direction and builds credibility. Internships in high school or college, whether loved or disliked, shape clearer career decisions later on.
A well-rounded education supports success, but determination and experience matter most. Aligning values with career goals ensures long-term fulfillment in this dynamic field.
There are more entry points at agencies working on brand partnerships, sponsorships, and influencer deals than at leagues and teams.

“The three most important words in sports: Relationships. Relationships. Relationships.” – Stephen Master

About Stephen Master:

Professor Stephen Master has over 25 years of leadership experience in sports marketing and media. He has taught at NYU since 2004, offering courses on Sports Sponsorship, Media, and the Business of Sports Betting. He founded the Sports Biz Boot Camp, a college-prep program introducing high school students to the business of sports, and co-founded Amaze Media Labs, a podcast company producing shows for brands like DraftKings, BetMGM, Ford, and Facebook.

As head of Master Media Advisors, he supports startups and advises investors in sports, entertainment, and gaming. Previously, he led Nielsen’s Global Sports Group, co-founded its eSports practice, and launched the FANALYTICS platform—featured in major outlets like The New York Times, ESPN, and Bloomberg. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at the NFL, Octagon, and NBA. Stephen earned his B.A. from the University of Michigan and his MBA from Northwestern.

Episode References:

#169 The Hidden Impact of College Major Selection on Admissions with Rick Clark. https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/169-the-hidden-impact-of-college-major-selection-on-admissions-with-rick-clark/

Get Lisa’s Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career…(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).

flourishcoachingco.com/video