Employment of athletes and sports competitors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth will be primarily due to population growth and increasing public interest in professional sports.
Growth and geographic shifts in population may lead to an increase in the number of professional sports teams. Some professional sports leagues may expand to new cities in the United States, creating new teams and new job opportunities for those looking to become professional athletes.
However, expansion is rare in professional sports leagues. Creating new teams is very costly and risky, requiring strong support from fans and both local and state government. When leagues do expand, they typically only create one or two teams at a time. Conversely, some teams and sports leagues may disband altogether because of a lack of interest in the sport.
Instead, some teams simply relocate to another city that has a greater interest in the sport and a larger fan base. In this case no new jobs for athletes would be created.
Job Prospects
Competition for professional athlete jobs will continue to be extremely intense. Very few high school or college athletes become professional athletes. In a major sport, such as basketball, only about 1 in 3,000 high school athletes make it to the professional level.
Most professional athletes can deliver peak performances for only a short time. Careers last only a few years because of debilitating injuries or retirements. Yearly replacement needs for these jobs is high and may create some job opportunities.
However, the talented young men and women who dream of becoming sports superstars greatly outnumber the number of openings.
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Total, all occupations
7%
Entertainers and performers, sports and related workers
6%
Athletes and sports competitors
6%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program