What is a sports analyst? (And other data-focused jobs for sports fans)

⚽ GOOOOOOAL!

It’s a good time to be a sports lover. Whether you’re a face-painted fan of the beautiful game, a (not so) hopeless romantic for your hometown team, or you’re head-over-heels for the quadruple axel, there’s probably been something sports-related for you to get excited about this year. Sometimes, it really is just nothin’ but net.  

While athletes tend to get most of the attention, sports are truly a team undertaking. Look around any stadium and you’re bound to see countless others supporting the game: coaches stalking the sidelines, referees running to and fro, vendors slinging merch, and facility managers making last-minute adjustments to keep things running smoothly. Oh, and you can’t forget about the number crunchers! 

Today, we’re celebrating these behind-the-scenes pros by spotlighting sports analysts, who use their knowledge of data to help teams make more informed decisions. If you love the stats side of sports, this profession might just be right for you. Let’s dive in. 

💡 But first: Want to save 40% on a catalog of more than 10,000 learning programs? Save 40% on Coursera Plus from now until July 13, 2026 to gain access to thousands of programs from industry leaders like Google, Microsoft, and IBM (among many others). 

🏈 What is a sports analyst? (And what they do)

A sports analyst uses data analytics to advise players and coaches on performance. They leverage tools like tactical assessment, movement analysis, video, and statistical modeling to meet team and positional needs. Today, technology like wearables, computer vision, and machine learning make data collection and modeling more efficient, allowing for real-time analysis of rule violations, performance, and to guide decision making. 

While historically, sports analysts primarily focused on presenting their research to players and coaches, many teams now use data to improve marketing efforts, enhance sports medicine, and aid injury assessment. Some other common tasks performed by sports analysts include reviewing game footage, making predictions on game strategy, and modeling players, teams, and match ups.  

🎾 Sports analyst jobs

Sports analysts work in a variety of environments, such as offices, news studios, and on the sidelines of fields, pitches, and courts. Where you work and what you do typically depends on your skills, expertise, and role. Some jobs that require sport analysis include:   

• Sports data analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to advise players, coaches, and managers. You may also work on the team’s business side, examining data about fans, marketing practices, and engagement. 
• Sports performance analysts rely on data to create training programs to help players improve their game performance and prevent injuries. 
• Broadcast sports analysts provide commentary and analysis during and after games for TV networks like NBC, ESPN, or CBS. Sometimes, they’re even former players (you probably have your favorite) with an in-depth understanding of the game. 
• Sports marketing analysts collect and analyze data on fan interactions and sports marketing trends to create marketing campaigns. 
• Sports business analysts work with data on the business side of the team. As a sports business analyst, you’ll examine finances and analyze markets to help managers and owners make more informed business decisions.  

⚾ Keep exploring sports careers 

There’s a lot more to sports than just the game. Learn more about the other side of the team with these popular programs on Coursera: 

For an overview of sports analytics, try the University of Michigan’s Sports Performance Analytics Specialization. In this intermediate-level program, you’ll learn how to construct predictive models to anticipate team and player performance as well as the science behind it. 

To boost performance using tech, consider the Maximum Performance and Technology in Sports Specialization from Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea. Analyze football data using modern analytics, explore emerging technologies shaping sports intelligence, and apply AI tools for performance evaluation. 

To learn about the role of media in sports, check out Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea’s Revolution in Sports Media: Innovative Strategies Specialization. Here, you’ll explore practical strategies to create emotional content, boost engagement, build digital communities, and develop brand partnerships and sponsorships. 

Okay, sports fans, that’s it for this week! Before you check up on the latest World Cup results, consider letting us know what behind-the-team sports career appeals to you the most. Catch’ ya later! 

Have a career question you’d like us to answer next? Share it below. Still perked here? Well, drive on over to this wildcard course recommendation, hot rod.