Matt Rogan stands as one of the most respected figures in the sports industry. Best known as the co-founder of Two Circles, the UK’s fastest-growing sports agency, Matt has continued to build an illustrious career since stepping away in 2020. Currently, he serves as a non-executive director for the English Institute of Sport. In addition, through his new venture, Rogan Sport, Matt writes, teaches, advises, and mentors, further solidifying his impact on the industry.

In November 2024 he published an article on his website giving advice. Here are some of the key takeaways, although I would advise reading the whole thing:

• Learn: Take free courses like Coursera to build skills.
• Volunteer: Grassroots experience makes your CV stand out.
• Choose Wisely: Pick roles with growth potential; start outside sports if needed.
• Be Proactive: Seek opportunities and advocate for your development.
• Plan Ahead: Define your 10-year goal and take steps toward it.

Roger Mitchell, like Matt Rogan, is a household name in the sports business world. Roger, a chartered accountant from Glasgow, turned his passion for sport into a career in the late 1990s as CEO of the Scottish Premier League, earning a seat at UEFA’s table. Now, he runs his boutique investment firm, Albachiara. His recent book “Sports Perfect Storm: An Industry Now Totally Adrift” offers unparalleled insight into the sporting industry and how the interconnected worlds of sport, media and finance are facing trouble ahead.

He also previously mentions snippets of this in his book but this article provides an in-depth look at getting ahead in this domain:

• Play the Player, Not the Game: Focus on who you are dealing with. Understand their personality, mirror what they value, and build likeability.
• Compliment Smartly: Flattery works, but it has to be done with class. Show genuine admiration for people’s work and support them when they need it.
• Work Hard and Be Seen: Put in the effort, deliver on tasks, and make yourself indispensable. Build your brand and stay visible to the people who matter.
• Read the Room: Sport isn’t always about the best ideas or people. Sometimes, you have to tone it down and play to the level of those around you.
• Know the Game: Figure out who you are dealing with, a leader, an operator, or someone coasting and adjust how you approach them to get the result you want.

Jacob has worked in the industry for over 10 years and now is the Senior Director, Business Strategy and Analytics at the world-famous basketball team the Memphis Grizzlies. He recently uploaded a fascinating LinkedIn post about starting out in the sports industry. His advice is succinct and is easy to follow. As with the other two posts I implore you to read it for yourself but here are some of my key takeaways:

• Show Your Work: Highlight tangible examples, like school projects or side hustles, to demonstrate your skills and initiative.
• Broaden Your Search: Explore opportunities in minor leagues, agencies, or adjacent industries, not just big teams.
• Nurture Connections: Stay in touch with people you meet by sharing updates or interesting insights to keep relationships alive.
• Work Hard and Stay Focused: Be clear about your goals, show your value, and keep putting in the effort to build your own opportunities.