It’s hard to think of a sports management game without thinking of Football Manager. If people aren’t thinking of that series, they’re thinking of its predecessor Championship Manager, where players also picked a soccer team and tried to get them to the top of the league table.

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They've inspired a series of urban legends and tales that have entertained fans, be it about athletes who were better in the game than in real life, or ones that never actually existed, to begin with. But soccer isn’t the only sport, and Football Manager isn’t the only sports management sim game around. There's a wealth of management sims based on other sports, and these are the best of the bunch.

Updated on February 5, 2024, by David Heath: By now, it's probably pretty clear there are plenty of sports management sims out there that aren't Football Manager or Championship Manager. In fact, they're not even just about soccer! There are hockey sims, baseball sims, racing sims, and even pro wrestling and MMA sims. Name a sport and, chances are, there's at least one management sim about it. Whether they're good is another matter, as not every management game is a winner. But there are plenty out there that are of a high standard. As such, this list has been updated with a few more entries, and the older ones have been tweaked with some updated details to make them more informative. So, here are more great sports management sims that aren't Football Manager.

23 Eastside Hockey Manager

Metacritic User Score: 7.5

Sports Management Sims- Eastside Hockey Manager
Eastside Hockey Manager

Platform(s)
Microsoft Windows
Released
December 1, 2015
Developer(s)
Sports Interactive
Genre(s)
Simulation , Sports

Like Football Manager, Eastside Hockey Manager began life as a side project, only it came out a decade later as freeware for the PC and Mac. The game was made by Risto Remes and his team in 2001, and they gave gamers 3,000 players and staff from the NHL to create their teams, and a near-infinite number of seasons to take them to the top.

The game caught the eye of Sports Interactive, who helped create every subsequent game in the series. It was also officially licensed by the NHL until NHL Eastside Hockey Manager 2007, which had 3,000 teams and 20 different leagues. But the series then went on hiatus and lost the NHL license. They'd bounce back with 2015's Eastside Hockey Manager, which had more in-depth mechanics, extra options, multiplayer, realistic physics, and AI.

22 Rugby League Team Manager 3

GM Games User Score: 8.9

Sports Management Sims- Rugby League Team Manager 3
  • Developer: Alternative Software
  • Released: April 2020
  • Platforms: PC, Mac

Many great game developers have long since gone defunct. Core Design, the company behind the original Tomb Raider games, is no more. Sensible Software, who made the almighty Sensible World of Soccer, is also gone. Yet Alternative Software Ltd, who started off making maligned budget games based on British kids' shows like Count Duckula and Postman Pat, are still around today.

They've made some much better-received games over the decades, with the Ruby League Team Manager series getting plaudits. The best entry, RLTM3, brought in a new in-game engine that brought in new seasons, leagues, tactical options, ways to negotiate player sales, and more. There are a lot of players too: 7,000 all across the world. If anyone wanted to dive into the deep end of the NFL's European predecessor, RLTM3 is as deep as it gets.

21 Legend Bowl

Metacritic User Score: 8.0

Sports Management Sims- Legend Bowl
Legend Bowl

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , PS5 , PS4 , Microsoft Windows , Xbox Series X/S
Released
November 27, 2020
Developer
Super Pixel Games, Top Hat Studios
Genre(s)
Sports , Simulation , Strategy

But what if rugby just doesn't have the same appeal to some people as American Football? It lacks the helmets, pageantry, and nostalgia that the gridiron games have. After all, the NES had Tecmo Bowl, not Tecmo Rugby. Luckily, Super Pixel Games has those fans covered with Legend Bowl. It's akin to its rival Retro Bowl in that both replicate their old-school predecessors with their 16-bit-like graphics.

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However, Legend Bowl also offers a Franchise Mode that allows players to pick their team, players, and coaches, and infinite seasons to take them to the titular Legend Bowl. They'll have to keep on top of the in-game news, player traits, training, events, and more to get the most out of their team. Players can also customize their team's look and play in realistic weather conditions. The game has since branched out from the PC to current-gen consoles, including the Switch. So it's a good time to get into the game.

20 WBSC eBaseball Power Pros

GameFAQs Score: 3.5/5 Stars

Best Sports Management Games- WBSC eBaseball Power Pros
WBSC eBaseball Power Pros

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , PS4
Released
February 8, 2023
Developer(s)
Konami
Genre(s)
Sports , Simulation

WBSC eBaseball Power Pros isn't strictly about management, as its release was essentially Konami testing the Western waters to see if they'd like their Power Pros baseball series, which has been entertaining Japanese and mainland Asian players since the NES days. This is why the graphics have an old-school look that resembles a cleaned-up N64 game.

It has an extensive customizable team editor option that lets players build the perfect team, along with adjustable controls. The game can be either as simple as an arcade game or as complex as the MLB games with just a few options. There's a decent tutorial for newbies, along with plenty of offline, online, and multiplayer modes. Best of all, it only costs $1! It's a good deal for casual and hardcore baseball fans alike.

19 Mario Superstar Baseball

Metascore: 76

Best Sports Management Games- Mario Superstar Baseball
Mario Superstar Baseball

Platform(s)
GameCube
Released
July 21, 2005
Developer(s)
Namco , Nintendo SPD
Genre(s)
Sports , Simulation

There have been rumors about Nintendo making a new Mario-themed baseball game for a while now. The Italian plumber and his friends haven't picked up a bat since Super Mario Sluggers on the Wii in 2008. That game was fair, albeit a bit of a wagglefest with the motion controls. So, fans might prefer its Gamecube predecessor, Mario Superstar Baseball, which came with a few light management options.

It's aimed at a casual crowd with its power-ups, Bob-ombs, and party-style mini-games. However, it does have a Chemistry mechanic. Teammates will play differently depending on whether they're partnered up with someone they like, dislike, or are neutral about. So, players have to be careful who they pick, or they might put themselves at a disadvantage.

18 Football Mogul Series

GM Games User Score: 8

Best Sports Management Games- Football Mogul 23
  • Developer: Sports Mogul
  • Released: September 2023
  • Platforms: PC

While eBaseball and Mario Superstar Baseball focus more on the sport than the management, the Football Mogul games are all management. They're probably the closest fans can get to an NFL Manager game, as the series has allowed players to be the owner, head coach, or general manager of an NFL team since the original 1999 game. Created by Sports Mogul, the game uses text boxes, diagrams, and pictures to simulate the management experience.

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Players can handle everything from free-agent signings and draft picks to editing playbooks and making play calls. The latest entry, Football Mogul 24, updates things for the 2023/2024 season, including 270+ projected college roster picks. That's alongside an expanded historical database covering 72 years of football history. Whether players want to rewrite the past or create a new future, Football Mogul 24 has it all.

17 Out Of The Park Baseball Series

GM Games User Score: 9

Non-Football Manager Sports Sims- OOTP Baseball 20
Out Of The Park Baseball

Platform(s)
Microsoft Windows , Linux , macOS
Released
March 24, 2023
Developer
Out of the Park Developments
Genre(s)
Sports

The Out of the Park Baseball series has been the premier baseball management sim since its first installment in 1999. The 2007 edition even managed to beat the legendary Orange Box on Metacritic. Then it had a brief stint under Football Manager creators Sports Interactive but has since been published by developers Out of the Park Developments directly.

The series has received official licensing from both Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball since OOTP 2016, so fans can now pick out their favorite players to make their team the best in the world. Each game was well received by fans, improving with each entry, until OOTP 2024 proved a little rough around the edges. Until it gets some improvements, it may be best to seek out older entries like OOTP 2021.

16 Tennis Elbow Manager 2

GM Games User Score: 8.4

Non-Football Manager Sports Sims- Tennis Elbow Manager 2
Tennis Elbow Manager 2

Platform(s)
Microsoft Windows , macOS
Released
June 2, 2021
Developer
Mana Games
Genre(s)
Simulation , sport

If swinging for the fences isn’t a player’s thing, maybe helping a future ace master their lobs and backhands will be more to their liking. In Tennis Elbow Manager 2, players can train up to 9 athletes, build up their skills, gain sponsors, and more as they try to produce the world’s #1 player.

They can stick to the traditional text-based action, or watch their players’ matches in real-time 3D. That, or play as them directly if they don’t trust the AI. Though it’s solid enough as developers Mana Games got real tennis players in to help get things just right. The game’s available on Steam and is considered to be one of the best tennis sims around if not the best overall.

15 Retro Bowl

Metascore: 84

Non-Football Manager Sports Sims- Retro Bowl
Retro Bowl

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , iOS , Android
Released
January 1, 2020
Developer
New Star Games
Genre(s)
Sports , Simulation

If Legend Bowl and Football Mogul don't offer enough touchdowns and shoulder pads, Retro Bowl has their back. New Star Games’ tribute to Tecmo Bowl gives players a simple but extensive take on American Football. Players can only control the offensive team, but they can manage defensive players among other options. They can draft, trade, and cut players, sign any tempting-looking free agents, and boost morale to make their team the best around.

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It was originally a mobile game on iOS and Android, so there are extra perks if players cough up an additional $1. For example, players can edit their uniforms, logos, etc., to resemble their favorite teams. That, or create completely new ones if those NFL teams feel old hat. The game is also available on the Nintendo Switch if players would rather pick up a Joycon than their smartphone.

14 F1 Manager 2023

Metascore: 79

F1 Manager 2023 Setup Tips Satisfaction
F1 Manager 2023

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released
July 31, 2023
Developer(s)
Frontier Developments
Genre(s)
Strategy , Management

There are many racing games based on Formula 1, but there aren’t many management games based on it. EA Sports and Intelligent Games tried one out in 1999 with F1 Manager to middling reviews. They didn’t try again for 23 years when Frontier Developments gave it another shot with F1 Manager 2022, which essentially built upon F1 2020's My Career option.

Players could customize their cars, get new parts, and work with engineers based on real F1 staff to organize their pacing and pit stops to stay in pole position per race. The sequel, F1 Manager 2023, has all the same features, but with some new tracks like the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, and a race replay for players to see their favorite moments from the season. It's still supported by Frontier too, though PC players aren't likely keen on the Denuvo anti-tamper tech they included in the game.

13 Motorsport Manager

Metascore: 81

Non-Football Manager Sports Sims- Motorsport Manager
Motorsport Manager

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , Linux , Microsoft Windows , iOS , macOS
Released
August 21, 2014
Developer
Playsport Games
Genre(s)
Simulation , Sports , Strategy

F1 Manager 2022 was one of the stronger motorsport management games until Frontier Developments suddenly stopped supporting the game 2 months after its release. It took fan backlash to keep the updates coming, and Frontier is still supporting its sequel. But things were smoother for its elder rival, Motorsport Manager.

The game has received consistent updates and a range of DLC since its original release in 2017. It lets players develop their cars, and appoint drivers and engineers to get ahead. However, they have to be careful, as it'll throw in the odd curveball to test players' skills and in-game reputation. Each port is solid, but the PC and Switch versions are arguably the best with their extra tracks and exclusive circuits.

12 Open Wheel Manager 2

Steam Score: 8/10

Best Sports Sims- Open Wheel Manager 2
  • Developer: Paprikash Games
  • Released: October 2023
  • Platform: PC

While it's not the prettiest-looking game in the world, Open Wheel Manager 2 aims to be the best F1 racing management game. Players have to invest in the best drivers, mechanics, and cars to create the ultimate racing team. With the right sponsorships and strategies, they can make a strong car that can put their name on the game's digital map.

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Players can use the 3D features to watch over their performance and see where they can improve their strategy, or simply watch as their plan comes together. If they're really confident, they can start off right with a top-tier team and see if they can keep them that way. Otherwise, they start right from the bottom and build their legacy from scratch, watching their team gradually go from contenders to champions.

11 Pro Cycling Manager 2022

Steam Score: 9/10

20 Non-FM Sports Sims- Pro Cycling Manager 2022
Pro Cycling Manager 2022

Platform(s)
PC
Released
June 9, 2022
Developer(s)
Cyanide Studio
Genre(s)
Simulation , Racing , Sports

Racing in a car can be impressive, though it's not quite as physical as cycling. Cyanide has been making Cycling Manager games since 2001, with the intent of replicating what goes into preparing for a professional cycling race, including the world-famous Tour de France, where cyclists pass through the Pyrenees and Alps to reach the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

The latest game is Pro Cycling Manager 2023, though the best is arguably Pro Cycling Manager 2022. It brought in a new scouting system for the player to build up their team, which would improve the further they went into the game. The new riders would also develop more dynamically through training, with more varied tracks and stats making a bigger impact on play. It's a PC exclusive, and available via Steam.

10 Teamfight Manager

Steam Score: 9/10

Non-Football Manager Sports Sims- Teamfight Manager
Teamfight Manager

Platform(s)
Microsoft Windows , Nintendo Switch , iOS
Released
March 1, 2021
Developer
Team Samoyed
Genre(s)
Simulation , Indie Games , Strategy , Sports

Here’s a meta entry: a game where the player manages a team of other video game players. Created by Team Samoyed, Teamfight Manager has players create their own eSport team for matches in a 16-bit take on DOTA. They can pick or ban champions to produce the best combo, then use Training Points to boost one stat or another to make them play better.

They can also upgrade their training center facilities, change their gear, and provide new equipment to keep them strong and happy. Then they can take on the AI or fight their friends in 1v1 battles or 10-player scrums. So, it’s not a bad choice to pep up one’s collection on PC, macOS, and the Nintendo Switch.

9 Astonishing Basketball Manager

GM Games User Score: 8.2

Sports Management Sims- Astonishing Basketball Manager
Astonishing Basketball Manager

Platform(s)
iOS , Microsoft Windows , Android
Released
December 15, 2020
Developer
Aerilys, Astonishing Sports, Studio Zero, Zero Games S.A.S.
Genre(s)
Simulation , Strategy , Sports

For basketball fans, there's Astonishing Basketball Manager, a mobile game that made the leap to PC. It certainly sounds astonishing too, as the game gives the player a life beyond working out tactics, picking players, and switching up strategies. They might have to figure out how to feed their team if the cook gets sick, deal with their players' concerns in real-time via their messages, and take on a rival manager.

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The game wants players to create their own life story on the way to winning the Legend Cup. They can still swap out tired players, arrange time-outs, check the rankings and fan reactions, and do everything a basketball coach does. There are just extra story options for flavor, like helping smaller, local teams, becoming a rock star, and finding romance. Odd as it is, it's a step up from the infamous Livin' Da Dream mode in NBA 2K16.

8 Draft Day Sports: Pro Basketball 2023

GM Games User Score: 9.4

20 Non-FM Sports Sims- Draft Day Sports Pro Basketball 2023
  • Developer: Wolverine Studios
  • Released: November 2022
  • Platform: PC

Wolverine Studios' Draft Day Sports franchise has covered all sorts of sports from Pro and College Football to Pro Golf. But their best-rated game was Draft Day Sports: Pro Basketball 2023. It doesn't have the background story options seen in Astonishing Basketball Manager, as the only story that needs telling is the one on the court.

The player picks their favorite team and then tries to reach the top of the league by drafting and trading teammates, hiring the best free agents, and plotting out the team's strategy for their next game. DDS: PB23 lets digital GMs run press conferences, play fantasy basketball, and get rewards for good decision-making. As humble as it looks, its 2D gameplay arguably offers the best basketball management game around on PC.

7 Total Extreme Wrestling 2020

GM Games Score: 9.2/10

Non-Football Manager Sports Sims- Total Extreme Wrestling 2020
Total Extreme Wrestling 2020

Platform(s)
Microsoft Windows
Released
June 1, 2020
Developer
Grey Dog Software
Genre(s)
Simulation , Strategy

The WWE games have had one GM Mode or another based on running their flagship shows since the PS2 days. Still, their take on the world of pro wrestling is too squeaky clean. Where are the TV deal and sponsorship negotiations? The referees and other staff that promoters need to keep things running? The prima donna wrestlers throwing spanners into the works at the last minute? Total Extreme Wrestling has all that and more.

Since its original incarnation as Extreme Warfare in 1995, the series has received intermittent new releases. Total Extreme Wrestling 2020 is regarded as the best of the bunch, but can only be downloaded directly from Grey Dog Software's website. The action is told all through text and stats but has plenty of options to keep people on their toes. Players can book their storylines, assign gimmicks to their wrestlers, and work out their foibles in the name of TV ratings.

6 Journey of Wrestling

The Acclaimed In-Browser Booking Game

Best Sports Sims- Journey of Wrestling
  • Developer: Mahin
  • Released: 2021
  • Platforms: PC, Mac, smartphone web browsers

The only issue some may find with TEW games is that they can be intimidating to beginners. What's the best TV network to go for? How violent should their show's content be? Which things should they check first? Eventually, they can get to grips with it, but there is an alternative that's just as intriguing, but more beginner-friendly, and it's free! Kind of.

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Players can just go to the website on any device and play Journey of Wrestling right away. But for a one-time fee of $15, they get more options to play with, like running multiple promotions at once, creating as many stables as they like, and taking other players on in multiplayer. Even if they stick to the free game, beginners will have a simple but engaging wrestling GM sim where they can play it fairly and earn their TV ratings, or go all-in and create the kind of chaos not even CZW would touch.

5 World Of Mixed Martial Arts 5

GM Games Score: 9.2

20 Non-FM Sports Sims- World of Mixed Martial Arts 5
  • Developer: Grey Dog Software
  • Released: January 2018
  • Platform: PC

Grey Dog Software also has MMA fans covered with their World of Mixed Martial Arts series, with the latest and biggest entry being World of Mixed Martial Arts 5. Like the Total Extreme Wrestling games, players have to get into the nitty-gritty of running an MMA organization, from negotiating TV deals, handling promotional work, and alternating between massaging and puncturing fighter egos to get them ready for their scheduled fights.

Players have to scout out their fighters through the extensive fighting network, work out their contracts, and use the new Attributes system to build up their stats. Then, once fight night arrives, players will get an extensive blow-by-blow report on their fighters' performances. The game is exclusive to PCs but has to be downloaded directly from Grey Dog Software's website. Steam only has its predecessor, WMMA3, which is also solid but not as up-to-date as WMMA5.

4 MMA Tycoon

GM Games User Score: 8.9

Best Sports Sims- MMA Tycoon
  • Developer: MMATycoon.com
  • Released: May 2020
  • Platform: Android

Like Journey of Wrestling, MMA Tycoon is free to play. Unlike JoW, it's a free-to-play mobile game, so players may give it a pass if they can't stand the adverts. But if they do give it a try, they'll get the chance to create their own stable of fighters and try to get a spot in the Quick Fighting Championships (QFC).

Between training and fighting, players can expand their businesses by setting up their own gym, clothing company, nutrition company, or their own fighting organization. They can also join forces with other players and get tips on how to get further ahead, whether to go for a BJJ/grappling contest or a kickboxing competition. That, or they can fight them. All in-game fights are against other players, which provides a unique challenge over rival games.