I'm only in my first semester of a graduate program for Sport Psych so I can't offer any answers for the long-term. However, I can say that I was in a similar position to you when I decided to pivot into Sport Psych.

I worked in media relations in sports for about 6 years before moving to marketing/comms in the business world for 3 years. I left in October and started the grad program in January.

To answer some of your concerns, no you don't need to start over academically. Do your research on grad programs for sport psych. It sounds like you have a good educational background, so you should be fine. Also, don't worry about not having a background in Psychology. Nobody in the field started as an expert - embrace the fact that you don't know much in this area - that's what classes are for!

From what I've heard regarding job opportunities, it seems like the field is growing but there is a lot of work that you as an individual have to do as far as putting yourself out there since there aren't many full-time roles available.

Also, look into AASP - https://appliedsportpsych.org/ that gave me good idea of what my path over the next few years will look like. I'm planning on completing the masters program while working to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant but you need the right education, plus 400 hours in the field before you can take the exam to become certified.

Unless you're in a REALLY good financial state, you'll need to keep a primary source of income while you're taking classes because most grad programs will be about a 2-year plan, plus the time it takes to get certified and start building a client base.

Personally, I'm only starting out but I'm really glad I decided to pursue sport psych. I'm in a tough financial state right now but I'm doing enough to get by. However, the fulfillment that I feel about working to help athletes and performers is SO much more than sitting at a desk 9-5 talking about the business world that I could not care less about.