In the context of the continuous expansion of China’s sports industry and the increasing market segmentation, the diversified development of the sports industry has led to a multi-layered and specialized demand for talent. As an important base for training applied technical and skilled personnel, the role of vocational colleges in sports industry talent cultivation is becoming increasingly prominent. Using the methods of literature review and logical analysis, this study investigates and analyzes the connotation of sports industry talent cultivation in vocational colleges, the obstacles and difficulties faced, and puts forward prospects for development. The obstacles and difficulties faced by vocational colleges in sports talent cultivation in China include unclear cultivation direction, lack of practical opportunities, lagging behind in the construction of professional teams, and outdated talent evaluation system. Prospects for development: Targeted, closely linked to the development needs of the sports industry; Return to practice, based on sports industry market practice; Incubate talent, reform the sports industry teacher team; Strengthen mechanisms, improve the talent cultivation mechanism for the sports industry.