The following benefits can be experienced following sports/deep tissue massage:  

Perceived reduction in muscle tension, muscular pain and discomfort

Increased range of motion, potentially leading to enhanced performance 

Decreased muscle stiffness and soreness after exercise or physical activity

Reduced recovery time post injury  

Increased levels of relaxation and reduction in physical and psychological stress levels

Potentially aid sleep quantity and quality. 

The best way to regard sports massage therapy is as a catalyst to allow for increased benefit from training and other activities.  If sports massage can significantly desensitise tissue, temporarily boost blood flow and reduce symptoms, the subsequent training or rehabilitation program will be more effective due to the removal of discomfort or pain.  Don’t look at sports massage as being beneficial in isolation, it is part of a holistic approach including training, recovery, rest and nutrition.