Starting on October 12, 2026. Last remaining spots!

Master in Football Business Management

8 Months
Oct 12. 2026
Online
English

Description

Our Master in Football Business Management explores the relationship between football and business. You’ll explore in-depth analyses of different facets of the football sector from a business standpoint – from Marketing and Sponsorships to Financial Management and Sustainable Practices.

Learn from anywhere while joining a global classroom. Our live sessions encourage dialogue, networking, and constant engagement with faculty and peers from across the world.

Forget textbook theory – SBI’s methodology is practical and based on real-life cases and scenarios needed for a career in football management. We will prepare you for the situations that industry leaders face everyday.

We offer two in-person events: World Football Summit in Madrid and the graduation ceremony in Barcelona, including exclusive visits to top clubs and networking with industry leaders.

The Master in Football Business Management is endorsed by Florida Global University, an academic institution based in Miami, USA, ensuring international academic standards and recognition.

More than a master's degree, it's a program to prepare you for a career in football business management. 

Key benefits

Professionals training professionals

Learn from senior executives at leading football clubs, federations, agencies, and brands. Our guest speakers share real insights, current challenges, and success stories from inside the industry, so you can apply what you learn immediately.

One-on-one Career Advice

Football industry professionals will guide you and create a pathway to help you navigate your next career steps with confidence and clarity.

From the classroom to the field

We help you connect with real-life opportunities in clubs, agencies, and sports organizations to gain practical experience and build industry connections.

Build a Global Football Network

You’ll be part of a global community of football professionals. From live sessions to in-person events, you’ll build a network that opens doors and lasts far beyond graduation.

Academic Overview

Term 1. The Business of Football.

ain a solid foundation in how the football business industry works—from marketing and sponsorship to operations, finance, and emerging trends like blockchain and sustainability.

  • Introduction to the Business of Football
  • Marketing in the Football Industry
  • Sponsorship Management & Activation in Football
  • Stadium Management and Club Operations in Football
  • Commercial Disruption in Football
  • Blockchain, Fan Tokens & New Partnership Initiatives
  • Running a Sustainable Football Club
  • Financial Management in a Football Sports Property

Term 2. Digital & Global Strategy

Learn how clubs grow and engage fans through digital marketing, data, content, and international expansion. A hands-on look at football’s digital transformation.

  • Digital Marketing & Monetization in Football
  • Digital Transformation in Football – Innovation & Fan Experiences
  • CRM and Data Analytics in Football
  • Football Fan Engagement and Community Relations
  • Social Media Management in Football
  • Communications in Football
  • International Strategy of a Football Club
  • TV Broadcasting Rights
  • Artificial Intelligence in Football: Strategy, Innovation & Growth

Term 3. Football Law, Sport Directorship & Player Ecosystem

Explore the legal, personal and leadership aspects of football—from player representation and athlete branding to sports law and executive decision-making.

  • Athlete Brand Management in Football
  • Player Representation in the Football Industry
  • The Role of the Sporting Director
  • Sports Law and Legislation in the Football Industry
  • FIFA Law
  • Leadership in Football
  • Final Project

* Please note that some program content may be subject to change

Live Experiences

Your journey through the business of football begins with global insight and
ends with an unforgettable celebration.

Your journey kicks off in Madrid at the prestigious World Football Summit—where you’ll connect with global industry leaders alongside your new teammates. It all comes full circle in Barcelona with an unforgettable graduation week: exclusive club visits, hands-on case studies, a once-in-a-lifetime ceremony at the iconic RCD Espanyol stadium, and a final dinner celebration you’ll never forget.

Term 2. Digital & Global Strategy

Learn how clubs grow and engage fans through digital marketing, data, content, and international expansion. A hands-on look at football’s digital transformation.

  • Digital Marketing & Monetization in Football
  • Digital Transformation in Football – Innovation & Fan Experiences
  • CRM and Data Analytics in Football
  • Football Fan Engagement and Community Relations
  • Social Media Management in Football
  • Communications in Football
  • International Strategy of a Football Club
  • TV Broadcasting Rights
  • Artificial Intelligence in Football: Strategy, Innovation & Growth

* Please note that some program content may be subject to change.

TERM 3 | Mar-Apr-May

Explore the legal, personal and leadership aspects of football—from player representation and athlete branding to sports law and executive decision-making.

  • Athlete Brand Management in Football
  • Player Representation in the Football Industry
  • The Role of the Sporting Director
  • Sports Law and Legislation in the Football Industry
  • FIFA Law
  • Leadership in Football
  • Final Project

* Please note that some program content may be subject to change

* Please note that some program content may be subject to change.

Live Experiences

Your journey through the business of football begins with global insight and
ends with an unforgettable celebration.

Your journey kicks off in Madrid at the prestigious World Football Summit—where you’ll connect with global industry leaders alongside your new teammates. It all comes full circle in Barcelona with an unforgettable graduation week: exclusive club visits, hands-on case studies, a once-in-a-lifetime ceremony at the iconic RCD Espanyol stadium, and a final dinner celebration you’ll never forget.

* Please note that some program content may be subject to change.

INTERNSHIPS

Top Line-Up of industry guest speakers

Thomas Rypens

Innovation & Insights Director at Club Brugge

Simon Chadwick

Professor of AfroEurasian Sport | Specialist in navigating the complexities of 21st century global sport

Rocio Torres

Head of Sustainability & Responsible Business at Atlético de Madrid

Marco Castenalleta

Marketing Director at Juventus FC

Lorenzo Serafini

Head of Digital Communications at Atlético de Madrid

Kieran Maguire

 Football Finance Lecturer at University of Liverpool 

Keith Wyness

Former CEO of Aston Villa, Aberdeen, and Everton FC

Juli Ferré

VP of Partnerships at Legends Global (Former FC Barcelona, AS Monaco, LaLiga Executive)    

Jorge Bretos

Director Eventos y Stadium Tour en Sevilla Futbol Club SAD

Alberto Piccolo

Stadium Events & Operations Manager. AC Milan

Pablo Pérez

Head of International Business at Valencia FC & Lecturer

John Buitron

Sports Marketing I ex-Inter Miami CF Senior Social Media

Eduard Castell

Business Stadium Manager at Valencia CF

Simon Meehan

Head of Content at Newcastle United

Mario Leo

General Manager at RESULT Sports & Director at Digital Sports Africa

Thomas Rypens

Innovation & Insights Director at Club Brugge

Simon Chadwick

Professor of AfroEurasian Sport | Specialist in navigating the complexities of 21st century global sport

Rocio Torres

Head of Sustainability & Responsible Business at Atlético de Madrid

Marco Castenalleta

Marketing Director at Juventus FC

Lorenzo Serafini

Head of Digital Communications at Atlético de Madrid

Kieran Maguire

 Football Finance Lecturer at University of Liverpool 

Keith Wyness

Former CEO of Aston Villa, Aberdeen, and Everton FC

Juli Ferré

VP of Partnerships at Legends Global (Former FC Barcelona, AS Monaco, LaLiga Executive)    

Jorge Bretos

Director Eventos y Stadium Tour en Sevilla Futbol Club SAD

Alberto Piccolo

Stadium Events & Operations Manager. AC Milan

Pablo Pérez

Head of International Business at Valencia FC & Lecturer

John Buitron

Sports Marketing I ex-Inter Miami CF Senior Social Media

Eduard Castell

Business Stadium Manager at Valencia CF

Simon Meehan

Head of Content at Newcastle United

Mario Leo

General Manager at RESULT Sports & Director at Digital Sports Africa

Is this for you?

Executives from other sectors

Bring your business expertise into football and explore new career paths.

Already working in the industry

Grow your network and boost your impact in the global football industry.

Recent graduates

Kickstart your career in football with real-world insights and mentorship.

Professional football players

Prepare for life after the pitch with top-level business training.

Our students work at:

Master in Football Business Management Alumni

“If you want to learn both knowledge about football but meet people from around the globe, this would be the perfect course.”

Colin Quinn

Scotland

Master in Football Business Management Alumni

“I would 100% recommend the SBI Master course mainly for the relationships you get to build and the background in football business knowledge that you gain.”

Lucas Humphries

UK

Master in Football Business Management Alumni

“The mentorship was amazing. Improved me a lot in the academical way and in my professional way.”

Kassem Kafal

Lebanon

Requirements

Working Proficiency in English

Applicants must have sufficient English skills to participate in discussions, complete assignments, and engage with course materials.

Relevant Professional Experience:

A university degree is not required, but experience in digital media, marketing, sports, or related fields is highly beneficial and supports deeper engagement with the program.

Collaboration, and Passion for Football:

The program is intensive and collaborative, requiring active participation and adaptability. A strong interest in the football industry is essential to drive innovation and impact.

How to apply

1

Pay the Application Fee

Click on ¨Apply Now¨ and Pay the 120 Euro application fee.

*Application fee is fully refundable for those candidates that are not accepted.

2

Send your documents

Send your updated CV and motivation letter to admissions@sbibarcelona.com

The SBI Academic Board will review your application. You will receive an admission notification within 5 business days after applying.

3

Secure your Spot

Upon admission you will be provided instructions to pay the tuition fees via bank transfer.

More than a Master's degree, it's a learning experience

Ready to lead the future of the football industry?

Your Investment: 8000€

Live Weekly Masterclasses

Prepare yourself with professionals active in the top clubs in the industry

Guaranteed Internships

You will do consulting projects with football clubs such as AC Milan, Club Brugge, Valencia CF and others.

One-on-one Mentorships

You will have access to mentoring sessions with executives experienced at clubs such as Manchester United, Inter Milan, FC Barcelona and others.

Access to the WFS Madrid

As a student you will have access to the World Football Summit in Madrid, the most important event in the industry.

Graduation in Barcelona

Graduate in one of the most vibrant cities around football: where you can network and enjoy a graduation dinner.

Lifetime Access

You will have lifetime access to all materials and SBI’s alumni community and network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Of course not! Our courses are made to accommodate students from a variety of backgrounds, providing both general education and specialist information about the football business sector. Nonetheless, it would be advantageous to have a strong passion for football and a great interest in the commercial aspect of the game.

The live online classes for the Master’s in Football Business & Management are normally 2-3 times weekly at 8pm (GMT +1), in accordance with local time in Spain.

You should expect to dedicate 6-10 hours of self-study on a weekly basis. This will include live classes and independent study.

The program has been designed to be done in parallel with other professional/academic/personal commitments. This means you should expect to dedicate 4-8 hours of self-study on a weekly basis. You will have 24/7 access to all content which allows you to fit it in according to your agenda and reflects the course’s flexible nature.

Our students can connect with teachers and other students through a variety of ways. We offer live sessions, group projects, and create a Whatsapp group enabling students to voice their doubts and share content, creating a vibrant learning community.

At SBI we have several agreements signed with numerous clubs, leagues, federations and other football organizations, for students to undertake practical internships. You will gain real-life experience working directly with football executives that assign you relevant projects. Internships are also available virtually so students do not need to relocate for this practical internship opportunity.

Our Master in Football Business & Management is issued by the Sports Business Institute Barcelona and academically-recognized by Florida Global University, based in Miami, USA. The program is not restricted to the traditional academic constraints which allow for the curriculum to be football industry-oriented rather than “textbook theory-based”.

In order to formally apply to the program you need to select “Apply Now” and fill out the application form. Once you have paid the 120 euro application fee, you will need to send your updated CV, motivation letter outlining why you would like to join and why you would be suitable, and a copy of your passport. Our admissions team will reach out to you within 5 business days to let you know if you have been accepted into the program.

We’re here to help! Reach out and we’ll get you the info you need. Book a call now!

Got more
questions?

We’re here to help! Reach out and we’ll get you the info you need. Book a call now!

Stay up to date with the latest trends and insights that are driving the football business industry on our blog.

Sports Business Institute Barcelona
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