- Sports management degrees lead to careers in events management, marketing, and sports club management across Europe.
- Europe hosts iconic sports brands and events, making it ideal for aspiring sports managers.
- AISTS in Lausanne offers an IOC-endorsed Master's in Sport Management, focusing on leadership in sports organisations.
- Johan Cruyff Institute provides various sports management programmes in Barcelona and Amsterdam, with real-world case studies.
- ESBS in Valencia offers a Global Sport Business Master with international study experiences and industry collaborations.
A sports management degree can open doors to careers in events management, marketing, business development and even sports club management or entrepreneurship. If you’re already fascinated by the behind-the-scenes running of sports events and brands, it’s a fantastic career option. But where exactly should you study sports management?
Europe has lots of options for budding sports managers. It’s the home of some of the world’s most iconic sports brands, particularly in the world of football (the modern game probably originated in Europe!). It’s where the Olympics were founded. Today, it’s home to popular basketball, rugby union and cricket leagues.
If you want to work in sports in Europe, a sports management degree can get you there. On this programme, you’ll explore everything from the legal aspects of the sports industry to financial management and communication. Most universities partner with sports brands to deliver their programmes, meaning students can get hands-on experience while they study.
So, where are the best places to study sports management in Europe? These are our top five picks.
Study sports management in Europe at these top schools
International Academy of Sport Science and Technology – AISTS
The International Academy of Sport Science and Technology (AISTS) is in Lausanne, which is home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), giving the city the title of Olympic Capital. In these prestigious surroundings, students can study a Master’s degree in Sport Management and Technology at AISTS, a degree that’s actually endorsed by the IOC. The curriculum blends sports business, technology and governance to prepare students for leadership roles in diverse sports organisations.
Hands-on experience is a crucial part of the programme, and students benefit from AISTS’ location in Switzerland. Students participate in visits to organisations like the IOC, UEFA and FIBA, where they can experience sports management from the inside – and get a taste of life as an athlete! Ultimately, 90% of graduates from the programme continue to work in sports management.
Student Review
Excellent program with a diverse set of modules to have an holistic view of the world of sports. Amazing location in the Olympic Capital which inspires all sport lovers. You are going to be surrounded by many sports federations, sport enthusiasts which translates into many events always happening.
AISTS is always helping its students and their professional development through networking with their community.
Johan Cruyff Institute
Inspired by the Dutch football legend, the Johan Cruyff Institute teaches a range of sports management programmes on its two European campuses in Barcelona and Amsterdam, as well as online for students who can’t attend in person. Programme options include a Master’s in Sport Management and a Bachelor’s in Sport and Business.
The institute was created by sports fans for sports fans, and helps athletes, professionals and career changers to pursue a career in their dream industry. Whether in Amsterdam or Barcelona, students get to work on real case studies from sports clubs and benefit from teaching faculty with real experience in the sports industry. The institute is also top-ranked – it placed 13th globally in 2024’s SportBusiness Postgraduate Course Rankings.
Student Review
The Fundamentals of Sports Management at the Johan Cruyff Institute has provided me with a solid foundation for understanding the various financial, management, marketing, … aspects of the sporting world. In my case, the course is online, and the service and methodology applied make you have a constant interaction with your classmates and a follow-up to your measure by the tutor.
University of Jyväskylä
The University of Jyväskylä is a powerhouse in sports education, ranking in the top 50 globally for sports-related programmes. It offers an English-taught Master’s in Responsible Management and Business of Sport (RESPO), a unique programme emphasising ethical and responsible management practices. There are two specialisations to choose from, allowing students to pursue an element of sports management that matches their career aspirations.
Jyväskylä is known as Finland’s capital of sport and the home of cutting-edge sports research institutes such as the Finnish Institute of High Performance Sport. So, in addition to state-of-the-art research facilities, studying at the University of Jyväskylä offers close ties to elite sports institutions and hands-on learning opportunities.
Universidad Europea
Fancy studying sports management in the home of AC Milan? Universidad Europea in Milan offers Bachelor’s, Master’s and MBA degrees in Sports Management, all taught in collaboration with the Real Madrid Graduate School. In addition to providing students with direct access to this prestigious sports club, the curriculum is also informed by the expertise of sports management professionals.
The Bachelor’s in Sports Management is a four-year programme that offers an in-depth study of sports leadership. It includes modules on communication, economics and law, and students spend their final year in the US on an exchange. Meanwhile, the MBA in Sports Management is designed for experienced professionals looking to switch careers or aim for executive leadership roles. If you’re interested in eSports, then you might choose to study the Master’s in Sports Marketing & eSports Management.
Student Review
I had a nice experience at this university, I learned a lot from all the mixture of cultures that I was able to get to know, thanks to having shared a classroom with classmates and friends of different nationalities. Also, the teachers were excellent guides in the subjects I took there and they always answered all my questions.
On the other hand, the university is big, it has many spaces to study, the library is well stocked and the gym is incredible. In addition, it has a beautiful lake that beautifies the view.
I would honestly live this incredible experience again.
ESBS European Sport Business School
ESBS is ranked among the world’s top 20 sports management schools by SportBusiness, and the best school in Spain. From its headquarters in Valencia, ESBS offers a Bachelor’s in Sport Marketing and Events Management, but the flagship programme is the Global Sport Business Master. This 18-month degree includes international study experiences in the USA, Germany and South Korea, giving students international knowledge of the sports industry.
The school is known for its small class sizes and strong industry collaborations. For example, modules are taught in partnership with the Global Sports Innovation Center powered by Microsoft (GSIC). Additionally, students gain exposure to LaLiga clubs in Spain and international sporting events.
Conclusion
For sports fans, there’s no better place to study sports management than in Europe. From football leagues to athletics, skiing, rugby, and growing eSports leagues, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in sports management in Europe will allow you to network with top sports professionals across all kinds of disciplines and organisations.
At the five institutions we’ve chosen, fundamental knowledge and practical experience go hand-in-hand. Plus, many of the programmes include collaboration with leading sports organisations, whether in the world of football or sports research, giving you additional opportunities to learn and prepare for your future career.
Are you curious as to what careers you can actually access after studying sports management? Check out our blog on the jobs you can do with a sports management degree.
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