University Master's Degree in Sports Management — Online

The University Master’s Degree in Sports Management offers, on the one hand, an overview of the most relevant aspects in the operations of companies in the current sports industry, and on the other hand, dissects some more specific areas, such as the management of events and sports facilities and sport sponsorship.

The program not only provides the theoretical knowledge necessary to understand the context of the sector, but above all, it focuses on practical learning and developing the most necessary competencies and skills required in sport management.

This master’s degree is aimed primarily at people who are passionate about sport, involved in both the business and sport fields, at athletes (active or not) who want to educate themselves in sport management, and university graduates who want to focus their professional career on the sports industry.

Ensar Demir Sportradar, Financial Systems Lead - Johan Cruyff Institute

“The international student community provided a diverse and dynamic learning environment, fostering global perspectives. The study trip to Amsterdam was a standout, offering firsthand exposure to sports-related companies, clubs, and organizations. This program has not only equipped me with valuable insights but has also facilitated meaningful connections in th esports business realm.”

Ensar Demir Financial Systems Lead Sportradar

Basic information

Qualification

Certificate for the University Master's Degree in Sports Management from Johan Cruyff Institute, issued by using blockchain technology to guarantee the authenticity and integrity of the certificate.

Modality
Online
Start date
September 14, 2027
Credits
60 ECTS
Program language
English
Schedule

Online

Price
€ 9,960.-

€166 per ECTS credit. Tuition fee: €9,960: €1,000 pre-enrollment fee + €8,960 enrollment fee + €30.21 non-refundable enrollment fees. Course fee for 2026/27

Payment methods

Installment payment options available

Special conditions

Discount for alumni and members of related entities

Enrollment

Registration open. Limited places available

The program may be subject to change.
The institution reserves the right to cancel the edition of the program if it does not meet the minimum number of students.


5 keys to motivate you

Personal and professional growth

The investment you make for a few months will have a lasting impact on your career and is an experience for life.

Networking

A full program of online seminars with industry experts is an excellent opportunity to expand your professional network.

Job opportunities

We compile for you a list of job offers from around the world in the field of sports and send them to you on a weekly basis.

The nearest online program

You study from anywhere in the world, but you are always in contact with your teachers, professionals and classmates, so your learning experience is very engaging.

Study trip

If you want to go further, the program offers you the possibility of a trip where you will continue your studies while living an unforgettable experience. Not included in the price.

Objectives

8 Goals to help you excel professionally

8 Goals to help you excel professionally

Meet the business reality, learn to recognize business opportunities, anticipate changes, be prepared to make the most of the resources of any company or sports organization.

These are the objectives of a program designed to launch your professional project:

  1. Define the socio-economic framework in which sports companies find themselves in order to carry out strategic management.
  2. Recognize, negotiate and use available financial resources to sustainably manage a sports entity.
  3. Identify indicators to develop the potential of the people who make up a sports company.
  4. Design the commercial management of sports products and services through marketing strategies and plans.
  5. Economically manage infrastructures and sports facilities.
  6. Plan and manage sporting events.
  7. Apply the knowledge and skills learned in a professional environment in the field of sport management.
  8. Create a business plan or a project related to sport management.

Study plan

12 Modules 60 ECTS

The study plan of the University Master’s Degree in Sports Management consists of 10 compulsory study subjects.

Mandatory modules

54 ECTS

Mandatory Core

54 ECTS

  1. Sports Economics and Sports Law

    6 ECTS

    Analysis of the demand and supply of sport events
    Study of production theory in the sporting events market
    Analysis of cost structure of sport clubs and the trend towards debt
    Analysis of institutions and Sport Governance
    Rationality and incentives in sport
    Introduction to the legal framework of the sport industry
  2. Strategic Management and Governance in Sports

    6 ECTS

    Strategic Planning and Analysis
    Strategic Implementation
    Legal and regulatory framework in sport and its impact on the economic decisions in sport organizations
    Governance in the Sports Sector
  3. Financial Management for Sports

    6 ECTS

    Profit and loss structure: economic ratios
    Balance sheet structure: financial ratios
    Financial-economic diagnosis
    Financial and capital planning
    Funding: ways to finance sport business; taxation
     Analysis and assessment of sport investment projects
  4. Innovation, Entrepeneurship and Leadership in the Sports sector

    6 ECTS

    Innovation Projects
    Leadership-related actions
    Talent atraction, retention and development
    Recruitment, people and team management
    Growing the business: Generation of change
    Human resources evaluation indicators and management
    Entrepreneurial process
    Innovation and social entrepreneurship
    Leading and managing creativity
    Design and innovation of business models for the sport industry and creation of sport businesses
  5. Sports Marketing

    6 ECTS

    Introduction to sport marketing
    Marketing strategies adapted to sports environment
    Branding in sport
    Digital marketing strategies and their integration in sports companies and organizations
    Social media as a marketing tool
    Communication and content planning
    Market analysis and research
  6. Sports Sponsorship

    6 ECTS

    Introduction to Sports Sponsorship
    Comparison between Sports and Non-Sports Sponsorship
    Principles and values of Sponsorship
    Relationship framework with agents in the sports ecosystem
    Key success factors in Sports Sponsorship
    Communication of Sports Sponsorship
    Types of Sponsorship
    Objectives of Sports Sponsorship
  7. Sports Facilities Management

    6 ECTS

    Strategic planning of facilities: elements that make up the sport market
    Factors that affect the viability of a facility
    The implementation of sport services
    Tools to design and promote sport services
    Pricing strategy
    Organisation
    Design of working processes and organisational structure
    Management control systems
    Scorecard design and control
    Identification of the economic viability of a facility
    Incomes and expenses of sport facilities
  8. Sports Events Management

    6 ECTS

    Types of events
    Organisational models
    Bidding preparation and submission process
    Stages of the event
    Economic management
    Communication and promotion strategy for the event
    Human resources needs, selection, and management
    Risk Management
    Legacy: Management systems and best practices
  9. Master's Degree Final Project

    6 ECTS

Elective modules

6 ECTS

Elective Core

6 ECTS

Choose 1

  1. Research Methods

    6 ECTS

  2. Digitalisation and Sustainability in the Sports Industry

    6 ECTS

  3. Work Placement

    6 ECTS

The online program includes the possibility to participate in the study trip to Amsterdam (at a surcharge).

Pedagogical model

You are the protagonist

You are the protagonist

The University Master’s Degree in Sports Management puts you at the center of your education. You will enjoy learning based on a learning-by-doing methodology. We encourage collaborative work and transfer the content to specific situations in sport management (connective teaching methodologies and social constructivism). Our expert faculty staff will guide you in the learning process, providing high quality training with the flexibility of online study.

Johan Cruyff Institute uses a learning environment rich in educational tools to foster a model based on the interaction between the student, the group and the teacher.

Learning by doing

Learn theoretical concepts and quickly put them into practice while using the most innovative tools in sport management.

Teamwork

Work on different projects with people of different nationalities and professional backgrounds who share with you their team spirit and passion for sport.

Challenging business cases

Face real business challenges, tackling the challenges that companies in the sports sector face on a daily basis.

Different learning environments

Imagine a master’s degree where it is possible to go beyond the boundaries of the classroom, whether it is virtual or faceto-face.

Career opportunities

Choose from multiple career paths

Prepare yourself to perform multiple functions in different areas of sport and apply what you learn immediately in your professional work, either for a company or organization or as an entrepreneur.

We have created a master’s degree that gives you an overview of sport management, but also delves into various functional areas of companies operating in this market. These are some of the job opportunities available to you:

Choose from multiple career paths

Sports Competitions

  • Sports director of clubs, federations and sports organizations.

Management of Sports Organizations

  • Financial manager in sports organizations.
  • Human resources manager in sports organizations.
  • Director of sports and leisure companies.

Sports Facilities and Events

  • Director of sports facilities.
  • Director of sporting events companies.

Community Sports

  • Manager of sports complexes and municipal facilities.
  • Manager of non-profit sports foundations.
  • Sports manager in public organizations.

Sports Consulting

  • Sports services advisor.

Marketing and Sponsorship

  • Director of marketing for sports organizations.
  • Manager of sponsorship in sports organizations.

75% of students work in the sports industry after their Master’s Degree.

The best network of collaborators
170 partnerships with companies
Ajax Amsterdam
ALFA College
Barça Innovation Hub
Escuela Nacional del Deporte
Fontys Economishe Hogeschool
FUAB
Girona FC
Hanzehogeschool Groningen
Johan Cruyff Arena
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Participant profile

Is this the Master's degree you are looking for?

The University Master’s Degree in Sports Management Online is right for you, if:

  • You’re an (ex) athlete looking for education and a degree in sport management to give your professional career a boost.
  • You’re working in a business environment and want to specialize in the sports industry.
  • You wish to complete your education with a Master specializing in the administration and management of sports.
  • You’re a working professional who wishes to focus on a career in the sports industry.
Elena Usova Mixed Ability Rugby World Cup, Assistant Tournament Director - Johan Cruyff Institute

“The application of the knowledge was a boost to the development of the sport at the time and to my professional development and is still very useful in my current work.”

Elena Usova Assistant Tournament Director Mixed Ability Rugby World Cup

Faculty

Learn from the best professionals

University professors and researchers, businessmen, managers, entrepreneurs… All of them are passionate about teaching, and in many cases they combine their educational function with their professional activity.

Admission

How can I apply for the program?

If you are interested in joining this program, please complete the pre-registration form. Your application will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee, which will assess your personal and professional achievements, as well as your aspirations and motivation, in relation to the objectives of the programme. Within a maximum of 72 hours, one of our advisors will contact you to provide further information and guide you through the next steps.

Requirements

This master’s degree is an official university degree and, therefore, you need a bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS in the EU, or equivalent) to be able to do it. Admission conditions vary depending on your academic record:

No entrance exam

You can access the master’s degree if you have an official university degree in the fields of Business Administration, Economics, Marketing, Tourism, or their equivalents.

With entrance exam

If you have a university degree in another discipline you can also access the program, but you will have to take an exam where we evaluate your knowledge in four areas: accounting, marketing, finance and strategic management (therefore the master’s degree is also suitable for those of you who have some kind of business background).

Tuition amount

€166 per ECTS credit. Tuition fee: €9,960: €1,000 pre-enrollment fee + €8,960 enrollment fee + €30.21 non-refundable enrollment fees. Course fee for 2026/27

How can I apply for the program?

Enrollment process

The final selection of candidates for the program is made through a four-stage admission process:

  1. Pre-registration form

    To apply for admission to the program you must fill out a pre-registration form in which you tell us about your personal and professional achievements, so that we can get to know you.

  2. Admissions Committee

    The Admissions Committee of Johan Cruyff Institute studies your file and evaluates your application by examining your profile.

  3. Personal interview

    You are unique, and that is how we treat you. If you meet the requirements, you will have a personal interview where we will assess whether your aspirations and motivations for pursuing this program are in line with the objectives of the program.

  4. Admission

    Within 72 hours, one of our advisors will contact you. If you have received a positive evaluation, he/she will provide you with all the information you need to enroll in the master’s program.

Start date
September 14, 2027

What our students and alumni say

Belén Morán Romero CSD - High Performance Athlete Support Program, PROAD Consultant - Johan Cruyff Institute

Belén Morán Romero

“Johan Cruyff Institute’s Blended Master is very well organized to make everything compatible. It has allowed me not only to follow the classes while competing in another part of the world, but also to get good grades. Competition and travel are no excuse for not taking a master’s degree. It’s a perfect program.”

CSD - High Performance Athlete Support Program

PROAD Consultant

Alumnus of the Master in Sports Business and Marketing

Ntsako Baloyi NXT LVL Sports, Founder & CEO - Johan Cruyff Institute

Ntsako Baloyi

“I would definitely recommend studying at Johan Cruyff Institute to anyone looking to start a career in the sports industry. Opportunities like this are rare, you gain exposure to all levels of the sector, from innovation and marketing to sponsorship and governance.”

Owen Delarue Benelux (Playtomic), Partner Success Specialist - Johan Cruyff Institute

Owen Delarue

“Tailored to the sector or interests of the students, the teachers present cases and examples related to the specific industry or sport that resonates with the majority of the students. Additionally, the program offers outstanding networking opportunities, fostering the development of lifelong friendships.”

Benelux (Playtomic)

Partner Success Specialist

Alumnus of the Master in Sports Business and Marketing

FAQs

What master’s degrees does Johan Cruyff Institute offer?

Johan Cruyff Institute offers specialized master's degrees in Sport Management, Sport Marketing and Sponsorship, Football Business, and Coaching. Each program combines advanced knowledge, strategic insight, and practical application to prepare students for leadership roles in the sports industry. Depending on the program and market, master's degrees are available in online, on-campus, or blended formats.

Why should I pursue a master’s degree at Johan Cruyff Institute?

Johan Cruyff Institute is an academic institution dedicated exclusively to the sports industry, created to educate the next generation of sports leaders. Our programs combine academic excellence with a hands-on methodology based on real-world challenges, faculty made up of leading industry professionals, and an international network of students, alumni, and sports organizations. Everything is inspired by Johan Cruyff's philosophy of learning by doing and leading with impact.

How do I know which master’s degree is right for me?

The best choice depends on your academic background, professional experience, career goals, and availability. Whether you're looking to accelerate your career, specialize in a particular field, or prepare for greater leadership responsibilities, our Admissions team can help you identify the master's degree that best matches your profile and aspirations.

Have a question about this program?

If there is anything you could not find on this page, send us your question and our admissions team will get back to you.

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