European Sports Business Program (ESBP)

ESBP

3 Modules. 3 Top Business Schools. 3 European Metropolises - 1 Business Management Program for Leaders in Sports Business. Let's create impact together.

3 modules
3 leading business schools
3 European cities
1 executive program in sports business

 

Apply Here

The European Sports Business Program combines the passion of sports with business management, all within the context of a rapidly digitalizing world. I can highly recommend the program to other executives within European sports.

Elisabet Borg
CIO, The Swedish Sports Confederation
 
IMPACT

Unlock opportunities in sports business leadership 

The executive education divisions of WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE), and ESSEC Business School jointly offer the European Sports Business Program (ESBP), designed for current and future leaders in sports business. 

The program prepares high-potential professionals to address current and future challenges in the sports industry through a tailored executive education format. 

Participants learn to analyse future developments, develop strategies for growth, and translate strategic concepts into commercial outcomes. The program also addresses leadership, goal setting, and organizational culture in managing change. 

Participants gain new perspectives and expand their professional networks through interaction with international peers and industry experts. 

content

 

What Harvard did with the famous Media & Sports course, WHU, SSE, and ESSEC are now doing with the ESBP programme for Europe.

Mark Hartmann
Tech Entrepreneur, Sports Business Expert

 

  • Program content

    The program consists of three on-site modules (three days each) at leading European business schools. 

    Module I – Corporate foresight and strategy making (WHU, Düsseldorf) 

    • Develop a strategic mindset to manage change 
    • Explore digitalization and globalization in sports 
    • Apply structured strategy processes supported by data and AI

    Module II – Management and execution (SSE, Stockholm) 

    • Focus on strategy implementation in sports organizations 
    • Analyse sports as an asset class and its implications  
    • Explore how AI supports performance measurement systems

    Module III – Leadership and culture (ESSEC, Paris) 

    • Understand sports business as a people-centred industry 
    • Develop teams in technology-driven environments 
    • Strengthen purpose-driven leadership

    Learn from renowned faculty - full professors specialized in sports business will facilitate the learning process.  

    Benefit from experienced leaders - world-class experts share insights in guest speaker sessions.  

    Be challenged by your peers - the diverse cohort of ambitious peers will provide a network of new opportunities.  

    This sports leadership program includes a mix of in-class teaching, case studies, group work, guest speakers, applied projects, and networking sessions.

  • Program benefits

    Participants will: 

    • Think and act strategically in a global and digital sports industry 
    • Manage organizations in professional sports 
    • Lead teams and organizations effectively

    Participants will gain: 

    • A network of peers across Europe 
    • Insights from industry experts
    • Access to European sports business environments

    Participants receive: 

    • Best practices from sports organizations 
    • An international professional network 
    • Executive education certificates from three business schools
  • Program format and dates

    The program includes three on-site modules in Düsseldorf, Stockholm, and Paris. 

    Module I: Mar. 9–11, 2026, Düsseldorf  

    Module II: Apr. 27–29, 2026, Stockholm  

    Module III: To be announced, 2026, Paris 

  • Pricing

    Option 1 – Full program 

    Full access to all three modules Price: EUR 10,650 

    Option 2 – Individual modules 

    Available upon request 

    Option 3 – Preferred partner 

    Special rates apply for organizations with ongoing collaboration 

  • Eligibility

    Participants should have: 

    • A completed undergraduate degree 
    • At least two years of postgraduate experience, preferably in sports business

    Exceptions may apply for candidates with strong professional experience. 

  • Application

    Apply via the form here and we will contact you with further information.

 

Key benefits

  1. 3x3 DAYS of intense learning and networking experience  
  1. LEVERAGE EUROPEAN BEST PRACTICES and state-of-the-art knowledge to advance your organization 
  1. AT HOME IN EUROPE at modern campuses in European cities and sports hubs 

Düsseldorf, Stockholm, and Paris. A European Sports Business program with a focus on leadership and strategy. With great finesse and a clear purpose, they successfully combine theoretical knowledge and practical experience from the sports industry. Through this program, I have made several new connections with industry professionals that I'm confident will follow me through my career.

Kari Litmanen
Chief Commercial Officer, Rögle BK

 

Corporate Foresight & Strategy Making

After the course, participants will be able to... 

  • Execute a systematic, AI-informed four-step strategy making process from Purpose to Evaluate to Architect to Kickstart (PEAK) 
  • Aspire new boulevards of growth to unlock value streams for a future-ready organization  
  • Evaluate strategic opportunities using AI-enhanced foresight to prioritize scarce resources 
  • Architect a comprehensive strategy that captures the full potential of new business opportunities in digital and global markets  
  • Navigate strategic uncertainty in a world shaped by rapid technological and AI-led disruption 
  • Validate their mastery of modern strategy making with an official certificate from WHU 

Management & Execution

After the course, participants will be able to... 

  • Implement strategies in a rapidly changing industry to remain fit for the future 
  • Analyse funding options for a sports business in a professionalizing investment environment 
  • Set appropriate performance metrics to continuously evaluate and navigate the transformation journey  
  • Manage risk during strategy implementation to balance up- and downside potentials  
  • Prove their knowledge of Management & Execution with an official certificate by SSE 

Leadership & Culture

After the course, participants will be able to... 

  • Lead and motivate high-performing teams to drive change in times of digital acceleration 
  • Create a culture of initiative and innovation to unlock new potential based on both creativity and technology-enabled possibilities 
  • Foster openness to change and resilience in their teams and organizations as new tools and intelligent systems reshape the workplace 
  • Instil a sense of purpose and meaning to help teams thrive in the future of work 
  • Prove their knowledge of Leadership & Culture with an official certificate by ESSEC