The Master in Sports Management is a 9-month programme offered by Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea that will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to be a leader within the sports sector. The MBA in Sports Management, ranked one of the top 10 in the world in the SportBusiness Postgraduate Rankings, is designed to give you a broad base, and covers areas such as economics, managerial skills, and marketing and communication. It is one of the most unique sports management MBAs in the world as you will have access to directors and staff at Real Madrid, one of the most recognisable and successfully run sports entities across the globe.
View the Spanish version of the master: Máster Universitario en Dirección de Entidades Deportivas MBA
Alcobendas | 9 months |
Start: 24 feb. 2025 | Faculty of Medicine, Health and Sport |
Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea |
With the Master in Sports Management the student will have the opportunity to study a programme with a clear professional and international focus that shall allow them to acquire all the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed in the sports industry.
A pioneering programme in Spain with a study plan developed by leading professionals, experts from Universidad Europea and professionals from Real Madrid C.F. This programme will give you the broadest possible view of successful business models in the sports industry worldwide, with a special focus on Real Madrid C.F.
This programme offers constant and direct contact with the sports industry and its entities, an international teaching staff, guest lecturers and a variety of networking possibilities—with more than 50 nationalities represented—all designed to enhance your professional development. Besides this you shall also have the chance to complete professional internships in top sports organisations worldwide, including Real Madrid C.F.
Learn from a unique teaching staff made up of more than 50 professionals from leading sports organisations from around the world. Each staff member is internationally renowned in their field and willing to share their experience and knowledge.
Enjoy exclusive experiences such as visits with Real Madrid C.F., the White Week event, guest speakers, live sporting events, networking events and more. You shall have the chance to participate in the organisation of international sporting events.
The School’s academic quality is certified by its 17-year history and 15,000 graduates, most of whom are now successful international professionals in the sports industry.
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This world-renowned programme, featured in the top ten by SportBusiness Postgraduate Rankings among Sports MBAS, ranked top three in Europe and number one in Spain.
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Learn from your classmates and professors from more than 50 different countries.
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Enjoy an international trip (optional) travelling to New York, London, Netherlands or Portugal… you’ll have the chance to choose your international experience among the School’s offer, meeting executives from the most renowned sport institutions worldwide.
For you to make the most of our innovative academic model, Universidad Europea offers a range of advanced facilities equipped with the most innovative technologies.
Get all information about the MBA in Sports Management Subjects
The international character of this programme allows students and professionals in the sports industry to acquire a broad perspective of all existing models of sports management, even beyond the Spanish borders, thanks to the participation of top international professionals. This educational commitment exponentially strengthens the sphere of influence and the professional possibilities of our students.
This Sport Management MBA consists of ten business management modules, followed by an interdisciplinary module on management skills. The programme contains a specialised sports segment and focuses on the marketing, direction and management of sports facilities.
Students shall be familiarised with the places in the city where Real Madrid is present—facilities, sports venues, organisation and management institutions, etc.—as well as the Real Madrid Foundation. They shall also have first-hand experience with the other facilities and management models via visits to: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Ciudad Deportiva del Real Madrid—Real Madrid’s training facilities—Ciudad del Fútbol de la RFEF, Caja Mágica—Madrid Open’s tennis facilities—and other leisure and entertainment spaces ran by public and private entities.
Students shall have the chance to travel to New York with other students from the Real Madrid Graduate School. This trip includes visits to major league organisations such as the NBA, MLS and NHL, major sports venues such as Metlife Stadium and marketing companies such as Octagon. This is one of the best experiences a student studying an Master in Sports Management in Madrid can have, from both a management and operational point of view, as this form of practical learning allows them to put learning into practice.
Module I - General Management in Sports Companies
Module II - Economics and Finance
Module III - Sports facility management and operation
Module IV - Marketing and Communications
Module V - Managerial Skills and Human Resources
Module VI - Specialization Branch A: Entrepreneurship and Sports for Development *
Module VII - Specialization Branch B: Marketing and Communications*
Module VIII - Specialization Branch C: Sports Facility Operation*
Module IX - Internship
Module X - Master’s Thesis
Internships are a key component of your training. Acquiring experience after what you have learnt in your degree is the best way to enter the employment market. There are two types of internships: curricular—which are included in your study plan—and extracurricular—which you can do on a voluntary basis.
In order to complete your curricular internships, you need to have passed 50% of the programme credits and have enrolled in the subject before starting your internship. These internships are monitored by the company and the internship coordinator, and interim and final reports are prepared for evaluation.
If you want to take your work experience to the next level before finishing your university education, you can pursue an extracurricular internship. It’s possible to do internships in any academic year, but keep in mind that they are a complement to your studies; therefore, the more knowledge you acquire throughout your studies, the more you shall benefit from the internship.
All our students benefit from unique opportunities including the completion of a training period by way of a professional internship at a top level sports entity. In addition, our students collaborate in the organisation of live sporting events throughout the master, from the internationally known Madrid Mutua Open (ATP-WTA) to regional events such as triathlons and other sports.
Through this master’s you shall learn through a practical methodology by working on real projects and being in direct contact with the sports industry. Thus, you shall acquire all the skills and tools necessary to succeed professionally. Some of the most relevant opportunities for your sports management career:
Clubs
Federations
Athlete representation
Sports entertainment
Multi-sport events
Innternational sports business development
Sports and exercise services (sport for all)
Sports academies
Fitness/wellness chains
Sports equipment multinationals
Sports infrastructure multinationals
Multinationals which invest in sports sponsorship
Start your future at Universidad Europea
Choosing what to study is one of the most important decisions, so we have a process and an advisory team that will help guide you on this path.
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Start your process by calling +34 911 128 850 or request information and our advisors will contact you.
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Once admitted you can pay your reservation to guarantee it.
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Bring the necessary documentation to formalize your registration.
The admissions process for the Graduate programmes can take place at any time during the year, although enrolment on any graduate programme shall depend on the availability of places.
For personalised advice, you can go to either of our university campuses (Alcobendas or Villaviciosa de Odón) or contact us by phone: 91 112 88 50 or e-mail: escuelauniversitariarealmadrid@universidadeuropea.es to receive advice from the Graduate Admissions staff.
Once candidates have received advice and have provided the necessary documentation, the Graduate Admissions staff shall set a date for the entrance exams corresponding to the programme they are interested in, and for a personal interview with the Programme Director or a member of the Admissions Committee.
The admissions process is both cost-free and commitment-free for candidates until their place has been formally reserved.
The admissions process consists of the following stages:
Once the candidate has been contacted and has provided the required documentation, the Postgraduate Admissions team shall arrange for the applicant to take the entrance exams corresponding to the programme of interest as well as a personal interview with the Programme Director or a member of the Admissions Committee.
The admissions process is both cost-free and commitment-free for candidates until their place has been formally reserved.
Once the requirements have been met, the student shall be admitted to the master’s after their suitability has been evaluated, taking into account their previous academic record, professional experience in the relevant field, language skills (accredited by official bodies), specific complementary training, as well as any other merits that are assessed at the discretion of the Programme Management.
The Universidad Europea reserves the right to cancel any postgraduate degree, delay its start date if the minimum number of students is not reached, or to change the schedules and/or faculty if necessary. It also reserves the right to change the location or campus where it is taught.
Graduates who wish to focus their professional career on sports management, professionals from the sports industry who want to update their knowledge, professionals from other fields who would like to enter the world of sport or professional athletes who aspire to continue in the sector as managers, post athletic retirement.
For the application to the Master, the student is required by law in accordance with the provisions of R.D. 861/2010:
If you would like a personalised credit recognition plan quickly, free of charge and without any obligation, you can request it here.
70% of the faculty on this programme have their doctorates.
Emilio Butragueño
General Manager, Real Madrid Graduate School
PhD with International Distinction in Health Activity and Sports. Master in Sports Law. Master in Sports Entities and Facilities Management. Researcher at Universidad Europea. Cooperates with the Sports Superior Council (CSD). Member of the European Association of Sport Management (EASM). Young Researcher Prize in 22019 for the Spanish Sports Economy Association (SEED).
Javier Sánchez García
Graduated in Business Administration from Carlos III University of Madrid. Managing Partner of Beside Ventures, a company focused on the development of new digital businesses. Co-founder and President of MAD Rugby Boadilla.
Juan Carlos Fociños
Sports entities consultant, expert in new business development, generation and sponsorship activation. MBA in Sports Management & Bachelor in Economics
Juan Cantero
Sport business consultant with more than 11 years experience in different areas in the sports industry (clubs, events, education and management). Working daily for a better sports Industry, more professional, and answering all challenges of the future.
Antonio Vos Saz
PhD in Strategic Management and Human Ressources, working as a lecturer and also cooperating with sports entities for the last 25 years.
Anyone with a keen interest in the sport sector - whether that is sports communication, public relations, community engagement, management of sports facilities or clubs, should consider a career in sports management. Within the sports sector there are numerous roles and paths to take, but it is undoubtedly a faced-paced, ever-changing environment.
If that’s one that you are interested in, the MBA Sports Management at Real Madrid Graduate School - Universidad Europea will equip you with the skills necessary to succeed in whatever path you choose within the industry.
The role of a sports manager entails varying duties and responsibilities depending on the organisation they work at, and the size of the company, whether it is public or private etc.
In general terms, sports managers are responsible for overseeing the successful operation of the club or organisation. Tasks typically include:
Sports managers might also have a say in marketing and sales, sponsorship activities, fan engagement, as well as stadium operation and facility management.
An MBA in Sports Management, such as the one offered at Real Madrid Graduate School - Universidad Europea, offers students the chance to develop the skills necessary to succeed in the world of sport management. This includes leadership, creativity, organisation, teamwork and communication.
Our Sports MBA is a broad programme covering many aspects within the sport sector including: finance and economics, management, communication and marketing, and more. With an academic model based on experiential learning, you will work on real cases, as well as have the opportunity to visit sports organisations, clubs, and companies, to see first hand how the most successful institutions are run.
There are many routes into a sports management career but whichever one you choose, a passion for sport is a vital requirement. If you choose to study the MBA in Sports Management at Real Madrid Graduate School - Universidad Europea, you will live a unique experience in which you will have access to the most successful club in European football. Throughout the course, you will be invited to workshops and masterclasses held at the Santiago Bernabeu or Real Madrid City in Valdebebas, attended by leading professionals at the club and within the game.
Keen to give you as broad an experience as possible, you can also take part in trips to London and New York to see how other leading organisations across other sports are run. Our Sports MBA is a globally recognised programme, and ranks as one of the top 10 in the SportBusiness Postgraduate Rankings.