Master in Sports Management
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
Private degree issued by Universidad Europea de Madrid
Classes in English | Alcobendas | Start: 20 oct. 2025 | Faculty of Medicine, Health and Sport | Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea |
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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.
70%
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.
High-quality facilities
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.
Campus of Alcobendas
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, a Football History Monument
Felipe Solleiro
Assitant to the Sport Direction at Red Bull Bragantino
MBA in Sports Management 2017-18
Massimo Adalberto Benassi
Chief Business Development Officer at RC Deportivo A Coruña
MBA in Sports Management 2017-18
Alessandro Tozzi
Partnerships Activation Account at Juventus FC
MBA in Sports Management 2020-21
David Belenguer
Former LaLiga player - Real Betis B and Getafe C.F. President of C.D. Tondela at Liga Nos in Portugal.
Joel Santos
MBA in Sports alumni and class representative
MBA in Sports Management Subjects
Get all information about the MBA in Sports Management subjects
Private masters’ degree methodology
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.
Study plan structure
Module I - General Management in Sports Companies
- Economic Analysis of the Sports Industry
- Strategic Planning. Analysis of Sports Environments and Competition
- Business Management Models and Economic Aspects
Module II - Economics and Finance
- Financial Statements of Sports Organizations
- Planning and Control in Sports Organization Management
- Financial Management
Module III - Sports facility management and operation
- Infrastructure Management within a Sports Entity
- Production of Sporting Events
- Quality and Incident Management
Module IV - Marketing and Communications
- Strategic and Operational Marketing
- Sponsorship in Sports
- Audiovisual Rights
- Sports and Society
- Sports and the Media
Module V - Managerial Skills and Human Resources
- People Management and Teamwork
- Coaching Applied to Sports
- Motivational Leadership of Teams
- Communication: Public Speaking in Professional Environments
- Emotional Intelligence in Sports Organizations
Module VI - Specialization Branch A: Entrepreneurship and Sports for Development *
- Strategies for Starting a Sports Business
- The Business Plan and Financing
- International Organizations in Sports for Development
- Corporate Social Responsibility and Sports
- Social Entrepreneurship in Sports
- Keys to Success and Failure
Module VII - Specialization Branch B: Marketing and Communications*
- The Media
- Advertising Agencies
- Official Organizations
- Sports Rights
- Sporting Events and Brand Profitability
- Sports Clubs
- Sponsorship
- Brand and Identity Management
- Practical Application of a Communication Plan
- Social Network and the Community Manager
- Sports Content in the New Digital World
Module VIII - Specialization Branch C: Sports Facility Operation*
- Management of Sports Facility Operations
- Security and Technology at Sports Facilities
- Municipal Operations and Management
- The Fitness and Wellness Market
- Large Parks
- Golf Course Management
- Organization of Sporting Events
- Management of Leisure and Non-Conventional Spaces
Module IX - Internship
Module X - Master’s Thesis
Internships
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.
Collaborating entities
Complete list of collaborating entities
- AC London F.C.
- Adidas International Generation
- ASSA SPORT
- Athletes Global Management Sports S.L. (AGM Sports)
- Baloncesto Málaga SAD Basketball Team (Unicaja Baloncesto)
- Basic Fit Benfica
- C.D.E. Ciudad de Getafe
- Football School Campus Experience
- Celta de Vigo
- Chelsea Football Club
- Atlético De Madrid SAD Football Club
- Club de Rugby Cisneros Rugby Club
- Torrelodones Basketball Club
- Alcobendas Handball Club
- Alcobendas Rugby Basic Sports Club
- Guadalajara Sports Club
- Puertabonita Sports Club
- Copa Colegial
- COTIF CUP
- Decathlo,
- Deporgadyd
- Deportivo Alavés SAD Football Club
- DREAMFIT
- Dubai Sports City
- EQUELITE
- ESDE Soccer School S.L. (Campus Chelsea F.C. Foundation)
- EVERETT
- FAN Sport Consulting
- Fast Fitness, SL
- Madrid Tennis Federation
- Spanish Basketball Federation
- Spanish Paddle Federation
- Spanish Rugby Federation
- Madrid Futsal Federation
- Football Medical Association
- Fulham Football Club
- Real Madrid Foundation
- Garrigues
- Go Fit
- Hércules Football Club
- IMG
- Indoor Sports World LLC,
- Spanish Resilience Institute
- International Paralympic Committee
- Katapulks,
- Laetus
- Spanish Futsal League
- Madrid Cricket Federation
- Málaga SAD Football Club
- Management Around Sports
- Manleys
- Millwall Football Club
- Movistar Inter Futsal Club
- MTEAM CROSSFIT
- Mutua Madrid Open
- New York Cosmos
- Ogilvy
- Ottanta Football Club
- Patrocina un Deportista, S.L.
- RAQUILAN, S.L. (Ciudad De La Raqueta)
- Real Ávila Football Club
- Real Madrid F. C.
- Red Bull Arena
- Saski Baskonia
- Spartan Race,
- Sport Managers Servicios Integrales S.L.
- Táctika
- Tenis Equalité (Juan Carlos Ferrero Tennis Academy)
- The Crow Legacy Company S.L. (CLC)
- Timpik
- Toque Fino (Sports Marketing)
- U1st
- Under Armour
- International Triathlon Union
- Unipublic, Vuelta a España,
- Wembley
- World Football Summit
- Zuquium.
MBA in Sport Management’ employability
Career Opportunities
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
Admissions
Start your future at Universidad Europea
You can become a student at Universidad Europea in three easy steps.
1
Admission exams
Start your admission process by calling +34 911128850 or request information and our advisors will contact you.
2
Place reservation
Once you have been admitted, secure your place by paying the reservation fee.
3
Enrollment
Submit the required documents to formalise your enrollment.
Scholarships and financial aid
We want to help you. If you want to study at the Universidad Europea, you will have at your disposal a wide selection of own and official scholarships.
Credit recognition and transfers
You don’t have to stick with something you don’t like. That’s why we’ve designed specific plans for credit recognition and transfers.
Request your online credit recognition review, transfer your academic file and start studying at Universidad Europea.
Admissions Process
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:
- Personalised advice
- Submission of application and documentation for assessment of the candidate's profile
- Profile assessment and interview
- Confirmation of admission
- Formal reservation and enrolment
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.
Profile for prospective students and how to access this degree
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.
Admissions requirements
For the application to the Master, the student is required by law in accordance with the provisions of R.D. 861/2010:
- Be in possession of an official Spanish university degree or another issued by an institution of higher education belonging to another state that is part of the European Higher Education Area that authorizes access to Master's degrees.
- Be in possession of a degree in accordance with educational systems outside the European Higher Education Area without the need for the homologation of their degrees, after verification by the University that they accredit a level of training equivalent to the corresponding official Spanish university degrees and that empower in the country issuing the degree for access to postgraduate education. Access by this means will not imply, in any case, the homologation of the previous degree that the interested party is in possession, nor its recognition for other purposes than that of taking the Master's degree courses.
Credit recognition and centre transfers
If you would like a personalised credit recognition plan quickly, free of charge and without any obligation, you can request it here.
Regulations for credit transfer and recognition
Price is not a problem
Check our special financing terms & conditions.
Faculty
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.
Our faculty
- Pedro Corrales
Responsible for Partnership Creation - Álvaro Vitores
Responsible for Partnership Activation - Michael Sutherland
Chief Transformation Officer - Chiara Trivella
Director global partnership creation - Paula Serrano
Manager partnership creation - Jaime Colás
Chief Commercial Officer at FC Internazionale Milano - Miguel García Caba
General Vicesecretary at Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF) Board Member at Control, Ethics and Disciplinary body of UEFA - Ángel Sanz
General Manager and Founder, The Crow Legacy Company - Javier Tola
Managing Director Simply Sport - Edouard Legendre
Strategic Planning Director, Geometry Global - Scott Minto
Sports MBA Director, San Diego State University - Steve Gera
Chief Executive Gains Group. Head Scout Hickory - Nick Pye
Head of School of Sport at University of Gibraltar - Carlos Cantó
CEO of SPSG Consulting and Board Member of the Spanish Marketing Association - Hugo Berenguer
Head of Design Rafael de La Hoz Arquitectos - Mikel Bárcena
Deputy General Manager, Business Area. Baskonia-Alavés Group - Antonio Fernández Arimany
Director General of International Triathlon Union - Ramiro Lahera
President of the Madrid Triathlon Federation. Managing Director and Founder, Tactika Sports Culture - Juan Carlos Fociños
Sponsorship Manager at FBM Spanish Basket Federation of Madrid. - Fernando Pons Ortega
Partner responsible for Risk Advisory, Risk Management at Deloitte for the Tourism, Transport, Sport, Leisure and Gaming sectors - Óscar Ugaz
Strategy Director at Atomikal Marketing Digital - Javier Bosh
CEO Nagi Smartpool Founder and CEO NBN23 - Gonzalo Corrales
Founder and Managing Director at AGM Sports - Maikel Oettle
Vice President Strategic Partnerships, Euroleague Basketball, IMG Events - Luke Sassano
Technical Director, NY Cosmos - Joseph Stetson
Vice President Mkt & Comm, NY Red Bulls - Amy Scheer
Chief Commercial Officer, NY Red Bulls - Marco Matute
Event Marketing Coordinator, NY Red Bulls - Dan Donigan
Head Coach Men’s Soccer, Rutgers University - Michael Minchella
Manager Ticket Sales, New York City F.C. - Adan Catovic
Account Executive, New York City F.C. - Brendan Long
Director of New Business, MSG - Cara Chernow
Manager Ticketing & Sales, MSG - Nicole Rosamilia
Coordinator Special Events, Metlife Stadium - Geoffrey Pope
Ex-Football Player, New York Giants - Brian Friedman
Chief Financial Officer New York Jets - George Moreira
Manager Professional Tournaments, Us Open & Us Open Series - Chris Clunie
Director International Operations, NBA - Troy Justice
Basketball Operations International, NBA - Emilio García Duarte
Marketing Latin America, NBA - Adolfo Bara
General Manager Marketing & Sales, La Liga - Jose Luis Los Arcos
Director Sports Partner Solutions, Univision - Alfonso Mondelo
Technical Director Competitions, MLS - Joseph Tacopina
President, Venezia F.C. - Nicole Allison
Director Partnership Marketing, NHL - Maikel Oettle
Vice President Strategic Partnerships, Euroleague Basketball, IMG Events. - Daniel Hurst
Attractions Manager Climb To The O2 - Martin Guntrip
Club Director Wimbledon - Dan Bloxham
Tennis Head Coach & Facility Tour Guide Wimbledon - Sam Reid
Marketing & Sponsorship Mindshare - Jason Hughes
Responsible for Football Business IMG - Jayne Linaker
Tour Operations Manager Twickenham Tracy Match Day Manager Twickenham - Chris Townsend
Commercial Director Chelsea FC - Marco Matute
Event Marketing Coordinator NY Red Bulls - Dan Donigan
Head Coach Men’s Soccer Rutgers University - Michael Minchella
Manager Ticket Sales New York City Fc - Adan Catovic
Account Executive New York City Fc Brendan Long Director Of New
Business MSG - Nicole Rosamilia
Coordinator Special Events Metlife Stadium - George Moreira
Manager Professional Tournaments Us Open & Us Open Series - Chris Clunie
Director International Operations NBA - Troy Justice
Basketball Operations International NBA - Emilio García Duarte
Marketing Latin America NBA - Adolfo Bara
General Manager Marketing & Sales La Liga - José Luis Los Arcos
Director Sports Partner Solutions Univisio - Alfonso Mondelo
Technical Director Competitions MLS - Tomás Gutierrez
Finance Profesor - Alberto Talavera
Director at ‘Asociación Española de Gerentes de Golf’ - Oscar Sanchez
Sport Management Consultant - Alfonso Roberes
Founder and CEO at Arowana Sports - Pablo Vega
VP at Federación Madrileña de Triatlón - José Bonal Sanchez
Sports Management Professor - Juan Cantero
Founder and Managing Director at Meta Final - Ornella Bellia
Head of Professional Football at FIFA - Héctor Peris
CEO at Leaderbrock Sports - Nuno Alves
Director at Wink - José Moya
Director at LaLiga BS - Patricia Rodriguez
Member of the Board at Granada CF - Javier Sánchez
Managing Partner at Beside Ventures, presidente MAD Rugby. Professor at UC3M and CUNEF - Carles Poyato
Managing partner at Club Natació Sabadell. Professor at UAB - Nuria Moreno Peinado
Communication Expert - Dr. Antonio Vos Saz
Financial Director at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid S.A. - Hugo Taracido
CEO All American Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sports management a good career?
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.
What do sports managers do?
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:
- Handling sports’ business aspects
- Drawing up budgets,
- Finding revenue streams,
- Pay bills,
- Hire and manage staff.
Sports managers might also have a say in marketing and sales, sponsorship activities, fan engagement, as well as stadium operation and facility management.
What does an MBA in Sports Management involve?
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.
What are the requirements for sports management?
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.