ESSEC's European Sports Business Program (ESBP): at the heart of European sports management

The ESBP is designed for professionals with at least two years of postgraduate experience, ideally in the sports sector. Candidates should be open-minded and ready to embrace new challenges to transform the sports landscape.

An unforgettable experience

The first class of the European Sports Business Program (ESBP) recently celebrated their graduation. Over 30 participants from six different European countries came together to form a learning community of sports enthusiasts. They engaged in exploring how to systematically look into the future, develop growth strategies, and turn strategic concepts into commercial success."Beyond the fantastic content of the three modules, the program has also built a community among the participants," said Prof. Karoline Strauss. "This network of passionate professionals is an invaluable asset for their future careers."

Jonathan Johnson, a French football executive and CBS Sports Soccer Correspondent, added: "I am honored to have been part of the European Sports Business Program's inaugural intake. I found all three expert modules across Düsseldorf, Stockholm, and Paris incredibly insightful and enriching. Thanks to the program leaders for this transformative experience and congratulations to all of my fellow maiden graduates.

A pioneering and tripartite initiative

The ESBP spans three intensive modules, each held in a different European city, offering a comprehensive and immersive experience:

• WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, Düsseldorf (February 10-12, 2025):

Theme: Anticipating future trends and growth strategies.

Participants will learn to identify and leverage emerging trends to develop innovative growth strategies."Anticipating future trends in sports is not just about prediction—it's about crafting a strategy that turns uncertainty into opportunity. By leveraging data and foresight, we empower our participants to drive innovation and to become future-ready." - Dr. Sascha L. Schmidt, Chair and Director Center for  Sports and Management

• Stockholm School of Economics, Stockholm (April 28-30, 2025):

Theme: Transforming strategic concepts into commercial success.

This module focuses on the practical application of strategic concepts to ensure commercial success in the sports sector."Transforming strategic concepts into commercial success is where theory meets practice. Our approach at the Stockholm School of Economics ensures that our participants don't just learn strategies, but also how to apply them effectively to achieve sustainable growth and competitive advantage in the sports market." Martin Carlsson-Wall, Director Center for Sports and  Business

• ESSEC Business School, Paris (June 2025):

Theme: Leadership, goal setting, and change management.

Participants will acquire essential skills in leadership, goal-oriented management, and change navigation, crucial for thriving in a dynamic sports environment."Effective leadership in sports is about inspiring teams to embrace change and strive for excellence. At ESSEC, we focus on nurturing leaders who can navigate the complexities of the sports industry with vision, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement."  Karoline Strauss ESSEC Sports Chair Professor Professor in Organisational Behaviour

The program’s strengths

Leadership skills development and global network

The ESBP emphasizes leadership skills development. Participants will be trained to lead high-performing teams and organizations, drawing on proven practices and innovative approaches. Additionally, by joining the ESBP, they will integrate into an international community of future sports leaders and renowned experts, offering unique networking and collaboration opportunities."The power of the ESBP program is rooted in its exceptional teaching, top-tier industry guest speakers, and unique networking opportunities. This demanding and stimulating experience challenges current practices. I am proud to be part of this community of future leaders in European Sports." - Jérémie Lonchambon, Strategy Consulting Principal at PwC Strategy& and Individual Sport Investor

European perspectives and practices

The program provides an immersion into the best practices of European sports organizations. Participants benefit from directly applicable learning, enriched by insights from esteemed leaders and industry experts. Interactions with professionals from diverse backgrounds and representatives of major European sports organizations are a significant advantage.

High-level certification

Participants who complete the program receive Executive Education certificates from three of Europe’s top business schools, enhancing their professional profiles and credibility in sports management.

The European Sports Business Program by ESSEC and its partners offers an opportunity for sports professionals to train in the best practices of leadership and management while developing an international network of influential contacts. Preparations for the next intake are already underway, with module dates set for Düsseldorf, Stockholm, and Paris in 2025. Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open. Don’t miss this chance to participate in an unique educational and professional adventure and shape the future of sports in Europe.