Esade's excellence in business
Esade's leadership in business and innovation ensures a world-class management perspective tailored to sports.
In a rapidly changing and competitive sports industry, leadership has become a crucial factor for organizational success, combining strategic expertise with industry insight.
Why this programme?
This programme offers a rigorous, innovative, and industry-relevant learning experience that uniquely empowers professionals to drive the growth of sports organizations today while preparing for future challenges. Participants will gain in-depth expertise in strategic decision-making and organizational leadership, while engaging directly with industry experts to foster valuable connections that bridge knowledge and practice.
Participants will benefit from a holistic approach that blends business acumen, leadership development, innovation, and hands-on industry insights, making it the most complete and future-ready programme for professionals in the sports industry.
At Johan Cruyff Institute, sport permeates everything
Johan Cruyff Institute's expertise in sports management provides deep industry knowledge, practical insights, and networking opportunities.
Practical approach
A hands-on, executive-level approach that blends theory, practice, and real-world application to create future-ready sports leaders in high-growth companies.
Academic information
Modality: Hybrid: 4 weeks online + 3 full-time days in person.
Duration: 54 hours in total (24 hours online + 30 hours face-to-face)
Schedule:
Online sessions (Modules 1–4) take place Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday PM.
In-person sessions (Module 5) are held on campus Barcelona (Pedralbes) from 4th to 6th, May 2026, from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, plus 2 hours of experiential learning.
Objectives
- Stay Ahead. Gain a comprehensive view of the global sports industry, its market trends, key players, and evolving business models. Explore how innovation and sustainability are reshaping the competitive landscape.
- Innovating Sports. Discover how technology and entrepreneurship create new opportunities in sports. Looking for new business opportunities for growing.
- Driving Success in Sports. Master strategic planning, leadership, and decision-making to effectively manage sports organizations. Learn how to enhance efficiency, drive financial sustainability, and lead successful teams in a fast-changing industry, with a special focus on financial models that support growth strategies.
- Expanding Sports Globally. Learn how to scale organizations and develop strong partnerships. Understand how sports organizations leverage sponsorships, expand their global reach, and build sustainable business models for long-term success. Internationalization and new business opportunities.
- Personalized Coaching. You’ll benefit from personalized coaching that helps you turn what you learn into real professional progress
Learning model
This executive programme is designed around a three-dimensional learning framework that delivers an engaging and action-oriented development journey:
- Explore. Expand your perspective through high-impact sessions led by thought leaders, uncovering emerging trends and long-term strategic insights.
- Connect. Engage in interactive dialogues, case explorations, and peer-to-peer exchanges that unlock shared knowledge and collective expertise.
- Implement. Turn ideas into action through immersive labs, scenario-based challenges, and applied strategic exercises.
Content
This programme comprises four key modules and a final case challenge. It includes expert-led sessions, group activities, networking, and culminates with participants presenting real-world solutions to a panel of experts.
Module 1. Where are you playing? Understanding the industry & key trends
Module 2. How to play? Building a winning strategy & operational excellence
Module 3. How to win? Innovation, technology & leadership in sports
Module 4. How to succeed in the future? Growth strategies & strategic partnerships
Module 5 (On-Campus). Skills development & Case challenge training
Faculty
Víctor Jordán Vallverdú
Johan Cruyff Institute Professor of Digital Transformation and eSports
Glòria Batllori
Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting
Contracted Doctoral Professor URL. Academic Director of the Multinational MBA.
Pepe Cano Castiñeira
Partner Director, IHWA Consulting
President, Esade Alumni Sports Business Community. Academic Collaborator at the Department of Marketing Esade.
Carlos Cantó
CEO of SPGP Consulting
Professor of Sport Business. Academic Collaborator at the Department of Marketing Esade.
Simon Chadwick
Professor of AfroEurasian Sport
Specialist in navigating the complexities of 21st century global sport.
Emma Felipe Fernández
Senior Lecturer, Department of Strategy and General Management at Esade
PhD in Management and Economics at University of Bordeaux. BA (Honours) International Business at Westminster University (London).
Peter Fisher Brown
Strategy Consultant at Spall and Exexcutive Coach
Academic Collaborator at the Department of Marketing Esade.
Luis Goyanes
Executive Producer and Global Sports Media Strategist
Lecturer in Sports Marketing and Management. Academic Collaborator at the Department of Marketing Esade.
Marc Pullés
Associate Vicepresident & Basketbal and Business Operations Head LatAm NBA
Verena Schoenmueller
Assistant Professor, Department of Marketing at Esade
Contracted Doctoral Professor URL.
Javier Sobrino
Investment, Innovation & Strategy expert in the Sports Industry
Leading sports strategist who served as Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at FC Barcelona, where he launched the renowned Barça Innovation Hub and developed the club's 2015–2021 strategic plan. Currently a consultant and professor specializing in sports innovation, he is the author of Sport, an Economic Sector and holds an MBA from INSEAD.
Carmen Vallhonesta
Founder and consultant at Infinita Growth
Business Innovation Coach at EIC. Academic Collaborator at the Department of Marketing Esade.
Participant profile
This executive degree is designed for two key profiles within the sports industry:
- Experienced professionals and mid-level managers (C-Level executives and Area Directors) working in the sports industry or related fields (such as sponsorship and sports event management) seeking to enhance their strategic management and leadership capabilities to drive sustainable growth in sports organizations and navigate future industry challenges effectively.
- Sports professionals transitioning from their athletic careers who aspire to enter the business side of sports. This programme equips them with strategic business expertise (both knowledge and practice), leadership skills, and valuable industry connections to successfully launch and manage their own sports ventures.
Fees & Financing
Fee: €9,000
(€500 Enrollment Fee + €8,500 Tuition Fee) + €30 Registration Fee (Registration fee is non refundable).
Payment Options:
- Possibility of installment payments.
- Single payment.
For more information:
Javier Ruiz
javier.ruiz8@esade.edu
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