WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management

European Sports Business Program

WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management

General Management

Application Deadline Approaching

Last date to apply: February 10, 2027 · Program starts on March 10, 2027

About Programme

The Executive Education divisions of three leading European Business Schools, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, Stockholm School of Economics (SSE), and ESSEC Business School, joined forces to offer a program for leaders in sports business:Over 3 x 3-day modules, participants learn how to systematically look into the future and translate vision into action, informed by the tools and insights of an AI-driven world. Furthermore, they study how to turn strategy concepts into commercial success and they will experience sports business as a people business, even in an increasingly digital and AI-enabled world. Participants will not only discover new skills and explore new ways of thinking but also have the opportunity to expand their network through a diverse group of international peers and world-class experts.

Participants will be awarded an Executive Education Certificate from each business school after successfully completing the program.

Programme Content

The European Sports Business Program (ESBP) aims to prepare high potentials in sports business for the (future) challenges within their industry through a tailor-made executive education program. The program consists of 3 x 3-day on-site modules at the most prestigious European business schools specializing in sports business.

Module I – “Corporate Foresight & Strategy Making” at WHU in Dusseldorf:

Module II – “Management & Execution” at SSE in Stockholm

Module III – “Leadership & Culture” at ESSEC in Paris

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.

Programme Audience

Experienced professionals and leaders from the sports, entertainment, and related industries
Strong interest in strategic, entrepreneurial, and cross-functional perspectives
Distinct growth mindset and openness to peer-to-peer learning across industries and functions
Undergraduate degree and a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience
Substantial responsibility within a functional, project, or leadership role

Exceptions may apply for outstanding candidates with a strong track-record in sports.

A limited number of slots is available. You can expect to be part of a diverse cohort due to prorated allocation of participant slots to the home markets of WHU (DACH), SSE (Nordics), and ESSEC (Southern Europe).

Programme Benefits

After the course, participants will be able to:

Module I – “Corporate Foresight & Strategy Making”:

Execute a systematic, AI-informed four-step strategy making process from Purpose to Evaluate to Architect to Kickstart (PEAK)
Explore new paths for growth to unlock value streams for a future-ready organization
Evaluate strategic opportunities using AI-enhanced foresight to prioritize scarce resources
Develop a comprehensive strategy that unlocks 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 Executive Education

Module II – “Management & Execution” at SSE in Stockholm

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

Module III – “Leadership & Culture” at ESSEC in Paris

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
Inspire a sense of purpose and meaning to help teams thrive in the future of work
Prove their knowledge on Leadership & Culture with an official certificate by ESSEC Business School

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Speak with an Advisor

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Prashansa Uttam

Programme Advisor

+91 9403890085contact@echomind.oneMon – Fri, 9am – 5pm IST

WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management

Executive Education Office

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https://www.whu.edu/en/
Vallendar, Germany

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European Sports Business Program | WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management