As Hult International Business School launches a Sports MBA, it appears that business education and the world of sport come together more often than you might expect.

Hult International Business School has unveiled the Hult Sports MBA, created in partnership with Barça Innovation Hub, FC Barcelona’s world-renowned innovation engine. This online degree is tailored for professionals looking to make their mark in the global sports industry. Launching in September 2025, applications for its inaugural cohort are now open.

A defining feature of the Hult Sports MBA is the opportunity to be immersed in the dynamic world of sports management through a blend of live online teaching, self-paced modules, and exclusive guest speakers from top-tier global sports brands. Participants also have the option to take part in the unique Barça Immersive Experience, a week-long in-person residency in Barcelona, Spain, featuring live events, networking opportunities, and an insider’s look at FC Barcelona football club.

“This partnership with Barça Innovation Hub represents a new chapter in sports management education,” said Matt Lilley, President of Hult International Business School. “We’ve designed our Sports MBA program for professionals with global ambitions who want to lead, innovate, and thrive in the wider sports industry. With its rich blend of academic rigour, practical challenges, and exclusive industry access, the Hult Sports MBA is a game-changer for aspiring leaders in sports.”

Highlights of the Hult programme also include immersive business challenges, flexible online learning and exclusive career development tools.

The inaugural cohort will bring together experienced professionals from diverse industries, fostering meaningful connections and collaboration.

The programme kicks off with an Introduction to Sports Management course, laying the foundation for success in areas such as leadership, operations, marketing, and strategic planning. From there, students will tackle five business modules featuring specialized sports business challenges co-developed with Barça Innovation Hub.

The Barça Immersive Experience includes exclusive in-person learning sessions, access to FC Barcelona facilities, and the opportunity to witness a live match in the iconic city of Barcelona.

“We are excited to collaborate with Hult International Business School on this unique initiative,” said Albert Munder, General Manager of Barça Innovation Hub. “This innovative Sports MBA opens doors to a variety of career paths, from operations and marketing to strategic leadership roles in global sports organizations. Our immersive Barcelona experience will allow learners to connect with leaders in the field and experience firsthand what makes FC Barcelona a global benchmark in sports innovation.”

Business schools like Hult are no strangers to the world of sport. Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University offers a BSc (Honours) in Sport Business Management, and NEOMA Business School partnered with the training organisation of the professional rugby players’ union, Provale Formation, to launch an Executive Manager programme. Also, in Europe, emlyon business school and the Tony Parker adequate academy (TPAA) have a partnership agreement to enable students to combine their passion for sport with the development of their professional careers.

The Executive Education divisions of three European Business Schools: WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, Stockholm School of Economics (SSE), and ESSEC Business School offer the “European Sports Business Program” (ESBP) for current and future leaders in the sports industry.

The connections between sports and business education go beyond programmes too. Mannheim Business School, for instance, offers an elite sports scholarship. It’s clear we’ll be seeing collaborations from classrooms to court and lecture theatres to football pitches for many more years to come – it’s a winning combination.

For additional insights, announcements, and perspectives on other aspects of Business Education, visit the conversation here.