Studying football business abroad
What is football business?
Football business is the study of how football clubs and organisations operate off the field. It looks at areas such as club management, marketing, sponsorship, finance, and event organisation. Students learn how the sport is managed as a global business and how commercial, social, and cultural factors affect it.
The subject draws on knowledge from business, economics, sports management, and media studies. As a football business student, you will examine how clubs make decisions, how competitions are organised, and how fans and sponsors are engaged. Your learning may take place in classrooms, at stadiums, or through internships with clubs and football organisations.
Why study football business abroad?
Studying football business in another country lets you see how the sport works in different cultures and markets. You could visit famous stadiums, attend professional matches, or study football organisations in action. These experiences provide real-world understanding that textbooks alone cannot give.
Studying internationally also helps you gain skills in working with people from different backgrounds. You will make connections with professionals, clubs, and international organisations, which can be useful for your future career.
What you will study
Football business programs usually combine theory with practical learning. Key areas of study can include:
- Club Management – learning how football clubs are run, including finance and staffing
- Sports Marketing – promoting clubs, competitions, and players to fans and sponsors
- Sponsorship and Commercial Deals – understanding contracts and commercial partnerships
- Event and Competition Management – planning and running football events and tournaments
- Media and Communications – managing football media coverage and social media presence
- Data and Performance Analysis – using statistics and analytics to support club decisions
- Research Projects – analysing real football business issues and presenting solutions
Many courses also offer internships, work placements with clubs, and opportunities to work on live football projects.
Related subjects you might also like:
- Sports Management
- Marketing
- Business Analytics
- Media and Communications
- Event Management
Accreditation
At undergraduate level, you may graduate with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Football Business or Sports Management. Some universities offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) combining football business with marketing, economics, or management studies.
At postgraduate level, options include a Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Research (MRes) in Football Business, Sports Management, or Sports Marketing. Specialisations might focus on areas such as club finance, sponsorship, or event management. A PhD is usually required for research or academic careers.
In some countries, professional accreditation is available for sports managers or consultants through recognised industry bodies.
Careers
A degree in football business can lead to careers in football clubs, sports organisations, media, and marketing. Graduates may work as club managers, marketing managers, sponsorship officers, or event organisers.
Others may become player agents, sports analysts, or consultants, helping clubs grow commercially and operate effectively. Research positions are also available in universities, think tanks, and sports organisations.
Football business graduates may also work in communications, fan engagement, or project management roles. The skills you develop are valued globally, giving opportunities to work in football at both national and international levels.