Bachelor's degree in sports management specialisation – EADA Barcelona Campus
What is a Bachelor's degree in sports management specialisation?
The Bachelor’s degree in sports management specialisation at SKEMA Business School is an undergraduate programme designed to prepare students for managerial careers in the global sport industry. Delivered at the EADA Barcelona Campus, this sport management bachelor combines academic excellence, international immersion and hands-on professional training.
This sports management degree is part of SKEMA’s Global BBA and offers students a strong business and management foundation before specialising in the sports business sector. Choosing this bachelor means joining an internationally recognised business school, developing high-level management and marketing skills, and studying in one of Europe’s most dynamic sport capitals.
Definition of sport management
A Bachelor’s degree in sports management specialisation focuses on the management and development of sport organisations, both professional and amateur. Sport management includes:
- management of sport facilities and infrastructures
- sports marketing and communication
- sponsorship and brand activation
- sports law and governance
- organisation of sporting events
- strategic development and international expansion
This sports business bachelor enables students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the global sport ecosystem. The programme addresses key industry challenges such as digital transformation, fan engagement, sustainability, innovation and regulatory compliance.
Position within the Global BBA
The sport management bachelor is completed during the fourth year of SKEMA’s Global BBA. During their first three years, students study core business subjects including management, marketing, finance, strategy and entrepreneurship. They choose the Bachelor’s degree in sports management specialisation to deepen their expertise in the sport industry while maintaining the academic strength of a recognised bachelor degree in management. Unlike a purely theoretical university sports management degree, this programme is strongly business-oriented and internationally focused.
Programme objectives
The objectives of the Bachelor’s degree in sports management specialisation are to:
- understand the global sport industry ecosystem
- master strategic management within sport organisations
- develop advanced marketing and communication skills
- integrate legal aspects such as sports law and governance
- design and manage sporting events
- strengthen leadership and managerial skills
Students work on real-world case studies and applied projects connected to sport organisations and businesses.
Degree and recognition
Upon completion, students receive the Global BBA – Bachelor in Management diploma from SKEMA Business School, a recognised degree backed by international accreditation standards. Graduates may also pursue further professional certification or postgraduate training, strengthening their expertise within the global sports business environment.
EADA Barcelona Campus
The Bachelor’s degree in sports management specialisation is delivered at EADA Business School’s Barcelona campus, located in the heart of one of Europe’s most vibrant and internationally connected cities.
Studying in Barcelona is not only about living in a city with a strong sporting culture. It also means evolving within a dynamic European metropolis recognised for hosting major international sporting events, professional clubs and innovative sport-tech initiatives. The city represents a strategic hub where sport, tourism, business and entrepreneurship intersect.
The Provença campus, inaugurated in 2023, spans 4,200 m² across nine floors and is certified under high sustainability standards. It offers a modern, collaborative and environmentally responsible academic environment, fully aligned with the contemporary challenges of the global sport industry.
Courses within the programme are taught entirely in English on a multicultural Spanish campus. This guarantees full international immersion and enables students to strengthen the linguistic, intercultural and professional skills required to succeed in the global sports management sector.
Why choose SKEMA for a Bachelor's degree in sports management specialisation?
Studying Sport Management at the EADA Barcelona Campus
A cosmopolitan academic environment
Located in the heart of Barcelona, EADA Business School offers a modern, sustainable campus certified under LEED standards. The Provença Campus (4,200 m² across nine floors), inaugurated in 2023, features connected classrooms, collaborative spaces and an innovative learning environment. Studying in Barcelona means evolving in a cosmopolitan, dynamic and internationally renowned city. It provides students enrolled in the programme with direct exposure to a vibrant urban environment that combines business, culture and global connectivity.
International immersion
Courses are taught entirely in English within a truly international environment. Students study alongside multicultural cohorts and develop:
- essential intercultural skills for global management
- the ability to work effectively in international teams
- a strong understanding of global markets
- key adaptability skills in a constantly evolving professional environment
This linguistic and cultural immersion enables students to acquire professional skills that are directly transferable to international careers, regardless of the sector chosen (tourism, sport, entrepreneurship or innovation). Many courses also integrate digital learning resources and online collaboration tools, reflecting the way international sport organisations operate today.
Why is Barcelona a strategic location?
Barcelona is one of Europe’s most dynamic and internationally oriented metropolitan cities. As a major tourist destination, seaside city, event hub, innovation centre and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, it offers a particularly stimulating environment for studying management.
The city stands out for its global attractiveness, diversified economic landscape, strong commitment to sustainable transformation and innovation, and multicultural dimension.
Studying in Barcelona allows students to gain a concrete understanding of the economic dynamics of a globalised market, the development challenges faced by organisations, and the strategic adaptations required in rapidly evolving industries. Proximity to such an active and international ecosystem strengthens the professional dimension of the specialisations offered at the EADA campus.
Student life in Barcelona
Studying in Barcelona also means enjoying a unique personal and cultural experience. The city offers an attractive and stimulating living environment, including:
- a pleasant Mediterranean climate throughout the year
- a balance between seaside lifestyle, culture, sport and urban energy
- a vibrant artistic and events scene
- an active and international student community
This combination of academic excellence, professional immersion and quality of life represents a distinctive advantage of the programme..
Who is the Bachelor's degree in sports management specialisation designed for?
The Bachelor’s degree in sports management specialisation is designed for:
- high school graduates interested in sport, business and management
- undergraduate students aiming for a career in the sport industry
- students passionate about sport marketing and event management
- individuals interested in strategy, governance and communication
- international students seeking an English-language sports business bachelor
It is not necessary to be a professional athlete. This sports management degree is intended for motivated students who want to work in the business side of sport and develop strong managerial qualifications.
Skills developed in the Bachelor's degree in sports management specialisation
Courses taught in the Bachelor's degree in sports management specialisation
The main courses include:
- Consumer Engagement
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
- Sports Ecosystem and Strategic Management in Organisations
- Marketing and Communication in Sports
- Sports Law and Governance
- Sports Event Design and Management
- CAPSTONE I
- Sports Operations and Facilities Management
- Innovation, Technology, and Data Analytics in Sport
- Implementing AI in Organisations
- CAPSTONE II
This range of subjects ensures a balance between academic knowledge and practical professional training in sports management.
Programme format and duration
The specialisation takes place during the fourth year of the Global BBA and enables students to deepen their chosen field of expertise over one year, in line with their academic and professional goals.
The Global BBA offers 13 specialisations across five continents: each specialisation is associated with a SKEMA campus, which determines the location of study for the specialisation year.
The SKEMA Global BBA offers:
- a wide range of specialisations integrated into the Global BBA,
- the opportunity to undertake international pathways and double degrees depending on the options chosen
This flexible structure allows students to build a personalised pathway combining academic specialisation, international exposure and professional experience.
How to apply to the Bachelor in sports management?
This sports management specialisation is completed during the fourth year of the Global BBA. Admission requirements are the same for all Global BBA specialisations. Selection is based on:
- review of the academic record
- overall academic level
- consistency and clarity of the professional project
- motivation to join an international programme
As the programme is taught in English in Barcelona, a strong level of English is required. Knowledge of Spanish is an asset for integration on campus.
More information about the application process is available on our Global BBA – Bachelor in Management page.
Career opportunities after a Bachelor's degree in sports management specialisation
Graduates of this sports management bachelor can pursue careers such as:
- Sports Marketing Manager
- Event Manager
- Sponsorship and Brand Activation Manager
- Sport Communication Officer
- Compliance and Governance Officer
- Club or Federation Manager
These roles can be found in professional clubs, federations, sport agencies, event organisations, sport-tech start-ups and international institutions.
This sports management degree prepares students for entry-level management roles and long-term career growth in the global sport industry.
Further studies after a Bachelor's degree in sports management specialisation
After completing the sport management bachelor, graduates may continue their education with a Master of Science, such as:
Pursuing further study allows students to deepen their expertise, strengthen their professional network and access senior management positions within the sport and business sectors.
Frequently asked questions about the sport management Bachelor
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Sports management refers to the strategic and operational management of activities related to sport, whether within professional clubs, federations, international events, sports brands or non-profit organisations. In practical terms, this means:
- developing a growth strategy for a sports organisation
- managing budgets and overseeing financial performance
- designing marketing and communication strategies
- negotiating partnerships and sponsorship agreements
- organising competitions and sporting events
- ensuring legal compliance and sound governance
The programme prepares students to understand sport as a structured economic sector, with its own market dynamics, brand image challenges and regulatory constraints.
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Students who thrive in this program typically:
- are interested in the economic and strategic aspects of sport
- enjoy working in teams on concrete projects
- feel comfortable with communication and public speaking
- are curious about international environments
- want to evolve in a dynamic and competitive industry
Motivation, professionalism and a strong interest in business are key success factors.
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No. The Bachelor’s degree in sports management specialisation does not focus on athletic performance but on management and organisation within the sport industry. It is designed for students interested in:
- strategy and management of sports organisations
- sports marketing and communication
- event organisation and applied projects
- international development and innovation in the sport sector
Passion for sport is valuable, but managerial ambition is essential.
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Yes. The Global BBA offers
- applied projects in collaboration with sports organisations and sport-tech start-ups
- internships
- practical immersion to understand how clubs, agencies and international sport companies operate
This professional exposure allows students to build directly transferable skills.
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Yes. The programme includes courses such as Sports Event Design and Management and applied project work. Students develop competencies in:
- logistical planning
- team coordination
- partner and stakeholder management
- event communication strategies
- performance evaluation
These skills are directly applicable to national and international sporting competitions.
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Sports marketing plays a central role within the sports management programme. Students work on:
- fan engagement and consumer engagement strategies
- brand positioning and development
- digital communication
- sponsorship and brand activation
- audience growth and retention
In an industry where image, visibility and fan relationships are strategic assets, marketing expertise represents a strong competitive advantage
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Yes. The programme prepares students to join:
- professional sports clubs
- national and international federations
- sports leagues
- sports marketing agencies
- partner companies within the sport ecosystem
Entry-level positions may include project officer, junior marketing manager, event coordinator or communication officer.
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The global sports industry is a rapidly evolving market driven by:
- the internationalisation of competitions
- media rights and broadcasting agreements
- digital transformation
- infrastructure development
- the expansion of global sporting events
Sports organisations increasingly seek managers trained in business strategy and capable of leading complex projects. The Bachelor’s degree in sports management specialisation is designed to meet these expectations.
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Absolutely. Sport is a global industry where competitions, partnerships and commercial agreements extend far beyond national borders. Studying the Bachelor’s degree in sports management specialisation in English allows students to:
- master industry-specific professional vocabulary
- collaborate within multicultural teams
- pursue international career opportunities
- access global sports organisations
This linguistic immersion provides a strong competitive edge in the job market.
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To access senior management or specialised expert roles, pursuing a Master of Science is recommended. Possible options include:
A postgraduate degree enables students to deepen their sector expertise, strengthen their professional network and access higher-responsibility positions within the sports industry.
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Graduates may pursue positions such as:
- Sports Marketing Manager
- Sponsorship and Brand Activation Manager
- Sports Event Manager
- Sports Communication Officer
- Compliance and Governance Officer
- Club or Sports Organisation Manager
These roles can be found in professional clubs, federations, event agencies, partner companies, international organisations and specialised start-ups.
