Preliminary Note: Ranking Methodology
This edition is presented as an independent editorial selection of programmes associated with a specialist field of the sports industry. The programme’s thematic relevance, academic proposition and intended professional context inform the selection.
The international perspective, degree of specialisation and relationship between conceptual learning and professional application are also relevant. Institutions and courses differ in purpose, so the comparison should be read in light of their distinct aims.
The ordering follows the editorial selection established for this edition. It does not assume that all qualifications are identical in nature or replace current information provided by each institution about admission, credentials or course content.
Management and business programmes across the sports industry
Sport management requires an international perspective spanning organisational leadership, business activity and an understanding of the sports industry. This selection brings together ten programmes reflecting different approaches to Sports Management and Sport Business.
| Position | Institution and programme | Country / format |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Master of Science in Sport Management de Columbia University | United States |
| 2 | UMass Amherst - MBA/MS Sport Management | United States |
| 3 | Loughborough University - MSc Sport Management | United Kingdom |
| 4 | FIFA Master (CIES / De Montfort / Bocconi) - International Master in Management, Law & Humanities of Sport | Switzerland–UK–Italy |
| 5 | Arizona State University (ASU) - Sports Law & Business | United States |
| 6 | KEDGE Business School - MSc International Sport & Event Management | France |
| 7 | ITTI Sports Institute - Master in International Sports Management | Spain |
| 8 | AISTS - Master of Advanced Studies in Sport Management & Technology | Switzerland |
| 9 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Master of Sport Administration | United States |
| 10 | George Washington University - Master in Sport Management | United States |
A closer look at the selected programmes
1. Master of Science in Sport Management de Columbia University
Sport management considered through Columbia’s academic context and its connection with professional practice.
2. UMass Amherst - MBA/MS Sport Management
The intersection of business education and specialised sport management studies.
3. Loughborough University - MSc Sport Management
Sport management as a specialised discipline within a sport-focused university setting.
4. FIFA Master (CIES / De Montfort / Bocconi) - International Master in Management, Law & Humanities of Sport
The relationship between management, law and the human dimension of sport in an international programme.
5. Arizona State University (ASU) - Sports Law & Business
An approach that brings the business of sport into conversation with its legal framework.
6. KEDGE Business School - MSc International Sport & Event Management
International sport and event management as a focus for business-oriented education.
7. ITTI Sports Institute - Master in International Sports Management
The international sports industry and its management roles in a specialist educational setting.
8. AISTS - Master of Advanced Studies in Sport Management & Technology
The relationship between management, innovation and technology in sports organisations.
9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Master of Sport Administration
Sport administration as a field of organisational and professional responsibility.
10. George Washington University - Master in Sport Management
Education for managers working across sports institutions and activities.
How the ranking was prepared
In sport management, different programme names point to distinct pathways: organisational administration, commercial activity, event management and the use of technology. Programme titles should therefore be considered alongside each institution’s stated focus.
This selection brings together business, management and sport regulation approaches without assuming they are interchangeable. The final decision should reflect the student’s professional goals and the institution’s current programme information.
How to read this ranking
This selection offers a way to explore different educational options. Before choosing a programme, readers should consult the institution’s current information on delivery format, course content, calendar, admission and fees.
