Hult International Business School and Barça Innovation Hub Launch Sports MBA

FC Barcelona is one of the biggest football clubs in the world and is home to The Barça Innovation Hub, a global platform for fostering innovation and knowledge in the sports industry.

Hult International Business School has teamed up with one of the biggest football clubs in the world – FC Barcelona – to launch a new online MBA degree tailored for professionals looking to make their mark in the global sports industry.

Launching in September 2025, the program is now accepting applications for its inaugural cohort at

A defining feature of the Hult Sports MBA is the opportunity to immerse learners 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 rigor, practical challenges, and exclusive industry access, the Hult Sports MBA is a game-changer for aspiring leaders in sports.”

The Hult Sports MBA, delivered under and exclusive partnership with FC Barcelona’s Barça Innovation Hub offers access to an elite global network. The inaugural cohort will bring together experienced professionals from diverse industries, fostering meaningful connections and collaboration.

The program 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.

Participants also have the option to enhance their education with the Barça Immersive Experience, which 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.”

Hult International Business School is a world-leading institution known for its innovative, hands-on approach to business education. With campuses in Boston, London, Dubai, San Francisco, New York, and Singapore, Hult provides a truly global learning experience. Its programs are consistently ranked among the best in the world by Financial Times, Fortune, and Bloomberg Businessweek. In 2024, Hult was recognized as a LinkedIn Top MBA Program for delivering outstanding career outcomes.

Hult is accredited by the three most prestigious international business education bodies: AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS.

The Barça Innovation Hub, established in 2017, is FC Barcelona’s global platform for fostering innovation and knowledge in the sports industry. Through partnerships with brands, universities, startups, and thought leaders, it drives cutting-edge solutions that benefit athletes, fans, and society.

Ben Ready
Ben Ready founded MBA News in 2014 and is the Managing Editor. He is a former business and finance journalist with Australian Associated Press (AAP) and Dow Jones Newswires in London. Ben completed his MBA in 2012 and was awarded the QUT GMAA Entrepreneurship Prize. He is also the founder and Managing Director of RGC Media & Mktng (rgcmm.com.au).