IIM Indore launches Global Sports Business Management Programme in collaboration with the University of Liverpool

IIM Indore Takes a Step to Shape the Future Sports Business Leaders

Participants to learn in IIM Indore Campus and University of Liverpool Campus
during the five-phase course

Sports have transcended beyond mere entertainment to become a significant driver of
economic growth globally. With the rising popularity of sports leagues, events, and
endorsements, the sports industry has witnessed tremendous growth, offering lucrative
opportunities for skilled professionals in sports business management. Recognizing this
growing demand and the need for specialized education in the field, IIM Indore has now
launched a Global Sports Business Management Programme in collaboration with the
University of Liverpool. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this collaboration
was signed by IIM Indore’s Director, Prof. Himanshu Rai, and Prof. Julia Balogun, Dean of
the University of Liverpool Management School, on March 18, 2024.

Prof. Rai emphasized the importance of sports business management in today’s dynamic
landscape, stating, “Sports have emerged as a significant sector driving economic growth
worldwide. With initiatives like the Fit India Movement, people of all ages are including
sports in their fitness regime. We have launched this programme with the aim to equip
aspiring sports business professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this
rapidly evolving industry. This collaboration with the University of Liverpool marks a
significant milestone in our efforts to provide cutting-edge education in sports business
management, beyond boundaries.”

This programme stands out for its holistic approach to sports business management, covering
a diverse range of topics essential for success in the field. Participants will delve into global
debates and contemporary issues, evaluate stakeholders and governance structures, and
critically assess sports brands and market dynamics, he said.
Designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of
sports business, including sports marketing, sponsorship, event management, and leadership,
the course has been developed by experts from IIM Indore and the University of Liverpool. It
includes interactive teaching, case studies, real-world examples, and practical exercises to
ensure a holistic learning experience.

“We are delighted to offer this transformative programme that will empower participants to
capitalize on the vast opportunities in the sports business industry,” said Prof. Rai. “Sports
unite everyone irrespective of their nation, and thus, through our collaboration, we aim to
nurture a new generation of sports business leaders who will drive innovation and growth in
the global sports market.”

Prof. Julia Balogun also expressed her delight on the occasion. “I am delighted to see the
launch of the Global Sports Business Management Executive Education programme, which
will be run as a joint programme between IIM Indore and the University of Liverpool
Management School”, she said. We look forward to establishing more collaborative ventures
between our institutions. The programme builds on the expertise of faculty within both IIM
Indore and the University of Liverpool Management School’s Centre for Sports Business. “It
will be of great benefit to those in, or aspiring to, careers in sports business”, she added.

five stages programme

Spanning over 8-9 months, the programme is structured into five stages. The first stage kicks
off with a five-day on-campus session at IIM Indore, fostering interactive discussions and
immersive learning. Following this, participants will engage in online live classes during the
second and fourth stages, delivered jointly by IIM Indore and the University of Liverpool,
offering flexibility and convenience. The third stage offers a unique opportunity for
participants to immerse themselves in the global sports business landscape with a five-day
session at the University of Liverpool, providing invaluable insights from industry experts.
The programme will conclude with a three-day on-campus session at IIM Indore,
consolidating learning and preparing participants for their future endeavors in sports business
management.

About IIM Indore: Established in 1996, IIM Indore is among the 100 global business
schools (and the second IIM in the country) to receive the prestigious Triple Crown in the
form of accreditations from EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA. IIM Indore has been consistently
ranked at the top by various National and International ranking agencies, including NIRF,
QS, and the FT-100 rankings. The institute offers a diverse set of executive education
opportunities, spanning several long-term and short-term courses. With a robust offering of
200+ executive programmes, including specialized courses tailored for the UAE, GCC, and
the Middle East, IIM Indore empowers professionals with globally relevant skills and
expertise.

Presently, IIM Indore is ranked 8th in the NIRF ranking (a Ministry of HRD,
Government of India initiative), 79th in the FT-100 rankings (4th in India, 3rd amongst
IIMs), and 25th rank (Asia) in the QS World Rankings for our global MBA (151+ world, 5th
in India, 4 th amongst IIMs).

About the University of Liverpool: The University of Liverpool is a globally-focused,
Russell Group research-intensive institution. The Centre for Sports Business sits within the
Triple Accredited University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS) and is a global centre
of excellence, which offers world-leading research, consultancy and executive education
courses in the business of sport. Their staff bring expertise from a wide range of
backgrounds, including expertise in sports analytics, marketing, strategy, economics,
leadership, governance and finance, to make the Centre for Sports Business (CSB) a leading
hub for sports business knowledge and practice. The University of Liverpool Management
School is amongst an elite group of business schools to hold gold standard triple
accreditation by AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA, which attest to the quality of our learning
programmes.