Mini MBA CEO of a Sports Organisation

Designed for senior executives and high-performing athletes who aspire to reach chief executive level in sport, the Mini MBA CEO of a Sports Organisation addresses the full scope of leading a sporting organisation. Core topics include leadership, strategic planning, operational management, commercialisation, sport finance, negotiation, and communications, with a concluding module on CEO preparation delivered by Elite Performance Partners. Applicants are expected to be at senior or C-suite level, or professional athletes transitioning into executive roles, and are required to complete an interview and presentation as part of the entry process.

The programme is delivered part-time in a blended format — combining on-site sessions at Shoosmiths, Spinningfields in Manchester with distance learning — across six two-day blocks over six months. A modular study option allows professionals to select individual topics to suit their schedules. The course is led by Professor Rob Wilson, who oversees executive education at UCFB in partnership with VSI Executive Education. It does not lead to a formal academic award but is positioned as a professional qualification for aspiring sports CEOs.