Sports Industry Leaders: Les Roches Global Network
Les Roches Global Network expands its sports education with a new BSc in Sports Business management, spearheaded by Dr. Ivana Nobilo. This program emphasizes global experience and real-world projects, preparing future leaders for the dynamic sports industry. Learn how this follows the successful launch of its MSc in Sports Management and Events, providing extensive training in areas like digital conversion, sustainability, and athlete welfare, ensuring graduates are ready for a global career.Partnerships with major sports organizations offer unparalleled networking opportunities. For a deeper dive into the world of sports business education, this is covered in News Directory 3. Discover what’s next for the future of sports management.
Les Roches Enhances Sports Business Management Programs
Updated May 25, 2025
Les Roches, renowned for it’s hospitality management and luxury tourism education, is broadening its scope in sports under the direction of Dr. Ivana Nobilo. The institution, building on its established reputation, will introduce a Bachelor of science (BSc) in Sports Business Management this September, complementing its Master of Science (MSc) in Sports Management and Events, which began last year.
Nobilo, the architect of both programs, brings over 25 years of experience in entrepreneurship and marketing to Les Roches’ sports academia. Her background includes leading a marketing agency that executed over 1,000 events, many of which were sports-related. She aims to integrate creativity, operational excellence, and commercial impact into the curriculum.

Nobilo said her vision for sports management education involves preparing leaders to navigate the complexities of the evolving industry. She added that this extends beyond conventional theories to include digital conversion, sustainability, athlete welfare, and technology’s influence.
The four-year BSc program is based at Les Roches’ Marbella campus in Spain, with two-month stints at the Crans-Montana campus in Switzerland and the Abu Dhabi campus in the UAE. This setup provides students with international exposure to the sports industry.

The BSc course incorporates the Les Roches Sports Lab, where students manage sports clubs, handling logistics, marketing, finance, and event planning. Students also gain networking opportunities through visits, workshops, and two sports business management internships.
Nobilo said students are involved in real projects from day one, ensuring they graduate with practical experience. The curriculum integrates business, marketing, technology, and leadership. Flexible hybrid pathways are available for athletes to continue their education alongside their careers.
The MSc program, based in Switzerland, includes a six-month internship or a master’s thesis. It focuses on governance, stakeholder management, financial stability, and event operations.

Nobilo said graduates are well-prepared for careers across the global sports industry.FIFA in Zurich and the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne have already hosted students from the Master’s program.
Les Roches has established partnerships with international, European, national, and regional sports federations, associations, and clubs. They also collaborate with sports marketing agencies, media companies, and technology providers to give students access to live projects and industry insights.
Nobilo and Les Roches aim to future-proof the sports management courses by addressing industry trends and needs.Modules cover sports technology,esports,data analytics,digital marketing,sustainability,and athlete welfare.
Nobilo said their programs offer a starting point for those passionate about turning their love for sports into a global career. She added that students will gain real-world experience and build industry connections, graduating with the skills to make an impact in the sports world.
What’s next
Les Roches plans to continue developing its sports management programs, incorporating feedback from industry partners and adapting to the evolving needs of the sports sector. The focus will remain on providing students with practical experience and global exposure to ensure they are well-prepared for leadership roles.
