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Full-Time MBA EMBA GEMBA Management Marketing Finance Strategy Sales

Football Business Forum

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Start date Nov 7, 2025

End date Nov 7, 2025

Duration 1 Day

Location Milano

Format Class

Language English

Price (+ VAT) € 2.200

The Football Business Forum, promoted by SDA Bocconi and La Gazzetta dello Sport, is set to become an essential event on the international stage, offering a comprehensive exploration of the major economic and financial issues surrounding the football industry and its future developments.

Conducted entirely in English, this high-level forum brings together prominent experts and key stakeholders to discuss critical themes such as investments in the football sector, the financial management of football clubs and brand management strategies. With the football industry undergoing rapid changes, this event offers a unique platform for professionals, decision-makers, and industry leaders to exchange ideas, network, and uncover new opportunities for growth.

The Football Business Forum aspires to become a landmark event, where attendees can gain insights into the challenges and opportunities that will define the future of football, making it an unmissable appointment for anyone invested in the business of the sport.

It Fits You If

The Football Business Forum is tailored for a diverse and influential audience that includes senior executives from football clubs, industry professionals, and key decision-makers from across the global football ecosystem.

The event is also highly relevant for investors, investment funds, and private equity firms looking to explore opportunities within the football sector, whether through club ownership, infrastructure development, or innovative technology ventures.

Attendees will include financial managers, brand strategists, media rights specialists, and professionals from the fields of sports marketing, technology, and digital platforms, all seeking to stay ahead of emerging trends and capitalize on the evolving dynamics of the football business.

The forum will serve as a strategic networking platform for those looking to deepen their understanding of the financial potential and challenges in the football business, offering direct insights into the industry's growth trajectory.

Program Counseling

Erica Pizzelli
Program Advisor

Contact our Program Advisor for more detailed information about the program or to build a customized plan or you or your organization.

Write to Erica Pizzelli: erica.pizzelli@sdabocconi.it

Structure and Contents

1 days

6 panels

+40 speakers

The day will feature six high-level panels, each with top international speakers discussing major topics:

Unlocking the Value of Football Content

Focus on media rights, from TV broadcast to OTT and new platforms streaming

discover more

The Economics of Transfer Market

Highlights the financial drivers and valuation dynamics behind transfers

discover more

Stadiums as Revenue Powerhouses

Conveys infrastructure as a strategic asset for fan experience and income

discover more

Investing in Football’s Future

Invites discussion on club acquisitions, commercial returns, and institutional capital

discover more

CEO’s face to face

Focuses on governance, innovation, and strategic direction from top executives

discover more

SPORT & TECH - From Big Data to AI

Football enters a new era where technology drives sport and commercial results, referee control, and fan engagement.

discover more

Unlocking the Value of Football Content

Focus on media rights, from TV broadcast to OTT and new platforms streaming

The football media-rights market is booming, with record deals for the Premier League and global players like Amazon, Apple, and YouTube revolutionizing the game. From Champions League streaming to the new Club World Cup streamed on DAZN, direct-to-consumer and advertising-supported models are redefining distribution and value.

The Economics of Transfer Market

Highlights the financial drivers and valuation dynamics behind transfers

The football transfer market is experiencing a new balance and geography: FIFA recorded 78,742 transfers and $8.59 billion in commissions in 2024, a record high. Premier League clubs spent approximately £370 million in January 2025, while the Saudi Pro League's $957 million (summer 2023) has shaken the market. With the need to control the burden of salaries and UEFA's 70% cap on team costs, clubs must balance ambition, evaluations, and UEFA compliance, amid new FIFA rules regarding agent fees.

Stadiums as Revenue Powerhouses

Conveys infrastructure as a strategic asset for fan experience and income

Football stadiums are transforming into multifunctional assets open 365 days a year, combining hospitality, merchandising, and live entertainment, making matchday the fastest-growing revenue stream. Renovations are accelerating, financed through mixed structures (private equity, debt, and PPP) to generate premium and non-premium matchday revenue. Sustainable, digitally focused design is transforming stadiums into resilient business engines and catalysts for urban regeneration.

Investing in Football’s Future

Invites discussion on club acquisitions, commercial returns, and institutional capital

International funds and PE are reshaping ownership and strategy—but discipline is key. UEFA reports top-division club revenues hit €26.8bn (2023) and are set to exceed €29bn (2024), while the new 70% squad-cost rule tightens spending. We’ll compare debt vs equity (league-level deals like CVC vs club stakes/private debt), valuation gaps across leagues, and how governance, reporting and FSR compliance drive investibility.

CEO’s face to face

Focuses on governance, innovation, and strategic direction from top executives

Club leaders from different leagues discuss how governance and innovation drive growth, international expansion and financial sustainability. We'll explore data-driven fan monetization, the importance of access to international competitions, investor control, and the impact of multi-club ownership constraints on strategy, highlighting what makes a club attractive while also protecting sporting integrity.

SPORT & TECH - From Big Data to AI

Football enters a new era where technology drives sport and commercial results, referee control, and fan engagement.

Football's technological implementation now drives results, more accurate refereeing, and revenue. SAOT and connected ball systems refine offside calls, while VAR increases transparency and effectiveness. Machine learning provides real-time fans insights during matches; next-generation artificial intelligence is reshaping scouting and personalizing engagement. We will map the platforms and governance that transform data into commercial growth for clubs and leagues.

Among more than 40 speakers:

Alessandro Barnaba

Founder and CEO of Merlyn Advisors Limited, owner of Lille Olympique Sporting Club

Urbano Cairo

President FC Torino

Gregory Carey

Globe Co-Head of Sports Franchise at Goldman Sachs

Aleksander Čeferin

President of UEFA

Dario Donato

Sport & Finance Journalist

Pablo Longoria

President at Olympique de Marseille

Joseph Marie Oughourlian

Owner of RC Lens and Millonaries, and majority Shareholder of Calcio Padova

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Football legend and member of the board of Bayern Munich

Paolo Scaroni

President of AC Milan

Declan Sharkey

Global Director and Senior Principal at Populous

Lina Souloukou

CEO Nottingham Forest FC

Javier Tebas

President Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional

Gianni Valenti

Scientific Director and Deputy Editor in Chief La Gazzetta dello Sport

Ariela Caglio

Associate Professor of Management Accounting and Performance Measurement, Bocconi University. Director, Accounting Knowledge Area, SDA Bocconi

Carlo Favero

Full Professor of Financial Markets, Bocconi University

Gimede Gigante

Scientific Director and Director of ICE - Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship, SDA Bocconi

Maurizio Dallocchio

Full Professor of Corporate Finance, SDA Bocconi

Dino Ruta

Scientific Director FIFA Master and FIGC Management del Calcio, Director Sport & Entertainment Knowledge Center, SDA Bocconi

Donato Masciandaro

Full Professor of Economics, Bocconi University. Director, Economics, Politics and Decision Sciences Knowledge Area, SDA Bocconi

Federico Pippo

Director of the Master in Corporate Finance (MCF), SDA Bocconi

These panels are just an initial glimpse of a much broader and dynamic program.
Moreover, the day will be marked by 4 exclusive KEYNOTE INTERVIEWS, featuring leading figures from the global football ecosystem.

Forum Leadership

"Being the Director of the Football Business Forum is an incredible honor. With participation from distinguished figures in football and professionals in sports business, alongside the esteemed collaboration of La Gazzetta dello Sport, we are committed to providing invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of football investments. The program will delve into critical issues like investment strategies, private equity, and sustainability, all of which are essential for the future sustainable growth and advancement of this sport's industry"

Gimede Gigante

Scientific Director and Director of ICE - Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship, SDA Bocconi

GO TO CV

"This event was conceived with the aim of creating a high-level forum for reflection on the key issues shaping global football. It represents a unique platform for dialogue among those who govern, manage, and innovate the game."

Gianni Valenti

Scientific Director and Deputy Editor in Chief La Gazzetta dello Sport

Dario Donato

Moderator and Editorial Coordinator

General Information

€ 2,200 (+ VAT)

The fee is exclusive of VAT and includes course materials and working breakfasts.

Calendar

7 November 2025

Program Location

On-campus event will take place at Bocconi School of Management,
Via Sarfatti 10, 20136 Milan - Italy

Program Applications and Organization

Marta Romiti
Program Applications
and Organization

Participants will be supported throughout the duration of the program by a dedicated team of professionals that will be a point of reference for all organizational matters.

Write to Marta Romiti: marta.romiti@sdabocconi.it

Special Payment Terms

Bocconi Alumni

On the occasion of Bocconi Homecoming, all Bocconi Alumni can benefit from a special 20% reduction on the participation fee for SDA Bocconi’s Executive Education programs. To take advantage of this opportunity, simply enter “ALUMNI 20” in the notes field of the registration form. A chance to keep growing with the strength of the Bocconi Community.
Women are good for business

The educational dimension is one of the tangible levers that we can provide to men, women, and our organizations to truly make a difference, to have an impact. Providing education means offering a concrete tool for change and social transformation. To foster and contribute to women’s professional development, SDA Bocconi School of Management offers them until 8 March 2026: a 20% discount on the participation fee for all Executive Open Programs and Executive Online Programs.
Early Bird

A 10% reduction on the program fees offered to applications sent in by September 6th, 2025