The SportBusiness International 2024 rankings highlight Johan Cruyff Institute’s Master in Sports Management Online as the best in Europe and the second-best worldwide in online programs
Johan Cruyff Institute’s Master in Sports Management Online continues to climb the rankings of the best specialized academic training programs, according to the results of the annual SportBusiness International 2024 magazine rankings. Thirteen years ago, Johan Cruyff Institute first entered the world’s most prestigious rankings for sports management education. Since then, it has not only maintained its position but has stood out among the top positions, even as competition has increased.
Thus, the Master in Sports Management Online has consolidated its position as Europe’s No. 1 in distance learning for the second year in a row. In the section on online programs, it ranks as the second-best globally, up one position from last year. Overall, the program ranks 13th. The on-campus modality also appears in the ranking, placing in the Top 40 globally. The SportBusiness International rankings are based on two comprehensive surveys conducted among program managers and former graduate students three years prior to the publication of the rankings. The assessment, therefore, corresponds to responses received after the 2021 academic year.
Albert Romans, General Manager of Johan Cruyff Institute, highlights the work of the academic team in achieving this distinction: “We are very proud to have been recognized as the number 1 in Europe in online training for the second consecutive year in the field of sport management. This recognition reflects Johan Cruyff Institute’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation in teaching. Rising to second place worldwide is a great achievement that reinforces the vision of our founder, Johan Cruyff, to train the sport leaders of the future through flexible, quality education.”
The SportBusiness International rankings indicate that the Master in Sports Management Online has received high praise from students. Key aspects highlighted by students are the quality of the faculty and curriculum, as well as the level of professional and academic mentoring offered. Rubén Horcas, a graduate of the program, shares his academic experience and emphasizes its practical orientation: “If there is one thing I would highlight about the Master’s program, it is the combination of theoretical subjects with completely practical ones. Even in the more theoretical subjects, the content is very concrete and focuses on what is truly applicable. For example, the Master’s covers topics ranging from the analysis of macroeconomic variables and price elasticities to the management of sports facilities, with examples based on real experiences and very specific data. In general, it combines the use of theoretical tools, which are essential from a general perspective and applicable in certain contexts, with very clear, practical, and direct knowledge. I think you leave with a great theoretical base – after all, it is a university master’s degree – but once adapted to the company’s rhythm, it is very applicable.”
“The Master in Sport Management Online combines the use of theoretical tools, which are essential from a general perspective and applicable in certain contexts, with very clear, practical, and direct knowledge.”
Lukas Dorda, Director of Online Programs, highlights personalized advice and the ability to adapt to student needs as key to staying at the top of the SportBusiness International 2024 rankings. “At Johan Cruyff Institute, we were pioneers in offering online training in sports management. Paving the way was not easy, and staying at the forefront is even harder. It is truly very satisfying to have our main strengths recognized, such as personalized advice – or rather, the ‘human touch,’ which we consider fundamental and one of our distinguishing features – as well as our ability to adapt to any personal circumstances. We also offer the possibility of tailoring optional module pathways that allow students to specialize while developing their skills and competencies. Achieving first place in the European ranking for our master’s degree was a great honor, and maintaining it for the second year in a row fills us with pride and motivates us to continue working to further improve our online programs.”
“Achieving first place in the European ranking for our master’s degree was a great honor, and maintaining it for the second year in a row fills us with pride and motivates us to continue working to further improve our online programs”.
The SportBusiness International rankings highlight two aspects of the Master in Sport Management Online. One is the quality of the faculty, which blends academics from the business world with professionals active in the sports sector. Professional mentoring is another highlight: based on the ‘learning by doing’ methodology, the academic staff advises and supports students in the implementation of real projects that respond to the demands of the sports industry.
