Sports Entrepreneurship

Course description

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Turn your passion for sport into a thriving business! This dynamic online course, created by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), opens the door to the limitless opportunities of the global sports industry. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a professional looking to expand your skills, or simply passionate about sport, this program will equip you with the tools to build and grow successful ventures. You’ll begin by discovering how sport drives economic growth and social change worldwide, while exploring the many sectors and career paths it offers. From there, you will learn how to think and act like a sports entrepreneur: spotting business opportunities, developing business plans, and designing powerful models that turn ideas into action. 

The course also dives into sports marketing and sponsorship—unpacking what makes this industry unique, and how branding and partnerships can boost visibility and revenue. Real-world case studies will inspire you with stories of successful campaigns. Because intellectual property is the backbone of innovation and success in sport, you will gain practical knowledge in copyright, trademarks, patents, trade secrets, licensing, franchising, and the digital economy—ensuring your venture is protected and future-ready. 

By the end, you’ll walk away with practical skills, fresh ideas, and the confidence to seize opportunities in one of the world’s most exciting and fast-growing industries. Join us to unlock your entrepreneurial potential and make your mark in the business of sport!


After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Identify the different kinds of business and work opportunities that arise from the sports industry;
Evaluate how to use primary and secondary qualitative and quantitative research, as well as a PESTEL analysis, to evaluate the context in which you are operating;
Identify the different elements of a business plan, what they should include, and what they aim to achieve;
Determine what sets sports marketing apart from “traditional” marketing;
Recognising the role of IP in sports;
Exploring image rights and their importance for individual athletes, teams, and minors;
Describing the process of trademark registration for sports brands, including activity and geographical scope.

NOTE:

We recommend using the latest version of the Chrome or Safari browsers to ensure an optimal experience viewing the lectures.

COURSE CERTIFICATION

Participants who meet the course requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion issued in electronic format.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Module 1
Opportunities in the Sports Industry
Module 2
Identifying and Assessing Opportunities in the Sports Industry
Module 3
The Elements of a Business Plan & Building a Business Model Canvas
Module 4
Sports Marketing & Sponsorships
Module 5
The Role of IP in the Sports Industry
Module 6
Understanding Image Rights in the Sports Industry
Module 7
Merchandising and Legal Protection of Trademarks in Sports
Sports Entrepreneurship Login to Sign Up
Course Language
English ‎(en)‎
Next start date
To be announced...
Time required
8 hours over 4 weeks
Course fee
Free of charge
Course access
Restricted
Tutor Information

David Cordobés