Sport Business & Communication

Become communication professionals in the sports industry.

Face-to-face training available at :

Lyon, Paris

Next intake: October 2026

› 6 months of academic coursework (approx. 400 hours of in-person classes)
› 6 months of a professional assignment in a company

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Highlights

Sport plays a major role in today’s society. As audiences, consumers, and citizens increasingly seek meaning, emotion, and engaging experiences, sport has become a powerful communication platform — a driver of visibility, promotion, and collective engagement.

> Real-life case studies and immersive experiences are central to our hands-on, industry-focused teaching approach, designed to help students develop strong professional skills and expand their network.

> Opportunity to pursue a dual certification in partnership with CSU Fullerton.

Dual Certification - France / United States (California)

In partnership with California State University Fullerton, EFAP offers a study experience in California as part of the Specialized MBA in Sport Business & Communication.

After completing the courses of EFAP’s Specialized MBA in Sport Business & Communication, students have the opportunity to earn the Sports Media Certificate from CSU Fullerton from January to May, and then continue their program with a 6-month EFAP internship completed in France or abroad.

Specialized MBA Program

Our Specialized MBA in Sport Business & Communication provides targeted training that combines advanced communication skills with expertise in a rapidly growing industry. The curriculum is taught by recognized industry professionals from sports federations, media companies, specialized agencies, brands, and public institutions.

Objective(s):
› Train agile and operational communication professionals, with skills applicable across the entire sport business ecosystem.

Communication

› Define and promote brand identity and image
› Manage a sports communication project
› Promote a brand, institution, or organization through sports values
› Understand and leverage the economic and promotional potential of sponsorship
› Address the needs of specific audiences: disability & sport, women’s sports, “silver generation”

Public Relations & Media

› Manage media relations and implement communication strategies
› Define and deploy a media plan: sports media & broadcasting rights
› Build and commercialize a portfolio of media rights
› Promote and distribute campaigns, brands, or events through digital media
› Manage media risk and crisis communication

Sports Culture & Environnement

› Understand the sport business ecosystem (brands, manufacturers, media, federations, clubs, public sector)
› Integrate regulatory frameworks: public procurement, legal requirements
› Identify emerging trends: e-sport, digital transformation, connected devices, mass amateur events

Event Management

› Develop the communication strategy of an event
› Plan and coordinate content
› Manage media and press relations requirements
› Manage athletes before and during events
› Anticipate and handle crisis situations

Operational Objectives / Skills Targeted by the Certification

› Develop a communication strategy
› Implement a communication strategy
› Lead internal and external communication teams
› Manage a brand

Teaching Methods

› Courses taught by active communication professionals
› Real-life case studies assigned by partner companies
› Agency competitions, masterclasses, workshops…

Evaluation Methods

› Continuous assessment throughout the program and submission of a final mission report

Certification Process

› The “Communication Manager” Level 7 (equivalent to a Master’s degree) certification is awarded upon successful completion of all competency modules.

RNCP Title “Communication Manager,” Level 7 (Master’s equivalent) issued by EFAP: professional certification registered with the RNCP by decision of France Compétences on 05/31/2023 (RNCP 37658).
A validated competency block remains acquired for 5 years.

› No further study pathway available.

Accessibility for Learners with Disabilities
You may be wondering whether you can enroll in our programs. Contact us so we can inform and guide you as effectively as possible: accessibilite@efap.com.

Key Performance Indicators :

› Certification exam participation rate (Class of 2023): 100%
› Certification success rate (Class of 2023): 100%
› Overall employment rate at 12 months (all jobs): 88%
› Employment rate in positions related to the certification at 12 months: 75%

Download the brochure

Profiles & Career Opportunities

Careers in Communication and Sport Business exist across a wide range of organizations: companies, specialized agencies, clubs, federations, equipment manufacturers, media outlets, and public institutions. Practical and cross-disciplinary, our Specialized MBA in Sport Business & Communication provides graduate-level students with the tools to navigate and understand these diverse environments.

Specialized Agencies

Account Director
Advertising Manager
Strategic Planner
Sports Consultant
Sports Event Manager

Media

Sports Director
Social Media Manager
Media Training Consultant
Editorial Writer
Brand Content Manager

Public Sector

Project Manager
Press Relations Officer
Communication Advisor
Sports Department Director (local authorities)

Brands / Equipment Manufacturers

Brand Strategy Director
PR Manager
Product Manager
Sports Marketing Manager
Media Planner

Federations / Clubs

Media Relations Manager
Hospitality Manager
Sponsorship Manager
Athlete Manager
Press Officer

Cross-sector Roles

Communication Director
Partnerships Manager
Event Project Manager
Digital Communication Manager

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for our sports program, you must hold a 4- or 5-year higher education degree (Bac+4/+5) from one of the following:

Business, communication, or engineering schools; IEP (Instituts d’Études Politiques)
A master’s degree in higher education (science, management, economics, law, LEA, etc.)

Professionals with a significant track record and experience may also apply to the Specialized MBA via VAP (Validation of Prior Experiential Learning).

Admissions Process (Two Stages)

Eligibility: an initial screening based on the application file by the admissions committee.
Admission: shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview with the program director and/or an industry professional.

Apply

Financing your studies

Book an Appointment

Discover the Specialized MBA in Sport Business & Communication from a new perspective and meet the Program Director.

To register, please contact:

Paris

internationaladmissions@groupe-edh.com

+33 1 85 34 10 12

Lyon

internationaladmissions@groupe-edh.com
+33 4 72 10 69 76

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