Verticals in PGPSM Sports Management

About the Program

Following the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises multidisciplinary and experiential learning in higher education, and in alignment with the vision and mission of both institutions, the Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai) and the International Institute of Sports & Management (IISM) proudly introduce the One-Year Postgraduate Programme in Sports Management (PGPSM).

This pioneering programme reflects IIM Mumbai’s commitment to expanding its management education landscape by integrating a specialised focus on the dynamic and rapidly evolving sports industry. In today’s era of professionalised sports and global sporting ecosystems, the need for skilled managers, strategists, and innovators is more critical than ever. The PGPEx in Sports Management is designed to cultivate leaders who can bridge management principles with deep domain expertise in sports.

The programme aims to develop capable professionals —including sports business managers, event directors, sponsorship consultants, performance analysts, sports entrepreneurs, and sports administrators — who are equipped to navigate the multifaceted challenges of the sports sector. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how business strategy, technology, and data analytics are transforming the global sports landscape, and how these principles can be applied effectively within the Indian context.

Through a rigorous, experiential, and industry-integrated curriculum, the programme covers a wide range of subjects, including General Management, Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Data Science, Sports Business, Event and Facility Management, Sponsorship and Media, and Sustainability. Learners will explore contemporary topics such as sports governance, fan engagement, digital transformation, analytics, and sports innovation, ensuring a holistic grasp of the business of sports.

Delivered in offline, classroom mode, the programme is co-taught by renowned faculty from IIM Mumbai and IISM, along with leading industry professionals, thought leaders, and practitioners. The pedagogy emphasises case studies, simulations, peer discussions, live projects, and capstone experiences to ensure practical learning and direct industry relevance.

The PGPSM adopts a strong experiential learning framework, offering industry visits, leadership workshops, guest lectures, and exposure to professional sporting venues and organisations. These interactions immerse participants in real-world challenges, preparing them to make data-driven and strategic decisions within the sports ecosystem.

Aligned with India’s vision for the Olympics 2036 and the country’s expanding sports economy, the programme seeks to build a talent pool of professionals capable of driving sustainable growth and innovation in sports. It nurtures critical thinking, ethical leadership, and entrepreneurial capabilities, enabling graduates to lead in roles across sports management, analytics, consulting, sponsorship, media, event management, and allied sectors.

The One-Year Postgraduate Programme in Sports Management (PGPSM) thus serves as a launchpad for career transformation, empowering participants to contribute meaningfully to the national and global sports ecosystem while shaping the future of sports business, governance, and education in India.

Duration

1 year full-time

Eligibility:

The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Technology, Economics, Commerce, Management, Mathematics and Statistics with at least 50% marks.

IISM Students are Currently Working with 90% Top Sporting Brands in India

PGP Students in a classroom

The One-Year Postgraduate Program for Executives (PGPEx) in Sports Management, offered jointly by IIM Mumbai and IISM, is designed to provide a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience with a strong focus on industry exposure, research, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Specialised One-Year Program
 – Delivered in offline classroom mode with a mix of experiential learning, industry immersion, and peer-based collaboration.
Extensive Contact Hours – Over 600+ contact hours, including classroom teaching, masterclasses, workshops, and sessions with industry experts, faculty from IIM Mumbai and IISM, along with esteemed practitioners from the sports network.

PGP students in a stadium for study tour

Hands-On Learning and Industry Exposure – Participants engage in live projects, case studies, capstone assignments, and industry reports, gaining practical insights into the sports ecosystem.
Networking Opportunities – Interact with industry leaders, policymakers, mentors, and peers, fostering strong professional connections and collaborative learning.

Mentoring and Entrepreneurship Support – Receive guidance from faculty and industry experts to develop entrepreneurial ventures, innovate in sports management, and explore emerging business opportunities.

Career Advancement Opportunities – The program equips participants with skills to take on leadership roles across sports business management, analytics, sponsorship, media, events, and allied sectors.

Postgraduate Programme in Sports Management (PGPSM)

Curriculum of the program

Lead the Game: Explore the Core of Sports Management at IISM

01

Advance Your Career in Sports Management

02

Practical Industry Exposure

03

Research-Oriented Learning

04

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Opportunities

05

Access to Cutting-Edge Learning Facilities

06

Interaction with Industry Leaders and Experts

07

Become Part of the IIM Mumbai and IISM Alumni Network

08

Online Access to IIM Mumbai Library and IISM ebooks

Gain the skills and expertise needed to take on leadership roles across sports organisations, event management, sponsorship, media, analytics, and allied sectors.

Benefit from hands-on experience through live case studies, capstone projects, industry visits, and interactions with professional sporting organisations, facilitated by IIM Mumbai and IISM’s strong industry network.

Work on industry reports, market studies, and research projects that provide insights into emerging trends, sports analytics, sponsorship models, and fan engagement strategies, preparing participants to make data-driven decisions.

Develop an entrepreneurial mindset, identify business opportunities in sports, and receive guidance to create scalable ventures in sports management, sports tech, and allied sectors.

Utilise world-class infrastructure, digital tools, and resources provided by both IIM Mumbai and IISM to enhance analytical, managerial, and strategic capabilities.

Engage with top professionals, thought leaders, and policymakers in the sports ecosystem through guest lectures, seminars, and workshops organised by IIM Mumbai and IISM.

Join prestigious communities of global leaders and leverage unparalleled networking opportunities for career advancement and collaborations.

Access a vast repository of academic and industry resources, journals, and research materials to support your learning journey.

PGP in sports management student

Why This Programme?

The One-Year Postgraduate Programme in Sports Management (PGPSM), offered jointly by IIM Mumbai and the International Institute of Sports & Management (IISM), is essential because it builds a highly skilled talent pool to meet the growing human resource needs of India’s rapidly expanding sports ecosystem, aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for India as a global sports powerhouse and the nation’s Olympics 2036 mission. As India aims for excellence on the international sporting stage, there is a pressing need for professionals who can manage, innovate, and lead across sports organisations, infrastructure, events, sponsorships, media, and allied sectors.

Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of management principles—including marketing, finance, operations, logistics, human resources, and data analytics—with direct application to the sports industry. The programme also offers specialised insights into sports governance, sponsorship, media rights, facility and event management, fan engagement, and digital transformation, equipping participants to address the sector’s evolving challenges.

Through experiential learning, industry collaborations, capstone projects, and leadership workshops, learners develop strategic decision-making, analytical, and entrepreneurial skills. They are prepared to create and manage employment opportunities, strengthen the sports ecosystem, and contribute to India’s ambition of becoming a global sporting hub. By integrating academic rigour with industry practice, the programme ensures that participants are ready to drive innovation, enhance professional standards, and deliver impactful outcomes in both national and international sports contexts.

Aligned with India’s Olympics 2036 mission, this programme fosters future-ready leaders capable of supporting elite athlete performance, scaling sports enterprises, and promoting sustainable growth in the sector. It directly contributes to employment generation, professional development, and capacity building in sports management, nurturing the next generation of professionals who will propel India to global sporting prominence while creating a vibrant sports economy.

This joint initiative by IIM Mumbai and IISM combines world-class management education with deep sports industry expertise, offering unmatched academic rigour, practical exposure, and networking opportunities for aspiring sports leaders and entrepreneurs.

Career Horizons in

Sports Management

Imagine leading organizations that host major sporting leagues and events, or contributing to community programs that foster sports participation. The PGP Program opens doors to diverse roles, including:

Hear it from our students themselves

Frequently Asked Questions

The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Technology, Economics, Commerce, Management, Mathematics and Statistics with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% in case of candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories), awarded by any University or educational institution as incorporated by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature in India OR declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, OR possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

The IIM Mumbai Admission Test (IMAT) is an online exam based on the CAT (Common Admission Test) exam pattern conducted by IIM Mumbai as part of the admission process for the Executive MBA (Online). IMAT exam provides an alternative for those seeking admission without the CAT/GRE/GMAT scores. The IMAT shall be for 100 marks and 90-120 minutes.

The live lectures and sessions are conducted at IIM Mumbai and IISM Campus, that support interactive learning, including live sessions, discussions, and access to course materials through the remote login to the library resources.

The one year Post Graduate Program offers specialization in the field of Sports Management.

No, financial aid is not available for the program. Participants are expected to cover all tuition fees and related expenses, including food and accommodation expenses associated with the on-campus immersion programs.

Yes, the program does job placement assistance to students who have successfully completed the course.

Yes, after graduating from this program, participants are eligible to become part of IIM Mumbai’s prestigious alumni network.

Participants who complete the program at IIM Mumbai & IISM are awarded a “Postgraduate Program for Executives (PGPEx) in Sports Management”

No, the students will have to attend live sessions.

Attendance is compulsory for all the students and all the courses in the program. A minimum of 75% attendance is required in each course. Shortage in attendance (below the required 75%), will invite penalty in grades as per the Institute PGP (Postgraduate Program) Rules.

Participants who successfully complete the program are invited to attend the convocation ceremony at IIM Mumbai, where they receive their Postgraduate certificate and join the esteemed alumni network.

The program/registration fee can be paid through multiple channels, including credit/debit card, net banking, UPI, or via Demand Draft into the institute’s account.