This course is designed to empower sports executives and professionals with the financial knowledge needed to lead effectively in a results-driven and commercially dynamic environment. Participants will explore the unique financial structures that underpin sports organisations, including revenue streams such as broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and merchandising, as well as cost centres like player salaries, event logistics, and facility operations. The course addresses both day-to-day financial operations and long-term financial strategy.
In today’s competitive sports landscape, financial literacy is essential not just for CFOs but also for general managers, marketing leaders, and operations executives. Whether managing club finances, overseeing events, or negotiating high-value contracts, understanding the financial implications of every decision can drive growth, stability, and stakeholder confidence. This course provides a strong foundation for making informed, ethical, and sustainable financial choices in the sports sector.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Read and analyse financial statements specific to the sports sector.
- Design and manage effective budgets for sports teams and events.
- Identify revenue opportunities and improve financial performance.
- Align financial strategies with long-term organisational goals.
- Make sound, data-driven financial decisions under pressure.
- Strengthen financial communication with stakeholders and partners.
This course is ideal for:
- Senior leaders and executives in sports organisations.
- Club owners, federation directors, and financial decision-makers.
- Finance managers in teams, venues, or sports associations.
- Business development and sponsorship executives.
- Event organisers and operations heads involved in budget oversight.
The course uses a blended and interactive learning approach that combines expert-led presentations, real-world case studies, and hands-on exercises. Participants will engage in group discussions, financial simulation activities, and role-playing scenarios to enhance practical understanding and strategic thinking. Each module includes practical tools and templates that can be applied immediately within the participant’s organisation. Instructors bring real-life sports finance experience, ensuring the training is relevant, actionable, and aligned with global industry standards.
Day 5 of each course is reserved for a Q&A session, which may occur off-site. For 10-day courses, this also applies to day 10
Section 1: Financial Fundamentals in the Sports Industry
- Key financial terms and concepts every sports executive should know.
- How the sports business model differs from other sectors.
- Revenue structures: Broadcasting, ticketing, sponsorship, merchandise.
- Cost structures in sports clubs, facilities, and governing bodies.
- Understanding profit vs performance trade-offs in sport.
Section 2: Budgeting and Financial Planning
- Crafting a practical, realistic budget for sports teams and events.
- Budget control techniques and cost-efficiency practices.
- Forecasting revenue and managing cash flow.
- Building financial flexibility into planning.
- Managing seasonal variation in sports income and expenses.
Section 3: Managing Sports Revenues and Costs
- Strategic revenue generation: Events, partnerships, media.
- Commercialising club assets: Merchandise, branding, hospitality.
- Controlling operational and staffing costs effectively.
- Optimising event logistics for financial sustainability.
- Assessing and improving profit margins in sports services.
Section 4: Financial Reporting and Stakeholder Communication
- Reading and interpreting balance sheets and income statements.
- Understanding key ratios for financial health in sports.
- Preparing reports for boards, investors, and sponsors.
- Communicating financial performance with non-finance stakeholders.
- Integrating financial insights into strategic planning.
Section 5: Financial Risk and Crisis Management
- Identifying financial risks in the sports sector.
- Contingency planning for uncertain income (e.g. injuries, cancellations).
- Legal and compliance issues affecting financial performance.
- Auditing and internal control practices.
- Managing currency, taxation, and funding risks in international sport.
Section 6: Long-Term Financial Strategy and Sustainability
- Building resilient financial strategies for clubs and federations.
- Investment and growth planning in sports businesses.
- Debt management and capital funding options.
- Strategic use of surplus and reserves.
- Sustainability indicators and long-term ROI in sports initiatives.
Section 7: Case Studies and Practical Scenarios
- Budget analysis for a national sports event.
- Club financial turnaround strategies.
- Sponsorship deal evaluation: Risk vs return.
- Profit and loss review of a sports academy.
- Ethical dilemmas in financial decisions (e.g. high-cost player transfers).
Upon successful completion of this training course, delegates will be awarded a Holistique Training Certificate of Completion. For those who attend and complete the online training course, a Holistique Training e-Certificate will be provided.
Holistique Training Certificates are accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) and The CPD Certification Service (CPD), and are certified under ISO 9001, ISO 21001, and ISO 29993 standards.
CPD credits for this course are granted by our Certificates and will be reflected on the Holistique Training Certificate of Completion. In accordance with the standards of The CPD Certification Service, one CPD credit is awarded per hour of course attendance. A maximum of 50 CPD credits can be claimed for any single course we currently offer.
- Course Code IND15 - 129
- Course Format Classroom, Online,
- Duration 5 days
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