Football Industry Recap 2024: Aligning Growth with Football Business Education
In the past year, the football industry worldwide has continued to thrive, showing growth and expansion. This is thanks to a rise in investments, increased fan engagement and advancements in technology, which remain a key priority for long-term success of the sport. This also comes with its challenges, such as balancing commercial innovation with regional development and its growth in sustainability in emerging markets, remaining as the most popular and valuable sport in the world.
FOOTBALL INDUSTRY TRENDS
MARKET TRENDS
Growth in Revenue: In 2023, the global value of the football market was at $3.1 billion, expected to grow 2.0% in the next 10 years. This is thanks to growing fan engagement, sponsorships and online retail purchases.
Emerging Markets: Key areas for football expansion are emerging in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and parts of Africa, and proving so with the 2030 World Cup in Morocco as the first North Africa country to co-host and Saudi Arabia hosting in 2034.
The Surge of Women’s Football: Investors like Michelle Kang, Mercury/13 and Barclays are doubling down on investments pouring billions into the industry around the world. Viewership is hitting record levels within the UK seeing a 38% increase, while the US saw an 18% increase in the NWSL Championship peaking at 1.1million viewers. Competitions, players, and leagues are seeing a boost in sponsorship and media deals.
Innovations in Technology: Fan experiences have been revolutionized thanks to streaming services that have improved broadcasting and live sports coverage. AI is being used to personalize fan engagement bringing them closer than ever to the action. Ticketing has been streamlined and optimizing player performance to reduce injury have improved the sport. Teams such as Bayern Munich and Manchester United are starting to use AI to help with scouting globally, identifying not only their current skills but also the potential they may have for the future.
IMPACT & INVESTMENT
Infrastructure Development: Emerging regions are investing in state-of-the-art stadiums for global events. The impact the Football Industry has on developing countries is significant. In fact, Morocco’s 2030 World Cup preparations include the €480 million Hassan II Stadium near Casablanca, set to be the world’s largest. Improvements across six host cities, Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Tangier, Marrakech, and Agadir, include airport expansions, road upgrades, and enhanced public transport. These developments aim to boost employment, tourism, and Morocco’s global appeal, with lasting benefits beyond the tournament.
Initiatives in Sustainability: Clubs are beginning to prioritize environmental and social strategies, such as reducing emissions and making the sport more accessible to all. One club that has been described by FIFA as the greenest football club in the world, is the Forest Green Rovers in the UK. As a club, they have reduced their overall Emissions per fan in CO2 from 3.33 tonnes in 2011, to .78 tonnes in 2023. They look at everything from travel, to food waste and eating green, with chairman Dale Vince appointed as a Climate Champion in 2019 for the United Nations who also recognised the club as the first Carbon Neutral football club in the world.
New Revenue Streams: Clubs and Leagues are looking at fan data aggregation to deliver a more personalized experience. By tracking behaviors like ticket purchases and event attendance, clubs offer targeted promotions, such as incentives for signed merchandise. CRM platforms like Salesforce provide a 360° view of fans, enabling engagement through apps, social media, and web platforms, while streamlining ticket management and merchandise sales. This approach enhances fan experiences and drives revenue growth.
How a Professional Master Degree in Football Business Aligns with Football Industry Changes
The Football Business Academy (The FBA) equips Candidates to excel in the growing football industry through its Professional Master’s Degree Program. By offering advanced resources, a global network of almost 90 Partners and 2,500+ contacts, and expertise from industry leaders, the program prepares Candidates to capitalize on emerging trends. The FBA’s continually updated curriculum ensures Candidates stay ahead of the game, by offering courses with topics covering technological advancements, emerging markets, and women’s football growth.
How the FBA supports Growth in the Football Industry
Practical Experience with Industry Partners
A cornerstone of The FBA’s programs is its Guaranteed 3-month Internship and Student Business Projects which take place in Module 3 and Module 4. With almost 90 Partnerships worldwide, Candidates are guaranteed to work directly with top football organizations, clubs, and leagues. This provides hands-on experience with real-world business challenges and a pathway to emerging opportunities as clubs and leagues expand globally.
Networking and Mentorship
The FBA’s strong connections to leading football professionals, governing bodies (e.g., FIFA and UEFA), and global organizations, enable Candidates to build extensive network. Access to mentors, industry events, and guest lectures helps Candidates develop relationships that can fast-track their careers.
During a week long Networking week, Candidates will attend World Football Summit, As its official educational partner, The FBA ensures its Candidates receive exclusive access and opportunities to engage with industry leaders, such as Muhammud Yunus and Julie Uhrman, and position themselves as future leaders in the global arena of football. This partnership amplifies The FBA’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, industry-relevant education.
Emerging Trends
As the football industry is ever changing, thanks to emerging markets, technological advances and fan engagement, The FBA stays ahead of the curve by continuously updating its curriculum to reflect this, ensuring Candidates gain the latest knowledge and skills needed to excel in a rapidly evolving landscape. Some recent additions to the curriculum include Sustainability & CSR in Football and Competitions & Mega Events. However, with growth in other areas, like Women’s Football and in grassroot communities, classes like Women’s Football Development and Club and Academy Sport Technical Management are ever evolving.
Football Industry Experts
Each professor at The FBA has been carefully selected to ensure they have a great wealth of professional experience, and know how to convey the realities, challenges, and needs of the football industry to our Candidates.
Women’s Football
The FBA emphasizes the importance of women’s football. This course explores the growth and development globally, addressing challenges, opportunities, and strategies to promote and enhance the women’s game at all levels.
Taught by Nicole Allison, she offers 13+ years of experience in business development and project management. She has held key roles at Tottenham Hotspur FC, the English Football League, and founded Worcester City Women FC to grow women’s football. Alongside running a football business consultancy, she mentors athletes transitioning to new careers and teaches at leading sports institutions.
Sustainability & CSR in Football
This course examines the importance of sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility within the football industry, emphasizing strategies for clubs and organizations to positively impact society and the environment.
Professor Ioannis Konstantopoulos excels in delivering sustainable initiatives, creating analytical reports, and developing sustainability strategies. His impactful research evaluates global sustainability practices in sports, driving positive industry change.
Competitions & Mega Events
Focusing on the organization and management of large-scale football events, this course covers aspects such as event planning, logistics, marketing, and the economic implications of hosting major tournaments.
Professor Pedro Correia, CEO of Beyond Sports Event in Lisbon, Portugal, is highly experienced in Mega Sport Events and national football competitions, with expertise in strategic management, budgeting, event logistics, and ticketing. He is skilled in implementing Management Information Systems with a proven ability to deliver across planning, operations, and venue management.
Club and Academy Sport Technical Management
This course delves into the technical and operational aspects of managing football clubs and academies, including talent development, coaching methodologies, and organizational structures.
Instructed by Double Pass’ Managing Director Koen Put, Global Operations Lead Stig Meylemans, and Director of Football Hans Vander Elst, together they offer a wealth of knowledge, unwavering commitment, and a love for the game, they forge strong partnerships to drive improvement in Football.
They advise football clubs, leagues, and (con)federations on optimizing talent development through a unique methodology that makes potential improvements visible. Based on their analysis, experienced sports professionals implement tailor-made solutions, leading to more effectively run academies. With a proven track record, Double Pass’ advice shows significant improvements in academy operations and player development.
Thankfully, for all of us football lovers out there, the football industry is continuing to grow, driven by key trends such as increased revenue, emerging markets, infrastructure development and technological innovations. The Football Business Academy aligns with these industry changes through its Professional Master’s Program, offering hands-on experience, access to mentors, and an updated curriculum covering areas like women’s football, sustainability, and mega events. With its global network and expert faculty, The FBA equips candidates to excel in the rapidly evolving industry and seize emerging opportunities.
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Start your professional journey in the business side of football by getting in touch with The FBA’s Admissions team here.
