27 students from over 20 nationalities began their ambitious journeys into the global sports business arena
The 9th edition of the Sports Business MBA by EB Institute tipped off in Barcelona
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Last week, Barcelona became the buzzing starting line for the ninth edition of the Sports Business MBA by EB Institute, held in partnership with Vytautas Magnus University of Kaunas (VMU). Twenty-seven students from over twenty nationalities arrived, bringing fresh energy, diverse experiences, and big ambitions to a classroom where the average age is 32 – each ready to take their next steps in the global sports business arena.
The adventure tipped off with a comprehensive webinar laying out the exciting 16-month journey ahead, capped by a lively Q&A with Euroleague Basketball CEO Paulius Motiejunas. From his insights on industry growth to his vision for the program, it was the perfect prologue before the students finally touched down in Barcelona for a week packed with learning and connection.
Among the highlights of the week in Barcelona were in-depth meetings with Euroleague Basketball representatives, who revealed industry secrets and offered priceless networking opportunities. These meetings helped the students see what drives Europe’s top basketball organization from the inside.
The class also joined in the One Team Awards, Euroleague Basketball’s annual celebration of social impact. Beyond recognizing outstanding community work, these events created moments for team building and showcased basketball’s power to create positive change far beyond the court.
After Barcelona, the journey continues in January 2026 with an immersive session at VMU in Kaunas. Midway through, the class will experience basketball’s biggest stage – the EuroLeague Final Four in Athens – before returning to Kaunas for a graduation ceremony in January 2027. Along the way, students will shape careers, friendships, and perspectives that span continents.
"We couldn't be prouder of the improvements we are making with our Sports Business MBA," said Vincenzo Di Giuseppe, the Manager of the EB Institute. "Every year the program drives more interest from different parts of the world. Having such a diverse and international class is an amazing added value for our MBA."
From Barcelona to Kaunas and Athens, the Sports Business MBA is more than an educational program… It’s where global ambitions meet real opportunities in the heart of European basketball.