Global Institute Of Sports Business: Empowering the Next Generation of Sports Professionals
Gaurav Modwel, Chancellor, Global Institute Of Sports Business
The sports management education landscape in India is rapidly evolving, driven by the growing recognition of sports as a vital industry with unique business and management needs. Traditionally, sports-related careers in India were limited to coaching or athletic roles, but today, there is increasing demand for skilled professionals in sports marketing, event management, analytics, and more. This shift is prompting educational institutions to create specialized programs that offer both theoretical and hands-on learning, equipping students with industry-relevant skills to meet these new demands.
The Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB) is a leading sports management institute designed to address this very need. GISB offers an experiential learning approach, crafted by industry experts to help students acquire practical skills, gain industry exposure, and grow personally. Known for its ‘GISB Edge’, the institute provides an international perspective, strong industry connections, and a focus on personal development, preparing students to excel in the global sports sector.
As the winner of prestigious awards like the Mid Day Education Excellence Award (2019) and India’s Education Excellence Award (2022), GISB is recognized as the top sports management institute in India. Backed by IOT Sports Education, India’s leading sports knowledge hub, GISB aims to inspire and train future leaders in sports, making a meaningful impact on the industry both nationally and internationally.
Creating Industry-Ready Graduates in Sports Management
In an ever-evolving sports industry, the Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB) addresses the critical need for industry-ready graduates. With a curriculum meticulously crafted by industry leaders, GISB ensures that students gain both relevant knowledge and practical skills. By partnering with sports organizations as affiliates, and having professsionals as faculty, GISB aligns its academic content with real-world demands, offering students a dynamic, market-focused education.
GISB emphasizes experiential learning through live projects and internships with prominent global sports organisations, bridging classroom learning with hands-on industry experience. Beyond technical skills, GISB’s programs focus on leadership and soft skills, preparing students to manage high-pressure situations and team dynamics essential in the sports industry.
A robust network of alumni and professionals offers valuable mentorship and networking opportunities, while GISB’s innovative pedagogy combines theoretical learning with interactive workshops, simulations, and masterclasses.
Recognizing the global nature of sports, GISB’s programs offer international certification through the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, the worlds #1 sports management program, and fosters global exposure through partnerships with elite organizations, including a study tour with its industry affiliate - Premier League in London. GISB graduates complete the program, not only industry-prepared, but also equipped to excel on the global stage.
”The sports industry is rapidly evolving, fueled by a growing middle-class sector, technological advancements, globalization, and changing consumer behavior, and this growth translates directly into expanding job opportunities within the sports management sector”
Shaping Future Leaders in Sports Business Management
The Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB) offers a diverse range of programs designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the sports industry. Their flagship program, the Post-Graduate Program in Sports Management dives deeper into sports business strategies and operations, equipping students to excel in a competitive environment. This program focuses on providing the sports industry with industry ready professionals by giving participants a practical and relevant learning experience.
Their Executive Post Graduate Program is tailored for working professionals, athletes and current sports managers, offering a flexible, online format with live sessions from sports industry leaders and regular offline meetups. The pilot batch includes national-level footballers balancing sports careers with academic pursuits.
For those at the start of their journey, GISB’s Undergraduate Programs, in partnership with leading universities across the country, provide foundational knowledge in sports management, combining theory with practical insights.
Additionally, GISB offers an experiential learning package, allowing sports enthusiasts to gain hands-on experience by exploring live matches, engaging with experts, and touring sports facilities. This immersive experience helps students understand the behind-the-scenes operations of sports management.
With a focus on continuous program enhancement, GISB reviews its curriculum annually to ensure it remains forward-looking and industry-relevant. The institute bene¬fits from a blend of academic expertise and industry expe¬rience, with professionals contributing real-world insights.
“At GISB, we've built a program that's directly aligned with real-world needs I.e. an industry-driven curriculum, hands-on projects, and extensive mentorship. This approach ensures our graduates not only understand the business of sports but are equipped with practical skills, leadership qualities, and global exposure to excel in their careers”, says Gaurav Modwel, Chancellor. “We continuously review, realign and revise a quarter of our program every year to make it forward looking and industry relevant. We are not only working towards more academic rigor and relevant practical work but employing a pedagogy which helps students develop a flare for learning and thinking on their own”, adds Gaurav.
Scholarships & Innovative Learning in Sports Management
The Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB) is committed to making sports management education accessible to a diverse array of students through its scholarship offerings.
GISB’s scholarships target various groups, including women aspiring to work in sports business, national-level athletes transitioning to sports management careers, professionals with over three years of experience seeking career changes, and academically strong students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
GISB’s curriculum for the PG Program combines theory with practical experiences, ensuring students are prepared for a range of roles in the sports industry. Notable program elements include simulation exercises like 'Sharks Den,' where students pitch entrepreneurial projects to develop strategy-building and business planning skills, and 'Strategem,' a dynamic decision-making exercise focusing on auctions and drafts common in the sports industry. Another unique feature, the 'Rural Immersion' project, involves students conducting research in rural India to gain insights into local perspectives on sports.
“Beyond classroom simulations, GISB emphasizes industry exposure with regular industry visits, student-led event organization, and networking opportunities with professionals. This hands-on approach, supported by scholarships, equips GISB graduates to confidently enter the sports business field and make impactful contributions”, speaks Gaurav Modwel.
A Pathway to Global Sports Management Exposure
The Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB) benefits from a robust network of industry and academic partnerships that enhance its educational offerings. Key industry collaborators include the Premier League and India On Track (IOT),
fostering relationships with top global sports organizations such as La Liga, NBA, MLB, and Chelsea Football Club. These partnerships provide GISB students with invaluable real-world exposure.
In terms of academic alliances, GISB has established partnerships with prestigious institutions like the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMASS), the Global Institute of Sport (GIS), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), and Jagran Lakecity University (JLU). These collaborations enable GISB students to gain insights from renowned faculty and global sports best practices.
One notable example of academic partnership is the involvement of UMASS faculty, who contribute over 100 hours of teaching, offering students a deeper understanding of the global sports landscape. Industry partnerships further enhance learning, with experiences like the study trip to the UK, where Premier League hosts students, offering insights into their operations. Additionally, students engage in assignments and industry visits with prominent sports organizations such as Pro Kabaddi League, Mumbai City FC, and JSW Sports, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching educational journey.
Empowering the Next Generation of Sports Professionals
The Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB) envisions a future of excellence and innovation in sports management education by addressing emerging industry needs and expanding its academic offerings. To tackle the shortage of qualified sports management educators, GISB is set to develop a comprehensive faculty development program, promoting ongoing professional growth and ensuring the delivery of up-to-date industry knowledge to students.
GISB plans to modernize its curriculum by incorporating cutting-edge fields such as data analytics, esports, fantasy gaming, and sustainable practices. This forward-looking approach will ensure students are equipped with contemporary and industry-relevant skills.
Innovative teaching methodologies will remain a cornerstone of GISB’s pedagogy, with future plans emphasizing the flipped classroom model, hands-on project-based learning, and interactive simulation exercises to foster active engagement and practical understanding.
GISB aims to further expand its online and blended learning programs, leveraging advanced technologies to provide flexible and personalized education. Strengthening industry partnerships remains a priority, ensuring students gain valuable exposure through internships, mentorships, and direct interactions with leading professionals. “The sports industry in India is rapidly evolving largely driven by economic growth, technological advancements, globalization, and changing consumer behaviour. This evolution translates directly into job opportunities within the sports management sector. If India’s bid for hosting Olympics in 2036 is successful, jobs in sports sector will witness an unprecedented explosion”, adds Gaurav.
Additionally, GISB is committed to integrating educational technology, including virtual reality and data analytics, to create immersive learning experiences and enhance academic outcomes. A culture of research and innovation will be bolstered, supporting faculty and student-led projects that drive progress in the sports sector.
As part of its long-term vision, GISB plans to broaden its focus to include sports sciences, recognizing the transformative role of technology and scientific advancements in improving athlete performance and fostering industry growth. "We, at GLOBAL INSTITUTE OF SPORTS BUSINESS (GISB), are committed to the mission of empowering the next generation of sports professionals with relevant Skills, Knowledge, Connections and Employability by developing and delivering programs and pedagogy which is Innovation Driven, Industry Led and Research based, ensures that our roadmap focuses on several key initiatives designed to enrich student learning and prepare graduates for the evolving global landscape”, says Gaurav Modwel.
The Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB) is a leading sports management institute designed to address this very need. GISB offers an experiential learning approach, crafted by industry experts to help students acquire practical skills, gain industry exposure, and grow personally. Known for its ‘GISB Edge’, the institute provides an international perspective, strong industry connections, and a focus on personal development, preparing students to excel in the global sports sector.
As the winner of prestigious awards like the Mid Day Education Excellence Award (2019) and India’s Education Excellence Award (2022), GISB is recognized as the top sports management institute in India. Backed by IOT Sports Education, India’s leading sports knowledge hub, GISB aims to inspire and train future leaders in sports, making a meaningful impact on the industry both nationally and internationally.
Creating Industry-Ready Graduates in Sports Management
In an ever-evolving sports industry, the Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB) addresses the critical need for industry-ready graduates. With a curriculum meticulously crafted by industry leaders, GISB ensures that students gain both relevant knowledge and practical skills. By partnering with sports organizations as affiliates, and having professsionals as faculty, GISB aligns its academic content with real-world demands, offering students a dynamic, market-focused education.
GISB emphasizes experiential learning through live projects and internships with prominent global sports organisations, bridging classroom learning with hands-on industry experience. Beyond technical skills, GISB’s programs focus on leadership and soft skills, preparing students to manage high-pressure situations and team dynamics essential in the sports industry.
A robust network of alumni and professionals offers valuable mentorship and networking opportunities, while GISB’s innovative pedagogy combines theoretical learning with interactive workshops, simulations, and masterclasses.
Recognizing the global nature of sports, GISB’s programs offer international certification through the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, the worlds #1 sports management program, and fosters global exposure through partnerships with elite organizations, including a study tour with its industry affiliate - Premier League in London. GISB graduates complete the program, not only industry-prepared, but also equipped to excel on the global stage.
”The sports industry is rapidly evolving, fueled by a growing middle-class sector, technological advancements, globalization, and changing consumer behavior, and this growth translates directly into expanding job opportunities within the sports management sector”
Shaping Future Leaders in Sports Business Management
The Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB) offers a diverse range of programs designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the sports industry. Their flagship program, the Post-Graduate Program in Sports Management dives deeper into sports business strategies and operations, equipping students to excel in a competitive environment. This program focuses on providing the sports industry with industry ready professionals by giving participants a practical and relevant learning experience.
Their Executive Post Graduate Program is tailored for working professionals, athletes and current sports managers, offering a flexible, online format with live sessions from sports industry leaders and regular offline meetups. The pilot batch includes national-level footballers balancing sports careers with academic pursuits.
For those at the start of their journey, GISB’s Undergraduate Programs, in partnership with leading universities across the country, provide foundational knowledge in sports management, combining theory with practical insights.
Additionally, GISB offers an experiential learning package, allowing sports enthusiasts to gain hands-on experience by exploring live matches, engaging with experts, and touring sports facilities. This immersive experience helps students understand the behind-the-scenes operations of sports management.
With a focus on continuous program enhancement, GISB reviews its curriculum annually to ensure it remains forward-looking and industry-relevant. The institute bene¬fits from a blend of academic expertise and industry expe¬rience, with professionals contributing real-world insights.
“At GISB, we've built a program that's directly aligned with real-world needs I.e. an industry-driven curriculum, hands-on projects, and extensive mentorship. This approach ensures our graduates not only understand the business of sports but are equipped with practical skills, leadership qualities, and global exposure to excel in their careers”, says Gaurav Modwel, Chancellor. “We continuously review, realign and revise a quarter of our program every year to make it forward looking and industry relevant. We are not only working towards more academic rigor and relevant practical work but employing a pedagogy which helps students develop a flare for learning and thinking on their own”, adds Gaurav.
Scholarships & Innovative Learning in Sports Management
The Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB) is committed to making sports management education accessible to a diverse array of students through its scholarship offerings.
GISB’s scholarships target various groups, including women aspiring to work in sports business, national-level athletes transitioning to sports management careers, professionals with over three years of experience seeking career changes, and academically strong students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
GISB’s curriculum for the PG Program combines theory with practical experiences, ensuring students are prepared for a range of roles in the sports industry. Notable program elements include simulation exercises like 'Sharks Den,' where students pitch entrepreneurial projects to develop strategy-building and business planning skills, and 'Strategem,' a dynamic decision-making exercise focusing on auctions and drafts common in the sports industry. Another unique feature, the 'Rural Immersion' project, involves students conducting research in rural India to gain insights into local perspectives on sports.
“Beyond classroom simulations, GISB emphasizes industry exposure with regular industry visits, student-led event organization, and networking opportunities with professionals. This hands-on approach, supported by scholarships, equips GISB graduates to confidently enter the sports business field and make impactful contributions”, speaks Gaurav Modwel.
A Pathway to Global Sports Management Exposure
The Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB) benefits from a robust network of industry and academic partnerships that enhance its educational offerings. Key industry collaborators include the Premier League and India On Track (IOT),
fostering relationships with top global sports organizations such as La Liga, NBA, MLB, and Chelsea Football Club. These partnerships provide GISB students with invaluable real-world exposure.
In terms of academic alliances, GISB has established partnerships with prestigious institutions like the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMASS), the Global Institute of Sport (GIS), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), and Jagran Lakecity University (JLU). These collaborations enable GISB students to gain insights from renowned faculty and global sports best practices.
One notable example of academic partnership is the involvement of UMASS faculty, who contribute over 100 hours of teaching, offering students a deeper understanding of the global sports landscape. Industry partnerships further enhance learning, with experiences like the study trip to the UK, where Premier League hosts students, offering insights into their operations. Additionally, students engage in assignments and industry visits with prominent sports organizations such as Pro Kabaddi League, Mumbai City FC, and JSW Sports, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching educational journey.
Empowering the Next Generation of Sports Professionals
The Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB) envisions a future of excellence and innovation in sports management education by addressing emerging industry needs and expanding its academic offerings. To tackle the shortage of qualified sports management educators, GISB is set to develop a comprehensive faculty development program, promoting ongoing professional growth and ensuring the delivery of up-to-date industry knowledge to students.
GISB plans to modernize its curriculum by incorporating cutting-edge fields such as data analytics, esports, fantasy gaming, and sustainable practices. This forward-looking approach will ensure students are equipped with contemporary and industry-relevant skills.
Innovative teaching methodologies will remain a cornerstone of GISB’s pedagogy, with future plans emphasizing the flipped classroom model, hands-on project-based learning, and interactive simulation exercises to foster active engagement and practical understanding.
GISB aims to further expand its online and blended learning programs, leveraging advanced technologies to provide flexible and personalized education. Strengthening industry partnerships remains a priority, ensuring students gain valuable exposure through internships, mentorships, and direct interactions with leading professionals. “The sports industry in India is rapidly evolving largely driven by economic growth, technological advancements, globalization, and changing consumer behaviour. This evolution translates directly into job opportunities within the sports management sector. If India’s bid for hosting Olympics in 2036 is successful, jobs in sports sector will witness an unprecedented explosion”, adds Gaurav.
Additionally, GISB is committed to integrating educational technology, including virtual reality and data analytics, to create immersive learning experiences and enhance academic outcomes. A culture of research and innovation will be bolstered, supporting faculty and student-led projects that drive progress in the sports sector.
As part of its long-term vision, GISB plans to broaden its focus to include sports sciences, recognizing the transformative role of technology and scientific advancements in improving athlete performance and fostering industry growth. "We, at GLOBAL INSTITUTE OF SPORTS BUSINESS (GISB), are committed to the mission of empowering the next generation of sports professionals with relevant Skills, Knowledge, Connections and Employability by developing and delivering programs and pedagogy which is Innovation Driven, Industry Led and Research based, ensures that our roadmap focuses on several key initiatives designed to enrich student learning and prepare graduates for the evolving global landscape”, says Gaurav Modwel.
