Commercial Sports Media is thrilled to be a part of the inaugural European Sports Business Program (ESBP), a collaborative initiative led by some of Europe’s most esteemed business schools: WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, Stockholm School of Economics, and ESSEC Business School. This program, specifically designed for leaders in the sports business, explores strategic foresight, execution, leadership, and the cultural dynamics within the sports industry.

During the initial module at WHU in Dusseldorf, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Sasha L. Schmidt, we immersed ourselves in corporate foresight, delving into strategic uncertainty, assessing opportunities, and mastering effective strategy-making processes. The program equips us with essential skills and offers a unique platform to expand our network by connecting with international peers and industry experts. In Dusseldorf, Richard Morling from CSM together with 28 sports business managers from 6 countries actively participated, representing sports clubs, companies, and organizations such as FC Bayern Munich, Swedish Elite Football, Swedish Hockey League, DFB, DFL, S5, WWP, among others.

The expert sessions were highly valued and featured distinguished speakers such as Alexander Jobst, CEO of Fortuna Dusseldorf; Sebastian Kopper, Head of Research and Innovations at DFB; and Alexander Steinforth, Managing Director of NFL Germany, to name a few.

With a keen emphasis on a growth mindset and a commitment to practical application, ESBP promises to provide us with valuable insights on addressing the evolving challenges in the sports business. Module II is scheduled to take place at the Stockholm School of Economics in March, led by Prof. Martin Carlsson Wall, followed by Module III in Paris under the guidance of Prof. Karoline Strauss at ESSEC.

Following three successful years of hosting executive seminars during the ATP Nordea Open, Commercial Sports Media – together with Sportway Media Group and DMC Production – is proud to announce the launch of the Nordic Sport & Media Summit as a full-scale event in July 2025.

Taking place at the Congress Pavilion inside the iconic Båstad Tennis Stadium, the summit will gather key leaders from the sports, media, and investment sectors to spark dialogue, collaboration, and future-oriented thinking during one of the most vibrant weeks in the Nordic sporting calendar.

“Sport has entered a new era where capital, media, and technology are reshaping the entire ecosystem,” says Jonas Persson, CEO of Commercial Sports Media and one of the summit’s initiators.

“The Nordic region, with its unique governance structures and values, is at a pivotal moment. With the launch of the Nordic Sport & Media Summit, our ambition is to create a platform where Nordic and global perspectives meet — to discuss, challenge, and inspire the future of the industry.”

The 2025 program will focus on three central themes:

• Sport as an Asset Class: How global investment is transforming ownership, governance, and strategy.

• Sport and Media: The Engine of Growth: How media fragmentation, streaming, and data are reshaping the landscape.

• Opportunities and Threats for Nordic Sports: How Nordic models can adapt, compete, and thrive in a globalized market.

Speakers will include leading investors from the US, Middle East, and the Nordics, along with sportstech entrepreneurs, media rights experts, and key figures from major Nordic sports organizations.

“The Nordea Open has long been a meeting point for the international sports community,” says Christer Hult, Managing Director of the Nordea Open and board member of the ATP Tour.

“With the Nordic Sport & Media Summit, we are extending that tradition — creating a world-class platform for strategic discussions, new ideas, and meaningful connections right here in Båstad.”, Hult continues.

Ticket options include Summit Day Passes as well as a limited number of Official Partner Packages, offering exclusive speaking, branding, and networking opportunities.

For more information and ticket bookings, visit nordicsportmediasummit.com