Over the past twenty years the world of sport has seen its most dramatic socio-economic growth ever. The federated sport movement has come onto the ‘commercial’ scene and sport has become part of the strategic marketing in numerous economic sectors.

In the meantime, researchers have pinpointed a very rapid evolution, not only in the legal, economic, sociological and political environment of sport but also in the organisation of its practice, competitions and related markets (pan-European consolidation, alliances, networking and liquidation).

Globally, as the large European market has opened up the competitive landscape has discovered new competitors, leaving previously local managing entities and companies faced with the choice of either opting to defend their position or launching an offensive to conquer new markets. The sporting world has therefore become increasingly subject to the rules of market economy, including European Union competition.

This is only a compartmentalised view of a complex management issue marked by concrete problems which require a solution, and which are often driven by the mere need to survive. This is why the SBS (Solvay Business School) wishes to assume a presence in Europe’s capital, in a domain where social issues also meet management problems.