Partnership with Goethe University Frankfurt | OneFootball

Eintracht and Goethe University are entering into a long-term partnership. A joint Sports Management MBA will bring together the strengths of both partners to further develop talent within the sports ecosystem.

The aim is to combine the strengths of both institutions across education, research, sport and social engagement, while sustainably strengthening Frankfurt as a hub and the surrounding region as a whole.

At the heart of the partnership is the development of young talent, alongside close collaboration on research and innovation projects. Together, they will design new educational and professional development programmes and establish academic partnerships, particularly in the areas of digitalisation and sport. The partnership will also include guest lectures, public events and free tickets for students. In addition, both sides aim to strengthen each other’s national and international profile.

Joint programme at Goethe Business School

A key flagship project is a joint MBA programme at Goethe Business School, developed in collaboration with Eintracht Frankfurt. The English-language, part-time Sports Management MBA will launch in April 2027 and is aimed at working professionals with a first grounding in the field who are looking to take on leadership roles within the sports ecosystem. The programme places a clear emphasis on innovation, technology and media in sport - core pillars of future sports management that require in-depth knowledge and specialised expertise. 

As a partner, Eintracht Frankfurt is closely involved in both the development and implementation of the programme, giving students practical insights and extensive networking opportunities. In addition, the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga will support the Sports Management MBA as a strategic programme partner, contributing both guidance and content.

A first milestone in this wider academic collaboration is the physical proximity established since April. Eintracht Frankfurt and Goethe University are now working under the same roof: the Institute of Sports Sciences at Goethe University has moved into newly created, modern laboratory and office facilities within Eintracht Frankfurt’s new sports complex in the City Forest, at Otto-Fleck-Schneise 6, right next to Deutsche Bank Park.“The partnership with Goethe University brings together talent development, research and innovation in sport,” said Axel Hellmann, CEO of Eintracht Frankfurt Fußball AG. “Together, we are creating new initiatives where academic theory meets practical application. The Sports Management MBA is a key part of this and, for us, a true flagship project.” 

Prof. Dr. Enrico Schleiff, President of Goethe University, added: “Sport is a topic of the future. It conveys values, promotes health and is a significant economic driver. Goethe University aims to expand and deepen its involvement in this field going forward. In Eintracht Frankfurt, we have gained a partner with strong reach and a reputation for the highest level of professionalism - an ideal link between academic research and practical application.”

With this long-term partnership, Eintracht Frankfurt and Goethe University reaffirm their shared ambition to unite innovation, education and social responsibility, while further enhancing Frankfurt’s standing as a leading hub for science and sport.