This summer semester, 24 bachelor students had the opportunity to participate in the seminar "Future of Sports Business", organized by Prof. Thorsten Wiesel and Niklas Unke of the Institute for Value-based Marketing and the Institute for Cooperatives (IfG), in collaboration with Schalke 04 and the Uni Baskets Münster.

The seminar aimed to connect current developments in the sports business with the opportunities enabled by the German cooperative system (Genossenschaften) not through a purely theoretical lens, but in direct collaboration with practitioners working hands-on on relevant challenges in professional sports.

Prof. Thorsten Wiesel opened the seminar with an introduction to the German cooperative system, establishing a shared foundation for the discussions and projects to follow. Christina Rühl-Hamers, Chief Financial Officer at Schalke 04, then kicked off the practical part with fascinating insights into the current challenges and opportunities facing one of Germany's biggest football clubs during an exciting period, including a promotion back to the Bundesliga. Helge Stuckenholz, Manager at Uni Baskets Münster, offered the perspective of a club operating a professional sports team without the financial backing available in football, highlighting the unique conditions and dynamics under which a smaller, locally rooted basketball club operates.

Throughout the semester, teams of four students worked on topics directly connected to current issues facing both clubs. From financing a fully inclusive wheelchair basketball arena to exploring how cooperatives can be used in sports to let members directly own a part of a club's infrastructure, generate capital without external investors and strengthen the bond between supporters and their club.

The highlight of the seminar were the final presentations in the breathtaking atmosphere of the VELTINS-Arena, where FC Schalke 04 hosted and welcomed us with open arms. Each team presented their findings, sparking lively discussions between the whole group. An exclusive guided tour through Schalke's home ground rounded off a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.

A big thank you to Christina Rühl-Hamers, Helge Stuckenholz, Kathrin Vieth and Felix Lehmkuhle for sharing their insights and supporting the students throughout the entire process. And a huge shoutout to all the students who participated: your engagement, motivation and the quality of your solutions were truly impressive!