Interview with Pablo de Suñer Cobo, CFO of SD Huesca and graduate of the MBA at LALIGA BUSINESS SCHOOL

In this interview, we speak with Pablo de Suñer Cobo, who, in addition to being the CFO of SD Huesca, is a graduate of the MBA at LALIGA BUSINESS SCHOOL—an educational program designed to train professionals in sports management and the football industry.

Pablo shares his experiences during the sports management master's, how the knowledge gained has been essential for his professional development, and how it applies to his current role at SD Huesca.

Join us as we explore how the education he received at LALIGA BUSINESS SCHOOL has been a cornerstone in his career, while also offering valuable advice for those looking to follow a similar path in the sports industry.

What aspects of the MBA at LALIGA BUSINESS SCHOOL did you find most valuable for your professional development?

It allowed me to better understand the internal workings of clubs, economic control, and above all, the commercial and sponsorship areas. But beyond that, the most valuable part has been the network of contacts I’ve built with classmates and professionals in the sector—essential in the football industry.

How did the MBA help prepare you for your current role as CFO of SD Huesca?

It allowed me to delve into LALIGA’s budgeting regulations through practical case studies, which gave me a solid foundation for managing LALIGA’s requirements regarding economic control.

During your time in the master’s program, was there any course or project that had a particular impact on you?

More than courses or projects, I would highlight some very interesting talks from Spanish clubs, both professional and non-professional, which offered a real-world view of daily operations at different levels of football. I was also especially impacted by the case of Venezia, which showcased an innovative strategy in brand management and commercialization.

How did the opportunity to join SD Huesca come about, and what was your initial reaction?

The opportunity arose thanks to the MBA, after I expressed interest in specific areas. Given my profile, I understand that I was considered as a candidate from the start. It was a pleasant surprise, as it came just two months after starting the master’s—I expected opportunities like this would come much later.

As CFO, what are the most significant challenges you face in the financial management of a football club?

The biggest challenge is ensuring the viability of the project in such an atypical industry as football, where rapid changes are almost impossible due to the number of existing contracts that need to be adjusted over time. Furthermore, football clearly faces inflation in squad costs—something anyone in the sector is well aware of—which makes sustainable financial management even more difficult.

What advice would you give to current students of the MBA at LALIGA BUSINESS SCHOOL who aspire to executive roles in sports?

I’d advise them to try to think of ideas that could be revolutionary or ways to optimize processes within a club. I know it’s difficult without living the day-to-day of an organization, but that’s precisely why they should take advantage of the guest lectures to ask questions and dive deeper into these topics with those already in the industry. Opportunities can arise from there.

If you’re looking to boost your career in the sports industry, the MBA in Sports Management from LALIGA BUSINESS SCHOOL offers quality training with a focus on sports direction and club/organization management. Take the opportunity to learn through a practical and hands-on approach, surrounded by professionals and peers who share your passion for sports. Don’t miss the chance to take the next step in your career—enroll now and start your journey with us!