Xavi Simons Enrolled in Harvard Business Course

The 23-year-old athlete joined an online program at Harvard Business School during his injury recovery.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Healthcare

Screen-print poster illustration of a historic red brick archway in a quiet collegiate courtyard, evoking an academic study environment. — Professional athlete Xavi Simons has enrolled in the Crossover Into Business Program at Harvard Business School to pursue studies while recovering from an injury. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should professional athletes pursue academic or business training while still actively playing their sport?

Professional athlete Xavi Simons has enrolled in the Crossover Into Business Program at Harvard Business School. The 23-year-old is using his time away from the pitch to study business while recovering from an ACL tear.

Why it matters

The program allows professional athletes to gain business insights alongside MBA students. Simons intends to leverage this opportunity to better understand the commercial side of professional sports during his extended period of rehabilitation.

The Harvard Business School program has trained at least 20 professional athletes from the NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLS, NWSL, and UFC. At 23 years old, Simons is now among the participants working alongside full-time MBA students.

The players

Xavi Simons

A 23-year-old professional athlete who is currently recovering from an ACL tear.

Harvard Business School

A graduate professional school at Harvard University located in Boston that offers business education programs.

The details

Simons secured his spot in the course through a formal application process to study while he undergoes treatment for an ACL injury. He is currently based in the United States while he focuses on both his recovery and his professional education.

October 8, 2026: The athlete's enrollment was publicly confirmed.
Beginning of 2027: Simons is expected to reach match fitness.

Market Landscape

The trend of professional athletes seeking formal academic training at institutions like Harvard Business School reflects a broader shift toward securing long-term financial and professional stability. This expansion of the Crossover Into Business Program highlights how elite academic institutions are competing to capture the attention of high-profile industry professionals.

While the news is specific to Simons, it highlights the growing availability of executive education for those balancing recovery with professional development. Athletes and students alike can see how these programs provide a pathway for career growth during periods of inactivity.

The takeaway

Utilizing recovery time for professional development can help athletes bridge the gap between their playing career and future business ventures. Developing an understanding of the industry from an academic perspective provides a significant advantage for those preparing for life after their sport.