A longitudinal and comparative analysis of competitive balance in five European football leagues
Purpose: This paper aims to provide empirical evidence on competitive balance in the “big five” European football leagues, namely, the English Premier League, French Ligue 1, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A and Spanish La Liga. Design/methodology/approach: This paper uses recognised measures of competitive balance to measure levels of concentration (within-season competitive balance) and dominance (between-season competitive balance) in the selected leagues over 22 seasons between 1995/96 and 2016/17. Findings: French Ligue 1 emerged as the most balanced league in terms of both concentration and dominance measures. The analysis also points to a statistically significant decline in competitive balance in all leagues apart from Serie A (Italy). Originality/value: The findings of this study are of concern for the league organisers. Competition intensity is a key component of a sport league, and a league that is dominated by one or a select few clubs is less attractive within the marketplace. This paper presents challenges at the league governance level for the five leagues examined.
Year of publication: |
2018
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Authors: | Ramchandani, Girish ; Plumley, Daniel ; Boyes, Sophie ; Wilson, Rob |
Published in: |
Team Performance Management: An International Journal. - Emerald, ISSN 1352-7592, ZDB-ID 2029696-4. - Vol. 24.2018, 5/6 (13.08.), p. 265-282
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Publisher: |
Emerald |
Saved in:
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