A Comparative Analysis of Competitive Balance Between a Closed and an Open League in Rugby League

Abstract

League regulators aim for an equitable competition where each team has an equal chance of winning the championship, termed competitive balance. It is generally assumed that closed leagues with stricter labor market regulations should demonstrate better competitive balance than open leagues with promotion and relegation. The aim of this research was to examine the competitive balance between and within seasons in the closed Australian National Rugby League (NRL) and open English Super League using five measures of concentration and dominance. Overall, the closed NRL competition demonstrated superior competitive balance. The practical and theoretical implications of the findings are discussed.

Rugby's Celtic fringe goes global – an economic analysis of the Pro14

“…The performance of the Pro14 contrasts with SLE which, despite attempts at geographic expansion, has struggled to grow beyond its traditional North of England heartland (Wilson et al. , 2015; Read et al. , 2021).…”

“…It has also been suggested, however, that supporters who attend matches are more interested in seeing a home win rather than a close match, whereas television audiences are more interested in balanced contests (Szymanski, 2001;Alavy et al, 2010). More recently competitive balance has been viewed as one of several factors which influence demand (Read et al, 2021). We therefore consider evidence on competitive balance in the Pro14 in section 4.…”

“…Changes to playing rules may be designed to make matches more attractive to fans. Rugby league changed its rules to promote higher scoring and reduced stoppages in the face of a growing challenge from soccer in the early years of the 20th century (Read et al, 2021). In the 1980s, English first-class cricket introduced rule changes to reduce the likelihood of draws, increase scoring rates and reduce time wasting (Schofield, 1982).…”

“…, 2010). More recently competitive balance has been viewed as one of several factors which influence demand (Read et al. , 2021).…”

“…Changes to playing rules may be designed to make matches more attractive to fans. Rugby league changed its rules to promote higher scoring and reduced stoppages in the face of a growing challenge from soccer in the early years of the 20th century (Read et al. , 2021).…”