The Peculiar Economics of Government Policy towards Sport

Abstract

Professional team sports enjoy subsidies from government, as well as regulatory exemption from standards that apply to other sectors of the economy. The Australian sports economics literature has, however, focused on competitive balance, with few studies examining government policies. This paper examines government policies such as subsidies, mega-event bidding, salary caps and player draft systems. We argue that the peculiar nature of professional sports provides some justification for such distinctive government policies. However, there is need for greater transparency, better-directed funding, and genuine public debate on some of these policies to enable considered evaluation of their benefits and costs.

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

“…This article compared the competitive balance between and within-seasons in the NRL and SL using measures of concentration and dominance. It portrays a complex reality between leagues and aspects of competitive balance and encourages further research into the nuanced role of competitive balance in the study of rugby league and, more broadly, the regulatory environment of sport as “big business” (Pomfret & Wilson, 2011).…”

Two Sports, Two Systems, One Goal: A Comparative Study of Concussion Policies and Practices of the Australian Football League and Hockey Canada

“…As the recognised NSO for the sport, the AFL has received significant financial benefits and “green light” regulatory exemptions from the federal government over the years (Pomfret and Wilson, 2011 ; Sport Canada, 2015 ). In return, the AFL as NSO is required to adhere to the mission-orientation of producing and delivering the sport across all levels of participation.…”

Golf coaches’ mindsets about recreational golfers: Gendered golf experiences start on the practice tee.

“…The underrepresentation of women golfers parallels women’s underrepresentation in other male-dominated industries, professional organizations, and corporate boardrooms (Bronstein & Fitzpatrick, 2015; Hideg & Ferris, 2016; Myers & Fealing, 2012; Tsang, Wijeysundera, Alter, Zhang, & Ko, 2011). Therefore, given the status and symbolism of playing golf, reducing the underrepresentation of women players serves an economic, social, and political purpose (Pomfret & Wilson, 2011).…”