From utilitarianism and neoclassical sport management to a new geopolitical economy of sport

ABSTRACT

Research question

In a fast-changing world, this study poses a simple question: is it time to start looking at sport in a different way? Thus far, utilitarian and neoclassical economic thinking has dominated sport management scholarship; however, here it is asked: should scholars now be thinking in terms of a new geopolitical economy of sport?

Research methods

This is a commentary paper based upon pieces of literature drawn from sport management, geography, politics and economics.

Results and findings

The submission contends that scholarly activity in sport needs to be reoriented towards a new perspective – the geopolitical economy of sport. Whilst not dismissing the relevance of existing utilitarian or neoclassical perspectives, it is argued in this study that how scholars conventionally view sport must change to maintain the relevance of their research and scholarship.

Implications

In addition to exploring the implications of conceiving sport as a geopolitical economy, the following five areas are identified in which there are significant implications (hence further research is needed):

• Sport as an outcome of geography;

• Sport as a focus for soft power, diplomacy and trade;

• Sport as a networked geopolitically economic activity;

• Sport as the basis for achieving national competitive advantage;

• Sport as a means of acquiring resources.

KEYWORDS:

• Geopolitical economy of sport
• geography
• politics
• economics
• networks

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).