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New insights into the determinants of willingness to pay for supporting professional sport teams

Author

Listed:
  • Jaume García
  • Fernando Lera‐López
  • José Manuel Sánchez‐Santos
  • María José Suárez

Abstract

This paper examines the determinants of individuals' willingness to pay (WTP) to prevent the relegation of a professional football team. Drawing on an analytical framework provided by social capital and social identity theories, we hypothesize that social trust and civic pride are key predictors of WTP. The empirical analysis applies the contingent valuation method and a double‐hurdle model. The results confirm the role of both social trust and civic pride in driving WTP and suggest that social trust is relevant for users (those attending at least one match in the stadium), while civic pride enhances WTP across users and non‐users.

Suggested Citation

  • Jaume García & Fernando Lera‐López & José Manuel Sánchez‐Santos & María José Suárez, 2026. "New insights into the determinants of willingness to pay for supporting professional sport teams," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 44(3), pages 618-633, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:coecpo:v:44:y:2026:i:3:p:618-633
    DOI: 10.1111/coep.70017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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