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Green Sponsorship in Global Sports: Between Corporate Branding and Authentic Environmental Action: A Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Felisa Romo Lea

    (University of Toulon, French.)

  • Gertude Barton

    (University of Groningen, Netherland.)

  • Alexander Mayr

    (Dortmund University, Germany.)

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This systematic literature review investigates green sponsorship in global sports, focusing on the interplay between corporate environmental branding and genuine sustainability initiatives, while analyzing the effectiveness of environmental sponsorship practices and their impact on corporate reputation and environmental outcomes. Materials and methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using various electronic databases, covering publications from 2010 to 2024, with specific search terms and inclusion criteria resulting in 67 relevant studies after screening 847 initial articles. Results: The analysis identified three categories of green sponsorship: (1) Authentic environmental partnerships (23%), (2) Strategic green branding (54%), and (3) Superficial greenwashing (23%), with findings showing that authentic partnerships yield significantly higher brand loyalty compared to greenwashing. Conclusions: Green sponsorship ranges from genuine commitment to superficial tactics; authentic partnerships positively affect corporate reputation and environmental outcomes, whereas greenwashing erodes consumer trust, necessitating future research on metrics for evaluating authenticity and impact.

Suggested Citation

  • Felisa Romo Lea & Gertude Barton & Alexander Mayr, 2025. "Green Sponsorship in Global Sports: Between Corporate Branding and Authentic Environmental Action: A Literature Review," Global Insights in Management and Economic Research, INSPIRETECH GLOBAL INSIGHT, vol. 1(02), pages 88-97, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:eof:igimer:v:1:y:2025:i:02:id:22
    DOI: 10.53905/Gimer.v1i02.14
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Reinhard Grohs & Udo Wagner & Sabine Vsetecka, 2004. "Assessing The Effectiveness Of Sport Sponsorships – An Empirical Examination," Schmalenbach Business Review (sbr), LMU Munich School of Management, vol. 56(2), pages 119-138, April.
    2. Leonard A. Jackson, 2025. "Corporate Governance and Environmental Citizenship in Global Hospitality: A Cross-National Empirical Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-24, April.
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