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Revenue Convergence in the English Soccer League

Author

Listed:
  • Stephen Dobson

    (The Queen’s University of Belfast)

  • John Goddard

    (University of Wales Swansea)

  • Carlyn Ramlogan

    (The Queen’s University of Belfast)

Abstract

Tests of the convergence hypothesis using annual gate revenue data for English professional soccer clubs for the period 1926 to 1997 are reported. The distribution of gate revenues among clubs is found to have widened markedly, and there is no evidence of convergence for the period as a whole. However, a sequence of tests for 5-yearly subperiods shows evidence of convergence during long subperiods: specifically, up to the late 1950s and between the mid-1970s and late 1980s. These features of the data inform an analysis of the social, economic, and historical development of English professional soccer.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen Dobson & John Goddard & Carlyn Ramlogan, 2001. "Revenue Convergence in the English Soccer League," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 2(3), pages 257-274, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jospec:v:2:y:2001:i:3:p:257-274
    DOI: 10.1177/152700250100200305
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Jan Šíma & Jan Procházka, 2011. "Compared Competitive Balance Evolution in the Dutch and the Czech Football Leagues between 1970 and 2010," Ekonomika a Management, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2011(2).
    3. Meletakos, Panagiotis & Chatzicharistos, Dimitrios & Apostolidis, Nikolaos & Manasis, Vasilios & Bayios, Ioannis, 2016. "Foreign players and competitive balance in Greek basketball and handball championships," Sport Management Review, Elsevier, vol. 19(4), pages 391-401.

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