INVESTIGATING THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF PROFESSIONAL SPORTS LEAGUES - A STUDY OF IRANIAN HANDBALL PREMIER LEAGUE

Abstract

This study examines the effective factors on the financial viability in Iranian Handball Premier League. Given the lack of a comprehensive study that considers multiple aspects of the financial viability in Iranian Handball Premier League, application of a modeling approach showed the best efficiency. Upon a review of existing authoritative scientific documents, a model of the financial viability was development. To assess the validity of the conceptual model of research, a questionnaire was designed and distributed among league stakeholders. The findings showed that the conceptual model of research is well-matched with the data obtained from the field of research, so the validity of the model was confirmed. Sponsorship, income from television and other media revenues, sale of league-related merchandise and apparel, and fans and spectators attendance had a positive and significant effect on the financial viability in Iranian Handball Premier League. The Model of the financial viability in Iranian Handball Premier League is not by any means a final or definitive depiction. We do not think any model in this field could ultimately be final.