Potential of popular US Professional Sports Leagues/Franchises Expanding to the European Sports Market

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2015 in the subject Sport - Sport Economics, Sport Management, grade: 1,3, University of Bayreuth (Rechts- und Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät), language: English, abstract: This paper discusses the potential of popular US professional sports leagues expanding to the European and especially the German sports market with regard to the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLS. The unique characteristics of sports consumption and differences between US and European sports cultures and economics are taken into consideration. Furthermore, earlier expansions by these leagues are explored. Due to the lack of sufficient scientific literature, two web-surveys were carried out in the United States and in Germany in order to collect primary data. Additionally, an expert interview was conducted. Based on these data this paper presents recommendations on the following questions: Which league should expand to Europe? Which expansion strategies should be used? What are possible limitations and difficulties? Which areas need further research?