This thesis explores the team identification of fans of a new sport team, using social identity theory. As there is limited research on fans of new sport teams, this study sought to redress this situation by seeking to explain and measure new team identification. Through investigating new team identification, this study extends current applications of social identity theory and understanding of fans of a new sport team. Additionally, by measuring new team identification, this thesis contributes a valid and reliable measure of the construct, and discovery of key themes driving the formation and development of new team identification. A mixed-method research design was used to investigate the central thesis topic. A case study of members of a new sport team, Sydney FC, provided the sample population. The research design included two surveys, administered at the end of the new team’s first and second seasons, respectively, in addition to twenty-one interviews undertaken to deepen understanding of new team identification. The Sports Spectator Identity Scale (SSIS) was used to measure new team identification and test for differences in identity strength based on participant characteristics. Results indicated that three defining behaviours provided the basis for the formation of new team identification. These were termed: Football first, Origin and Occasion. Measurement of new team identification using the SSIS validated the model in a new team context; however, the value of victory and the identification of rival groupings did not relate strongly to the construct. Member identity strength was significantly influenced by age, salary, membership category and games attended. Five behaviours underpinned the development of new team identification; these were termed: Searching, Expression, Eagerness, Names and Faces, and Spruiking. Social identity theory provided a useful framework to explore the formation and extent of new team identification. The formation of new team identification was strongly influenced by support of football, in this case. The implementation of the SSIS to measure new team identification extended its previous applications. Participant characteristics exerted a clear influence on the strength of new team identification. Members engaged in additional teamrelated behaviours as their new team identification increased and they developed multi-faceted and socially important bonds. Stemming from the key thesis findings, the conceptual outcomes provided a significant contribution to current literature exploring members of new sport teams. Furthermore, the nuanced differences between identification with new and established teams provide a distinct agenda for future research into new sport teams.

Globalisation and advances in communications technology have greatly expanded the potential marketplace for professional teams, especially for internationally popular sports. Lewis (2001) claimed that fans are now more likely to support a team based less on a shared geographic connection than on personal reasons. As Ben-Porat (2000) claimed, for these fans a foreign-based team is like “an 'overseas sweetheart,' far away but close to the heart” (p. 344). These 'satellite supporters,' (Kerr 2008, in press), or 'satellite fans' (Kerr & Gladden 2008) represent significant revenue, especially for those team brands that seek international expansion. In addition, an individual's decision to purchase the sports product is largely dependent upon their level of identification with a chosen team. Team identification, or “the extent to which a fan feels psychologically connected” (Wann, Melnick, Russell & Pease 2001, p. 3) to a particular team, is critical to the financial viability of a sports organisation. However, despite the increased attention paid to team identification, the reasons why satellite supporters identify with a foreign-based team have been largely unexplored. To address this need this study asks: What are the most important antecedents in the identification of satellite supporters with their chosen sports team? Recent research also suggests that a relationship exists between team identification and brand equity (Carlson, Quazi & Muthaly 2002; Kerr 2008; Underwood, Bond & Baer 2001). Therefore, the study also asks: Can a conceptual brand equity framework predict the determinants of team identification of satellite supporters? The thesis adopts a case study approach using mixed methods; a strategy that can provide “a fuller understanding of the sports fan” (Jones 1997b). Online questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were administered to members of fan organisations dedicated to the English Premier League's Liverpool F.C. Liverpool F.C. was an appropriate subject for the case study as it has a global fan base, a rich history, and is arguably one of the world's premier team brands. This thesis proposes a number of important antecedents in the satellite supporter's identification with a foreign-based team. These are: media coverage; style of play; the presence of particular player(s); team success; history of success; participation in the highest division; stadium; history of ethical behaviour; and the broadcast quality of games. Furthermore, a conceptual brand equity framework is shown to shed light on the possible determinants of their team identification. This study also confirms that social identity theory is an appropriate perspective to examine foreign fandom; satellite supporters might derive positive psychological benefits from their fandom; and the existence of a brand community dedicated to a professional sports organisation.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Victoria University (Melbourne, Vic.), 2006. / Includes bibliographical references.

This thesis deals with the valuation of the Czech football clubs. The aim of this thesis is to define the value of selected Czech football clubs. For this purpose, we selected two Czech football clubs. It is a professional club Bohemians 1905 Praha and an amateur club FC Melnik. Company valuation is based on data from publicly available sources. The theoretical part deals with the concepts of valuation, valuation approaches, the functioning of football in the Czech Republic and the specifics of doing business in this branch. The practical part applies the selected methods to individual clubs and sets the value of clubs. In the process of valuation the clubs are presented and their analysis is worked out. CVM and asset metod are applied for the valuation itself.

The thesis deals with the valuation of the European football clubs. The main aim of the thesis is to determine the value of the English football club Arsenal FC for the purpose of entering a potential investor to the company. The value of the club refers to the May 31 2012. Valuation is based on data from publicly available sources, mainly information from the annual reports of the club are used. First, the basic valuation terms and methods are explained. Then specifics of football environment and approaches for valuation of sport clubs are discussed. Subsequently, financial and strategic analysis of the company is applied in the process of valuation. The yield method of discounted free cash flow to the firm (FCFF) is applied for the company valuation. Asset methods (book value of property and property valuation on the principle of market prices) and market method (market capitalization) are used as additional methods.

According to conventional wisdom, football fans exhibit perpetual loyalty to the clubs that they choose to support. These prevailing beliefs are largely the product of the fanaticism and intense partisanship that fans display. However, in South Africa, the reality is that the majority of the football teams are either failing to harness this loyalty, or that the loyalty levels that their fans display, contradict conventional wisdom. Due to the important role that these fans play in revenue generation, there is a need for leadership at these clubs to better understand this lucrative market. The objective of this study was to establish whether the loyalty levels displayed by fans in South Africa correspond with, or contradict, conventional wisdom. The limited understanding of the matter within a South African context means that clubs lack the required understanding of their respective fan bases. This creates a situation, which stifles the efficacy of management to implement positive changes. This study was anchored in the model of Stewart and Smith (2007) of sport fans' motivations. There are three core dimensions distinguished by the model. These relate to psychological, socio-cultural and social motives, all of which facilitate the process of an individual becoming a fan; and then subsequently remaining loyal. A qualitative research approach was used to collect the data for this study. An interview guide was used to collect the information from the fans and the top management of Cape Town City Football Club through face-to-face interviews. Each interview was recorded with the aid of a voice recorder and all the data collected were then transcribed. The findings from the study show that fans demonstrate more support to Cape Town City Football Club when the team is winning, as opposed to when it is going through a rough patch. Conclusively, the lack of understanding of fans in football clubs means that it is difficult to communicate in an all-inclusive way, considering that not all fans are the same. Based on the findings, the study suggests that leadership at South African football clubs should allow for open dialogues to be created, in which the issues can be discussed; so that practices implemented would better serve the target population.

USAGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN 1ST CZECH FOOTBALL LEAGUE Objectives: The main aim of this diploma thesis is to assess the situation around the Gambrinus league clubs communication through social media towards to fans and supporters. Based on the results recommendations for communication through social media will be proposed. Methods: In this thesis following methods were used: case study, survey and finding dependence between two variables using regression analysis. Case study method was applied in the evaluation of communication of three clubs through social media. The survey recorded opinions of the fans. Regression analysis examined the dependence between the average home attendance of clubs and the number of fans on Facebook. Results: The results of the thesis correspond to the selected aims and are summarized in a separate chapter as suggestions and recommendations for communication through social media. Key words: social media, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google +, football club, Gambrinus league, football

The main goal of the Master's Thesis is to describe and to analyse methods of pricing and other instruments of price policies used for sport events and sport facilities. The second goal is to analyse the effect of price policies on the attendance demand at sport events and sport facilities. The practical part of the Master's Thesis focuses on the comparison of price policies of the czech professional football clubs in the First Division. Price policy of the one First Division and of the one Second Division club in the Czech Republic was described more closer. These clubs were AC Sparta Prague and FK Viktoria Žižkov.

Studien har sitt fokus på börsnoterade fotbollsklubbar i Europa. I studien tillämpas en kvantitativ metod med ett deduktivt angreppsätt vilket ansågs vara lämpligt för denna studie. Hypoteserna är formulerade med stöd från tidigare forskning med teoretiskt förhållningssätt. En panel-dataanalys formades genom ett urval av tio börsnoterade fotbollsklubbar.Vidare valdes sportsliga variabler ut för analysering gentemot den beroende variabeln aktiepris. Dessa oberoende variabler är inköp och försäljning av fotbollsspelare, publiksnitt och sportsliga resultat. En regressions- samt korrelationsanlys utfördes för att analysera potentiella samband mellan de befintliga variablerna. Matrisen av de sportsliga interna dimensionerna resulterade i att klubbarnas aktiepris till viss del inte påverkas av sportsliga prestationer på och utanför fotbollsplanen. / The study has its focus on listed football clubs in Europe. The study applied a quantitative method with a deductive approach which was considered appropriate for this study. The hypotheses are formulated on the basis of previous research with a theoretical framework. A panel data analysis was formed by a selection of ten listed football clubs. Sporting variables were selected for further analysis in relation to the dependent variable share price. The independent variables are sales and purchases of football players, average spectators and sporting results. A regression- and correlations analyses were used to analyze the potential correlation between the existing variables. The matrix of sporting internal dimensions proved that the share price is in part influenced by the sporting achievements on and off the football field.

The aim of this thesis is to find a suitable approach for valuation of Czech football clubs and application of this approach for valuation of FC SLOVAN LIBEREC. The thesis examines specifics of football business and its effects on valuation. The market value of FC SLOVAN LIBEREC is determined as of 31. 12. 2015, based on strategic and financial analysis of the club.