TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper exploratory study is to decipher sport consumer associations and sentiments connected to the brand image of retired athletes.Design/methodology/approach In total, 14 sport consumers, who demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of throwback branding tactics and expertise in athlete brand promotion, participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews.Findings The findings indicate there are three prevalent themes across the present data (i.e. epoch epitome, athlete-team connection and off-the-field persona).Originality/value While the proliferation of throwback merchandise and affinity for brands of retired athletes is evident, the internalization of associations related to retired athletes has escaped empirical investigation. Numerous questions concerning how specific facets of a retired athlete’s image (e.g. athletic skills or life off the field) activate nostalgic feelings, drive consumer loyalty and establish market permanence remain unanswered. The current study contributes to the understanding of the brand image of the retired athlete and the existing literature concerning athlete branding.
VL  - 20
IS  - 3
SN  - 1464-6668
DO  - 10.1108/IJSMS-02-2018-0018
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSMS-02-2018-0018
AU  - Taniyev Olzhas
AU  - Gordon Brian S.
PY  - 2019
Y1  - 2019/01/01
TI  - Crafting a legacy: investigating the retired athlete brand image
T2  - International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship
PB  - Emerald Publishing Limited
SP  - 390
EP  - 406
Y2  - 2024/05/11
ER  -