Small business success: factors influencing the NBA's D-league
Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
ISSN: 1462-6004
Article publication date: 16 October 2020
Issue publication date: 19 January 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of initially controllable market factors on franchise success within NBA's Development League (D-League).
Design/methodology/approach
The open systems theory provided the foundation for analyzing characteristics contributing to small business success, as measured by attendance capacity for NBA D-League teams. Multiple regression analysis was utilized.
Findings
The results of this study indicate specific market characteristics increase franchise success in NBA's D-League. Population, income, facility size and ownership model all influenced attendance capacity.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to the teams that have operated in NBA's D-League. Contextual factors related to new business survival are not unique to minor league basketball and can be applied by scholars or professionals to any new business to help understand new business survival.
Practical implications
This research is also useful to cities looking to invest in a professional sports franchise and for all small business owners to understand market characteristics that can contribute to success.
Originality/value
The results from this study significantly contribute to small business literature by being the first empirical study on NBA's D-League.
Keywords
Citation
Keiper, M.C. and Barnes, J. (2021), "Small business success: factors influencing the NBA's D-league", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 28 No. 1, pp. 85-101. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-12-2018-0375
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited