Investment review in sports leagues: financial evidence from Pakistan Super League

Abstract

Purpose

The study invites seminal investigation on potential of investment returns in professional sports leagues. In line with scope of research, the analysis of this study brings into focus the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and franchises pertinent to Pakistan Super League (PSL) for investment appraisal and returns analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodical aspect of research deals with financial ratios and sensitivity analysis capturing the potential of returns on investment for target sample of study.

Findings

The investment appraisal substantiates the significance of potential returns on sports projects. The returns of investment reports sluggish seasonal returns during initial phase of PSL; however, return on investment (ROI) optimized with the maturity and further capitalization of Pakistan Supper League in more concentrated competitive environment. Sensitivity analysis proves variability of returns with changes in growth prospect of franchises.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides important working knowledge for existing and potential new investors and sports boards to consider the financial investment feasibility through customized investment models and relative orientations of promotion of sports, new talent hunting and re-fabricating the structure of sports in line with new age.

Originality/value

The efficacy of research is ensured through empirical verification of data obtained from reliable sources, and the novelty of research comes from investment appraisal and analysis of growing sports league familiarized as Pakistan Super League. The research approach and target sample are quite unique in context of sports leagues literature.

Citation

Aftab, R. and Naveed, M. (2021), "Investment review in sports leagues: financial evidence from Pakistan Super League", Managerial Finance, Vol. 47 No. 6, pp. 856-867. https://doi.org/10.1108/MF-04-2020-0214