Productivity in professional Spanish basketball

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to evaluate the performance of Spanish first-division basketball teams, in terms of efficiency, by defining previously a productive function and obtaining also their potential output. Second, to examine the total factor productivity evolution having information from several years, which allows us to draw conclusions about the changes in the efficient frontier.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to assess the efficiency level and the potential output of each team in the ACB competition, between the season 2008/2009 and 2011/2012, an input-oriented version with constant returns of data envelopment analysis is used. The total factor productivity evolution is studied by employing the values of the Malmquist index.

Findings

The main conclusion is that the final position of the Spanish basketball teams depends on the efficiency and any technological progress is needed to maintain themselves on top of rank.

Practical implications

Performing on the field efficiently is the best way to increase the profits by generating savings, which minimize costs. This analysis allows us to make a series of observations, comments and conclusions with regard to the management of the budgets and the relationship between efficiency and sports performance.

Originality/value

The innovations provided by this paper are the use of a different methodology and a different analysis unit from the previous studies. Moreover, it focuses on European basketball, specifically the Spanish league, which is considered the most powerful league after NBA and whose connection with academic studies is quite limited to date. Finally it tries to incorporate the play-off stage, which is complicated but really interesting because of the contest design of these competitions.

Citation

Brosed Lázaro, M., Espitia-Escuer, M. and I. García-Cebrián, L. (2014), "Productivity in professional Spanish basketball", Sport, Business and Management, Vol. 4 No. 3, pp. 196-211. https://doi.org/10.1108/SBM-07-2013-0024