ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS LEAGUES

Abstract

Professional sports in the USA have remained a successful business within the global entertainment industry for many years. American sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) demonstrate exceptional economic growth due to effective business models, a steadily growing fan base, and financial regulation tools. Special attention is given to mechanisms such as salary caps, luxury taxes, and revenue sharing, which help maintain competitive balance among teams. The study aims to analyze the impact of financial regulation on the economic stability and competitiveness of professional sports leagues in the USA. Methods. The study employs an analysis of literary sources and statistical data, a systematic approach, comparative analysis, and descriptive statistics methods. The data spans the 2014–2024 period and is derived from open sources, including financial reports of leagues and specialized sports media. Results. The analysis revealed that the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL effectively utilize financial regulation tools that limit team payrolls and reduce financial disparities. Key revenue sources include multi-billion-dollar broadcasting contracts, sponsorship deals, and merchandising. The revenuesharing system aids in maintaining competitive balance by minimizing the impact of individual teams’ financial resources on sporting outcomes. A comparison with European leagues, particularly Spain’s La Liga, highlights the advantages of the American model in promoting financial equality and competitiveness. Conclusions. The effectiveness of American professional leagues stems from the implementation of cost-control mechanisms, ensuring economic stability and equality among teams. These factors enhance fan interest in competitions and contribute to the long-term development of the sport. Future research should focus on examining the influence of digital platforms and globalization on the economic model of U.S. sports leagues and exploring the potential adaptation of these mechanisms in other countries.