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We investigated the relationship between sports team reputation and team identification (ID) when team reputation was operationalized at the dimension level and measured using reflective indicators. The Spectator-based Sports Team Reputation (Jang et al., Int J Sports Market Sponsorship 16(3):52–72, 2015) was modified and used to collect data from 520 fans of five European football league champions (i.e., Barcelona, Manchester City, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain) during the 2018–2019 season. Results of the structural equation modeling (SEM) showed five dimensions of SSTR (i.e., performance, spectator-orientation, social responsibility, tradition, and management quality) were significantly and positively related to ID. In addition, the results of the Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) method showed that high ID exists under two SSTR dimensions complex configuration, while absent under three complex configurations. Theoretically, the results provide a deeper understanding of the differential impact of spectator-based team reputation dimensions on fans' team identification. Managerially, sports teams can use the scale as a diagnostic tool to measure their reputation from their fans' perspective and strategically allocate their resources on the important dimensions and configurations of SSTR to improve fans' ID. This research applied an innovative analysis approach to reveal necessary and sufficient conditions when conventional methods such as SEM have limited power. This paper highlights a valuable insight on how ID is formed through the SSTR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research question: In this study we examine whether knowledge management (KM), along with innovation concepts (attitude toward innovation, open innovation, and innovativeness), evokes direct and indirect influences on organizational performance of nonprofit sports clubs. Research methods: A total of 266 valid questionnaires were collected online from board members of nonprofit sports clubs in Iran. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate the relationships between variables. Results and findings: The results indicate that KM has a positive effect on organizational performance via two different sequential mediators: attitude toward innovation and innovativeness, and open innovation and innovativeness. KM has a direct positive effect on sport clubs' innovativeness and organizational performance. Implications: Nonprofit sports clubs should take advantage of promoting KM processes such as facilitating the development and sharing of new knowledge through relying on internal and external knowledge sources. By doing so, sports clubs can enhance capabilities to exploit external knowledge and foster a positive attitude towards newness and innovation which can help them to innovate more and perform better. The study provides theoretical and managerial implications that help sports clubs innovate and increase multiple aspects of their organizational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Athlete brand image management has become a popular topic among sport marketing scholars. This study aims to test the impacts of the attributes of an athlete brand image on fan loyalty. Design/methodology/approach: In total, 500 questionnaires were delivered to university students and 472 completed questionnaires were returned. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test the psychometric properties of the measures and structural equation modeling was carried out to test the hypotheses. Findings: The findings of this study show that three attributes of athlete brand image (e.g. marketable lifestyle, athletic performance and attractive appearance) positively influenced fan loyalty. Research limitations/implications: To increase the loyalty of fans, effective marketing strategies could be designed to create positive images of athletes with both athletes' on-field (e.g. athletic skills, competition style and excellence in sport) and off-field performance (e.g. engagement with fans, community involvement, public relation and charity activities). Originality/value: This paper provides valuable insights into the measurement of athlete brand image and fan loyalty and offers a foundation for future research on athlete brand management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]