Impact of on-field football success on the off-field financial performance of AFL football clubs

Abstract

In this study, we examine the factors that contribute to the financial performance of clubs in the Australian Football League over the period from 1993 to 2002. Primarily, we examine the association between the on-field football success of clubs and their level of off-field financial performance. We find that match attendance is positively related to both short-term and long-term success of football clubs and also to the uncertainty as to the match outcome (i.e. the expected closeness of the match). We also find that club membership is highly persistent and is positively related to both the past football success of the club and the marketing expense incurred. Finally, we find that there is a..