Deinstitutionalization in major sports leagues : analyzing the NHL's path to competitive balance and financial stability including ideas for implementation
Date
2003
Authors
Cutting, Jared
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2003
Abstract
Using the theory of deinstitutionalization, this paper illustrates the NHL’s evolution from
an entity comprised of singular owner interests whereby players were exploited to a
cooperative organization in which players have received significant employment gains. A
historical analysis was done using the sports league as the unit of study. In comparing the
NHL to the NFL, NBA and MLB, and using several studies in the sports literature, the
paper found that increased cooperation among owners as well as a certain amount of
liberality for players has enhanced the competitive balance and financial stability of some
sports leagues. The findings were then applied to the NHL’s situation using change
dynamic insights from deinstitutionalization theory to suggest a new business structure
for the league.
Description
ix, 197 leaves ; 28 cm.
Keywords
Hockey -- Economic aspects , Professional sports -- Economic aspects , National Hockey League -- Finance