The intersection of business sustainability and integrity in sport

Sustainability in the context of business and economics relates to the maintenance of business functions over time, by responding to both short-term and future financial needs. To support business sustainability, strategy and modelling are key constructs. In professional sport, there has been much debate about the application of business models and financial sustainability, both at league and club level. Ultimately these debates exist because professional sport organisations chase twin objectives; maximising revenues and financial performance, and the delivery of sporting excellence (winning). These objectives often collide, and business models and sustainability principles can be side-lined as a result. The focus is too often on the short-term success, rather than long-term sustainability.