The multi-dimensionality of competitive balance: evidence from European football

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the problem designing league regulatory mechanisms given multi-dimensionality competitive balance and proliferation empirical measures. Design/methodology/approach A three-stage approach adopted. Firstly, a taxonomy measures proposed, identifying two fundamental dimensions – win dispersion performance persistence. Secondly, simple two-team model used explore dispersion–persistence relationship. Third, correlation regression analysis seven for 18 best-attended top-tier domestic football leagues in Europe over 10 seasons, 2008–2017, are (1) validate proposed categorisation into dimensions; (2) investigate nature relationship across leagues. Findings implies strong positive when persistence effects increase big-market teams relative those small-market teams. However, evidence indicates that while such as Spanish La Liga exhibit relationship, other show little or no some leagues, particularly, English Premier League divisions Belgium Netherlands, have negative key policy implication importance understanding direction impact on demand products. Originality/value variability strength an important result undermines “one-size-fits-all” mechanisms.