Media value methodology in global sport industries: football versus Formula One

Abstract

This paper evaluates intangible talent in two global industries of sports: European professional football and Formula One. We apply the methodology for the evaluation and rating of intangible talent (MERIT) approach to evaluate – through media value ratings – sport talent and economic contribution of Formula One drivers and football players. Individual media value appraisals jointly capture the infield and outfield skills of athletes. By aggregating individual ratings, we are able to rank in terms of media value football clubs and racing teams; and to establish a hierarchy among sporting competitions. The empirical analysis is made on large databases from worldwide media sources and internet sites. The paper gives insights on managerial issues, as it permits predicting the future career development and economic perspectives of sportsmen. It also applies regression techniques to examine behavioural inter-industries differences concerning the relationship between sport performance, media visibility and economic revenues.