THE ECONOMIC DIMENSION OF SPORT IN THE CONTEMPORARY SYSTEM OF MANAGING SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

This paper offers an overview of the economic dimension of sport as an integral component of the contemporary system for managing sports organizations, focusing on key features of the labor market, financial flows, and institutional processes in the sports sector. The study is based on a descriptive and theoretical analysis of selected aspects of the sports economy, with an interpretative explanation of the observed phenomena. The theoretical framework is based on modern models of sports economics that explain the specific nature of the sports product, the competitive structure of leagues, and the characteristics of the sports labor market. The empirical section of the study uses Eurostat data on employment in sport, including distribution by gender, age, and educational level, in order to identify key demographic and socioeconomic patterns within the workforce. The analysis also covers the economic impacts of sporting events, investments in infrastructure, and the role of public policy in financing sports activities, with the aim of assessing broader economic implications. The results indicate the existence of structural challenges affecting the sustainability of sports organizations, including pronounced financial disparities, job volatility, and limited institutional capacity. The identified issues highlight the need to redefine managerial strategies, particularly regarding revenue diversification, optimization of business models, and strengthening of institutional support mechanisms. In doing so, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of economic and managerial processes in sport and offers empirically grounded guidelines for the development of more efficient and sustainable systems for managing sports organizations.