ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in Sport - Thematic Research

Managing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues is critical for federations, teams, sponsors and leagues in the sport sector. Mitigating the impact of environmental issues on the industry is key to the future of sport, as is improving governance and transparency across the board. With its vast global audiences, the industry also has the ability to contribute positively to social issues.

Climate change creates extreme weather patterns that continue to wreak havoc on the sports industry. Many teams, leagues, and event organizers have joined the race for carbon neutrality by reducing waste and offsetting carbon emissions. There are 244 signatures of the Sport for Climate Action Framework, led by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). However, there is no sign of a weakening relationship between sports companies and high carbon sponsorship.

The sports industry is both a driver and reflector of societal thinking. Athlete activism makes headlines. Brands align themselves with social movements to tap into a younger consumer base. Giving more exposure to underrepresented sporting areas, such as women in sport, opens leagues and tournaments to new audiences and develops commercial potential.

Many leagues and brands have set in motion targets to increase diversity at top levels. More inclusive boardrooms would offer new perspectives to address the needs and desires of all partners and stakeholders. If sport is representative of society, then it needs representation in leadership.

Scope

• The publisher's ESG framework which contains contributing factors to environmental, social and governance issues, with mitigating actions for each issue.
• Technology, macroeconomic, and industry trends in the sport industry. Certain technologies are enabling sports companies to improve their ESG credentials and macroeconomic forces are compelling them to rethink ESG strategy.
• The publisher's ESG action feedback loop describes how stakeholders are demanding action on ESG and the effect this has on company disclosures.
• ESG challenges currently faced by those in the power industry and how companies can address them.
• Case studies on ESG leaders and laggards in the sport industry.
• Detailed assessment of leading sports companies and their competitive positions in the ESG theme.

Reasons to Buy

• Develop long term ESG strategies by identifying your company's contributing factors then employing our recommended mitigating actions.
• Protect against risk by exploring ESG challenges in the sport sector, equipping your company with the knowledge of how to combat future ESG tests.
• Identify current leaders in the sport industry. Use this report's assessment current players in the sport industry to inform potential ways to improve ESG ratings and limit the financial losses and reputational damage incurred through corruption, lack of clear governance, as well as damage caused by environmental issues.
• Avoid ESG failures and follow in the footsteps of ESG leaders by incorporating our case studies into your strategy.