Innovation and Financial Sustainability in the Football Industry explores the ways in which football is being transformed by technological innovation and evolving stakeholder relationships.

As clubs face increasing pressure to diversify revenues beyond traditional broadcasting, matchday and commercial income, the game is entering a new era in which value is created through fan engagement, global accessibility, digital media and immersive experiences. The book examines the commercial evolution of football through an original conceptual lens: the FAME framework, which explains how competitive advantage is generated through four interconnected dimensions: fans, access, media and experience. Supported by international case studies, the framework provides both a theoretical interpretation of football’s transformation and a practical tool for understanding how clubs can develop new sources of revenues.

Combining academic analysis with practical insights, Innovation and Financial Sustainability in the Football Industry will appeal to academics, researchers and students in sport management, business, finance, economics and digital innovation. It will also be of interest to football executives, governing bodies, consultants and policymakers seeking to understand the strategic challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the world’s most popular sport.

Mario Nicoliello is Associate Professor of Strategy Analysis at University of Brescia, Italy. He holds a PhD in business administration, and he has lectured in Italy, the UK, Germany, Finland, Poland, France, Malta and Spain, sharing his insights with students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds. His teaching methodology focuses in experiential learning, drawing upon real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the complex interactions within the sports ecosystem, sports organisations, the economic impact of mega-events and the evolving role of corporate sponsorship in sports.