Football and economy: Impact of the fans in the Pro league - Serie A of Ecuador

Soccer in Ecuador, particularly the LigaPro Serie A, is a phenomenon that combines sporting passion with significant economic and social impacts. The fans play a crucial role in the dynamics of this sport, influencing both the local economy and the cultural identity of the country. This article analyzed how the fans in the LigaPro Serie A positively affect the Ecuadorian economy and its impact on society. The study aimed to explore how fans influence club revenues, the dynamization of related economic sectors and the role of football as a catalyst for local development. A quantitative approach was carried out based on official sources of the Pro League, financial information of the 16 Serie A 2024 football teams and bibliographic sources, normality tests such as Kolmogorov-Smirnov and the Friedman test were applied, in addition to a descriptive analysis of income generated by economic activities of football clubs. The results indicated that fans played a critical role in the financial stability of clubs, with average attendance per match being approximately 8,500 fans, a 10% increase compared to the previous season. The findings coincided with previous studies that highlight football as a dynamic agent of the local economy. However, differences were observed in the magnitude of the impact, suggesting that factors such as geographical location and club management influence results. Professional football in Ecuador has established itself as a key element for economic development, both for the clubs and for the cities that host the matches.