Applying Management Theories to the Entities of Sports Ecosystem

Abstract The paper aims to explore how classical and contemporary management theories can be applied to different entities within the sports ecosystem. The core entities—such as clubs, players, fans, and agents— and non-core entities like media, sponsors, and public bodies are examined. Qualitative analysis and real-world examples from the NBA, Euroleague, European football, and the NFL were used to map theories including scientific management, administrative theory, human relations, contingency, complexity, and open innovation to specific roles in sport. The findings demonstrate that no single theory is universally applicable; rather, effective sports management necessitates a combination of contextual factors and hybrid approaches. A comparative framework is presented to guide the application of management theory across the ecosystem. This paper bridges theory and practice, offering sports professionals a strategic lens for navigating organizational complexity through context-driven, hybrid management approaches.