ABSTRACT

This is the first book in English to offer an overview of the development of the sport industry in Spain and Portugal, examining the social, economic, cultural, and political impact sport has had in this region and on world sport more broadly. 

Drawing on sources in Spanish and Portuguese, the book presents important new perspectives and empirical material not previously available to English-speaking audiences. With a strong focus on management, development, economics, governance and law, set in a broader historical and socio-cultural context, the book explains the unique characteristics of the sport industry in the Iberian Peninsula. It takes a deep dive into Spanish and Portuguese football - in many ways the centre of gravity of Iberian sport – and into sport tourism, a hugely significant component of the broader economy of the region. The book also considers important emerging themes in Iberian sport, from the development of women’s sport to the global profile of Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Nadal, and considers the wider influence of Iberian sport across the wider Hispanic diaspora. 

This is fascinating and illuminating reading for anybody with an interest in sport business and management, global sporting cultures, international business, or Hispanic or Latin American studies.

chapter Chapter 3|10 pages

The European Union and sport

Economy, public policy and legislation

chapter Chapter 8|13 pages

Sports gambling in Spain

chapter Chapter 9|11 pages

The Iberian fitness industry

Experiences from Portugal and Spain

chapter Chapter 14|13 pages

La Roja, Real Madrid, and Barça

A Historic Perspective

chapter Chapter 16|11 pages

La Vuelta

Impact on Local Communities

chapter Chapter 19|10 pages

Global brands from the Iberian Peninsula

Nadal, Gasol, Cristiano, and Mourinho

chapter Chapter 20|13 pages

Sport governance in Portugal