ABSTRACT
Fans can watch sport by attending events or by viewing them electronically. For a long time, sports economists have argued that actual attendances can be maximised by the promotion of uncertain results, but there is no unambiguous evidence to support this assertion. Indeed, even measuring competitive balance has proven difficult. The unpredictability of outcome and the equality of competition have been challenged as the major crowd pullers, with quality of performance and the relative drawing power of teams and star competitors now being regarded as significant influences. Income from broadcasting rights has replaced gate-money as the dominant item in many club accounts. These rights are often sold collectively by leagues, often in packages in order to maximise revenue, though this has had a detrimental effect on consumer welfare. It may be that the sports product desired by those who attend events and that wanted by the television viewer are not the same.
