The Determinants of Stock Prices of European Football Clubs: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the sporting and financial performances impacts of football clubs on stock price dynamics. The sample covers all the European football companies listed on the Stock Exchange over the period 2012-2017. The stock price formation process for listed football companies is investigated through a multiple regression model in which the share price is a function of several variables of listed European football companies, because the authors analyze the impact of both sports and financial and management performance on the share prices of the companies. Panel data fixed effects estimations are employed to mitigate endogeneity concerns and to control for within-firm dynamics. It was found that on market performance: i) positively impacts of sports performance; ii) positively impacts of economic performance; iii) positively impacts of asset and revenue diversification. This topic would be of interest to international investors and will push club managers to nurture their own corporate culture, which, in many cases, is still not in keeping with the size or pace of market development. These findings have important implications for investors as well as club managers. The empirical research provides useful implications to direct club managements towards best practices that will help football clubs access capital markets. Indeed, they present an encouragement for the improvement of the competitive results and the economic-financial performances.