Consumer Demand for Telecasts of Tennis Matches in Germany

Abstract

The research presented here aims to fill the existing gap in empirical research on demand for individual sports. A unique data set on audiences for live broadcast tennis matches from Germany, as Europe’s biggest and most competitive TV market, is analyzed. The results indicate that canonical approaches of empirical sport economics can be fruitfully applied to individual sports. Consumers prefer prestigious competitions, relevant matches, highly ranked, and German players. The findings suggest that the German tennis industry needs to provide national tennis stars in order to revitalize the interest of major networks and audiences.

Measuring competitive balance in Formula One racing

“…Another motorsports-related competitive balance paper is Berkowitz et al (2011), which analyzes competitive balance in the North American National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) touring car series, applying an adjusted-churn method as well as Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) indices. Outcome uncertainty in cycling is discussed by van Reeth (2013), whereas Du Bois and Heyndels (2007), del Corral (2009), Konjer et al (2017) and Koning (2009) address competitive balance in tennis, with the latter also discussing speed skating. Shmanske (2007) analyses competitive balance in the golf PGA tour.…”

The Role of Physical Attractiveness in Tennis TV-Viewership

“…The authors suggest that player quality and outcome uncertainty, measured by win probabilities via betting odds, attracts more TV-viewers ). Yet, in a larger study over several years Konjer et al (2015) find that outcome uncertainty plays no role for TV-viewership. Here, they use rankings to measure both player qualities and outcome uncertainty.…”

“…Rodríguez, Pérez, Puente, and Rodríguez (2013) analyze the determinants of TVviewership for professional cycling and find that outcome uncertainty plays a significantly positive role for cycling. In tennis, Konjer, Meier, and Wedeking (2015) and Meier and Konjer (2015) control for outcome uncertainty and player quality in their analyses. The authors suggest that player quality and outcome uncertainty, measured by win probabilities via betting odds, attracts more TV-viewers ).…”

Measuring Competitive Balance in Formula One Racing

“…Touching the field of competitive balance in F1 motor racing, Mastromarco and Runkel (2009) as well as Judde, Booth, and Brooks (2013) analyze the impact of rule changes on competitive balance in F1 racing. Kipker (2003) as well as Krauskopf, Langen, and Bünger (2010) whereas Du Bois and Heyndels (2007), del Corral (2009), Konjer, Meier, and Wedeking (2017), and Koning (2009) address competitive balance in tennis with the latter additionally discussing speed skating. Eventually, Shmanske (2007) analyses competitive balance in the golf PGA tour.…”