프로스포츠 구단 ESG 경영의 구조적 특성과 최근 동향 연구

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the academic research trends on ESG management in professional sports clubs in Korea and to propose future directions and research agendas for the development of this field. Methods: This study identified the overall trends in ESG research on professional sports in Korea by analyzing a total of 28 studies (24 academic journal articles and 4 doctoral dissertations) published between 2022 and May 2025. the analysis was conducted based on publication year, academic journals, research topics, subjects, and research methods. Results: The results revealed three main findings. First, research topics were concentrated on consumer perception and the pursuit of legitimacy. specifically, studies primarily focused on verifying the effects of ESG activities on club loyalty, revisit intention, and willingness to pay additional costs. Second, reflecting this thematic focus, research methodologies were predominantly quantitative and survey-based, which limited in-depth exploration of the complex processes and contexts of ESG implementation. Third, a significant research gap was identified in the areas of governance (G) and environment (E), for which there is high demand from fans. Conclusion: This study contributes to the literature by systematically analyzing the trends and characteristics of the emerging research field of ESG management in Korean professional sports based on empirical evidence. By presenting a “scholarly map” of the field, it provides foundational data for researchers to recognize both the achievements and limitations of existing studies and to set future research directions. furthermore, by revealing the gap between the research void and practical demands and proposing a future research agenda to overcome it, this study lays the groundwork for advancing academic discussion and contributing to policy and managerial improvements in policy and management.