Case study research is a common qualitative research approach in sport management, yet a comprehensive review of its use and quality remains missing. The purpose of this paper is to examine how case studies are applied, their core characteristics, and existing methodological gaps.
This study conducts a systematic literature review of 114 case study articles published in six leading sport management journals between 2014 and 2024.
The findings reveal a methodologically rich yet philosophically underdeveloped landscape. While the prevalence of case studies underscores their utility in grappling with the context-dependent complexities of sport organizations, events, and policies, our findings also expose critical ambiguities and oversights that hinder the field's methodological maturity.
The findings pinpoint key methodological flaws in sport management case studies, offer targeted rigor-boosting strategies, and set a clear agenda to enhance theoretical depth and methodological maturity for future research.
