Sustainability in Sport?

The sports industry- in all its glory, and its impact on the environment is hardly collectively considered. This is particularly notable in major sporting leagues and professional sports in Western societies. Information regarding sports and the environment is generic, limited and does not consider other factors or influences apart from those already mentioned in existing research and literature. The main purpose of this study is to reach beyond what is already known and to explore areas within professional sports leagues that have considerable effects on our environment with the objective of gathering enough information to determine whether a sustainable sport culture is attainable. Is there such a thing? Or is it too late? This paper focuses primarily on the NBA’s relationship with the environment as the example of a major sports league and its effects, often neglected in studies and research. Areas explored in this research paper include: The history of existing literature on sports and the environment, Arena construction; sport manufacturing and production, the influences of globalization and the media on sport, society, and their effects on the environment, actions taken by sport sectors, credible environmental frameworks, and pro-environmental action from NBA teams. This paper follows an exploratory research method, and utilizes literature reviews, an interview process and a critical analysis of current major organizations and frameworks related to the sport and environmental sustainability sector, in hopes of closing the gaps in knowledge, and to add to current literature from a different perspective that could open doors and possibilities for other research opportunities. This paper concludes by demonstrating the limitations of this research, limitations of existing research, important steps moving forward—and based on the knowledge gathered, whether a sustainable sport culture is possible.