Research patterns in sports law and sports governance: a scopus bibliometric study

This bibliometric study explores research patterns in lex sportiva, sports law and sports governance, analyzing data retrieved from Scopus between 1977 and 2024. The study examines publication trends, citation networks, keyword co-occurrence and the most influential sources to identify key themes, l...

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Main Authors: Marina Kamenecka-Usova, Zanete Korde, Janis Zidens, Signe Luika, Olena Agapova, Karina Palkova, Kristine Martinsone
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-07-01
Series:Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2025.1590858/full
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author Marina Kamenecka-Usova
Zanete Korde
Janis Zidens
Signe Luika
Olena Agapova
Karina Palkova
Kristine Martinsone
author_facet Marina Kamenecka-Usova
Zanete Korde
Janis Zidens
Signe Luika
Olena Agapova
Karina Palkova
Kristine Martinsone
author_sort Marina Kamenecka-Usova
collection DOAJ
description This bibliometric study explores research patterns in lex sportiva, sports law and sports governance, analyzing data retrieved from Scopus between 1977 and 2024. The study examines publication trends, citation networks, keyword co-occurrence and the most influential sources to identify key themes, leading authors and reputable journals. The results indicate that while both fields have been extensively studied, their intersection remains relatively underexplored, with “good governance” emerging as the primary link between sports law, lex sportiva, and governance studies. The citation analysis highlights regional disparities, with Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom leading in research impact, while countries such as China and Germany exhibit high output but lower citation influence. Co-authorship networks reveal strong collaborations within Europe and North America but limited engagement from other regions. The findings underscore the growing importance of sports governance and legal frameworks in addressing contemporary challenges, particularly within the European Sport Model. This study provides valuable insights for researchers and policymakers, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches to further advance the field.
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publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
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series Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
spelling doaj-art-e92ebd2c32d84c4a93e040b423fa51662025-08-20T03:27:22ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Sports and Active Living2624-93672025-07-01710.3389/fspor.2025.15908581590858Research patterns in sports law and sports governance: a scopus bibliometric studyMarina Kamenecka-Usova0Zanete Korde1Janis Zidens2Signe Luika3Olena Agapova4Karina Palkova5Kristine Martinsone6Faculty of Social Sciences, Rīga Stradiņš University, Riga, LatviaDepartment of Health Psychology and Pedagogy, Rīga Stradinš University, Riga, LatviaRSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education, Rīga Stradinš University, Riga, LatviaRSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education, Rīga Stradinš University, Riga, LatviaFaculty of Social Sciences, Rīga Stradiņš University, Riga, LatviaFaculty of Social Sciences, Rīga Stradiņš University, Riga, LatviaDepartment of Health Psychology and Pedagogy, Rīga Stradinš University, Riga, LatviaThis bibliometric study explores research patterns in lex sportiva, sports law and sports governance, analyzing data retrieved from Scopus between 1977 and 2024. The study examines publication trends, citation networks, keyword co-occurrence and the most influential sources to identify key themes, leading authors and reputable journals. The results indicate that while both fields have been extensively studied, their intersection remains relatively underexplored, with “good governance” emerging as the primary link between sports law, lex sportiva, and governance studies. The citation analysis highlights regional disparities, with Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom leading in research impact, while countries such as China and Germany exhibit high output but lower citation influence. Co-authorship networks reveal strong collaborations within Europe and North America but limited engagement from other regions. The findings underscore the growing importance of sports governance and legal frameworks in addressing contemporary challenges, particularly within the European Sport Model. This study provides valuable insights for researchers and policymakers, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches to further advance the field.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2025.1590858/fullsports lawsports governancelex sportivagood governancebibliometric analysis
spellingShingle Marina Kamenecka-Usova
Zanete Korde
Janis Zidens
Signe Luika
Olena Agapova
Karina Palkova
Kristine Martinsone
Research patterns in sports law and sports governance: a scopus bibliometric study
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
sports law
sports governance
lex sportiva
good governance
bibliometric analysis
title Research patterns in sports law and sports governance: a scopus bibliometric study
title_full Research patterns in sports law and sports governance: a scopus bibliometric study
title_fullStr Research patterns in sports law and sports governance: a scopus bibliometric study
title_full_unstemmed Research patterns in sports law and sports governance: a scopus bibliometric study
title_short Research patterns in sports law and sports governance: a scopus bibliometric study
title_sort research patterns in sports law and sports governance a scopus bibliometric study
topic sports law
sports governance
lex sportiva
good governance
bibliometric analysis
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2025.1590858/full
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