From Boardrooms to Block Parties: A Case Study on The Economic and Cultural Transformation of the NFL Draft
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71125/sporteconres.12Keywords:
economic impact, market size, NFL draft, sport mega-eventAbstract
This case study investigates the economic impact and strategic implications of the 2025 NFL Draft hosted in Green Bay, Wisconsin-the smallest market in the National Football League. Despite attracting approximately 600,000 attendees, Green Bay generated lower economic returns compared to larger hosts due to dispersed lodging and limited walkability. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between market size and economic impact (r = .81) and a moderate correlation with attendance (r = .67). A multiple regression model (R² = .798) confirmed market size as a stronger predictor than attendance. Findings suggest that infrastructure capacity embedded within market classifications is a more robust driver of economic success, offering a refined framework for evaluating small-market potential in sport mega-event strategy.
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