Forthcoming Articles

International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing

International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing (IJSMM)

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International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing (One paper in press)

Regular Issues

  • Determinants of Player Salaries in the German Bundesliga: An Exploratory Analysis Using Modern Performance Metrics   Order a copy of this article
    by Tim Schäfers, Christoph Bühren 
    Abstract: With personnel costs in the Bundesliga reaching an all-time high of 1.67 billion, understanding the drivers of player salaries has never been more relevant. This study analyses performance data from five seasons (2019/20202023/2024) using a data-driven regression approach that combines Lasso and ordinary least squares. It evaluates modern metrics such as expected goals, expected assists, progressive and defensive actions, and other individual and team indicators from FBref, alongside traditional statistics and non-athletic factors. The results show that salaries are primarily shaped by nationality, club affiliation, age, and individual offensive performance, while popularity has no significant effect. German players earn less than their international peers, with salaries peaking around 31 years of age. Recently renewed contracts correlate with higher pay, whereas long-term contracts are associated with lower wages. These findings highlight the growing importance of analytics in salary determination and provide a nuanced view of compensation structures in professional football.
    Keywords: Sports economics; Performance metrics; Player salaries; Football analytics; Bundesliga; Labour market in sports ; Human capital.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJSMM.2025.10078731