The different strategies of development in the professional sports – the case of ESSM Le Portel

Abstract

Research problem addressed in this paper is what alternative strategies could be implemented by a professional sports club in order to be more sustainable and competitive. The object of the paper is the strategies of development of ESSM Le Portel. The aim of the paper is to describe and analyse the strategies currently in place at ESSM Le Portel and identify new ways to be more sustainable in the future. Research results show that despite the fact that the amount of debt is still too important for a club of this size, there is still a strong possibility to enable a sustainable path in professional sports. This could be done if the club stays in the 1st division but also if it has to be relegated on the 2nd division. A dilution of capital might be necessary to speed up the restructuration. Research conclusions. ESSM Le Portel continues to grow and expand in the last years. While the club has maintained his success on the court with different successes (member of the French playoffs last season, One player among the starting Five in the All Star Game), it has also worked on his road map to avoid losing money each season, be more sustainable and more oriented digital and become the club leader in the Region “Les Hauts de France”.