The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point for global sports, profoundly affecting the governance of professional basketball clubs. Empty stadiums, canceled competitions, and financial uncertainty forced teams to reassess their organizational structures and leadership models.
The crisis exposed structural weaknesses such as lack of transparency, growing economic inequalities, and insufficient social responsibility. The over-reliance on commercial revenues highlighted the gap between financially dominant and weaker clubs, deepening power imbalances within the industry.
How did the pandemic reshape governance?
The pandemic shifted clubs away from a purely financial governance model towards more socially responsible, ethical, and sustainable practices. Today, clubs must balance financial resilience with transparency, inclusivity, and social responsibility.
The 3 pillars of modern governance:
Accountability & Transparency Clubs are strengthening internal controls and increasing transparency by publicly sharing operational and financial information, rebuilding trust with stakeholders.
Democratic decision-making Active participation of fans, members, and local communities in key decision-making processes has become a key element of fair and sustainable governance.
Social Responsibility Clubs now invest in programs with a real social impact, from youth education initiatives to actions that enhance social cohesion in their local communities.
Early examples of positive change
Several European clubs and NBA teams have already adopted reforms:
Strengthening transparency through public reports
Giving fans and members a voice in strategic decisions
Launching community-oriented programs to strengthen local ties
The pandemic accelerated the shift towards a more responsible and resilient governance model. The long-term survival of basketball clubs now depends not only on financial performance but also on their ability to earn the trust of society and positively impact their communities.