نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 گروه مدیریت ورزشی، واحد تهران شمال، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، تهران، ایران
2 گروه علوم ورزشی، واحد تهران شمال، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، تهران، ایران.
3 گروه مدیریت ورزشی، پژوهشکده مدیریت ورزشی، پژوهشگاه تربیت بدنی علوم ورزشی ،تهران، ایران
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
With the rapid growth of electronic sports (eSports), identifying the factors influencing consumer responses in this field is of increasing importance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of financial sponsorship and team identity on eSports consumer responses, considering the mediating roles of involvement and sponsor image, using structural equation modeling (SEM). The research is applied in nature, quantitative and correlational in strategy, and field-based and cross-sectional in terms of data collection. The statistical population included active eSports athletes and spectators selected through convenience sampling. A sample size of 420 was determined to ensure 80% statistical power. Data were collected via a questionnaire: sponsorship components were measured using Costa et al. (2022), sponsor image using Eddy and Cork (2018), team identity using Tsordia et al. (2018), involvement using Hurbelet et al. (2016), and consumer response to sponsorship using Costa et al. (2022). Data analysis was conducted using Smart PLS 3.2.9. The results revealed that sponsor ubiquity, sponsor sincerity, attitude toward the sponsor, and team identity had significant effects on sponsor image. Furthermore, sponsor image and involvement significantly influenced consumers’ interest, purchase intention, and word-of-mouth communication in the eSports context. The findings indicate that financial sponsorship and team identity significantly affect consumer responses through enhanced involvement and an improved sponsor image. These results highlight the importance of strategic planning in marketing and sponsorship within the eSports industry. Marketing managers and sponsors are recommended to strengthen team identity and design appealing sponsorship campaigns to enhance consumer engagement and build a favorable brand image among eSports audiences.
کلیدواژهها [English]