Influencing engagement in the local basketball scene

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores the relationship between entertainment as a motivator for attendance at a local basketball match whilst also examining the different reasons behind it. Design/methodology/approach: An online survey was sent out to a non-random sample in order to gain insight on how sports enthusiasts feel about adding entertainment to the local basketball scene. A total of 216 respondents were collected of which 208 where used for analysis. The data was then analysed using the statistical program SPSS. Findings: The results drawn showed that there is a relationship between entertainment and engagement as seen in past research, though these did not vary much by age and gender on the Maltese scene. Research limitations/implications: The study sets the groundwork for future research that can be applied to other sports as this study mainly focuses on basketball. Originality/value: Recently, many people have become aware of the low attendance at local basketball games, though the problem has not been researched. However, the findings in this study may provoke some remedial action to be taken.