Sportökonomische Analyse der Lebenssituation von Spitzensportlern in Deutschland

Abstract

Abstract: This book analyses the economic situation of elite athletes in Germany. The athletes under investigation are from non-professionalised sports and receive funds from the German Sports Aid Foundation. An online survey was conducted to assess the income, life, and career situation of elite athletes. The sample was representative for the supported athletes with regard to age, gender, and squad level. With regard to the career situation, the results provide evidence on the sporting success and sporting goals of athletes as well as on the time spent on sport and the intention to drop out of the sport. With regard to the income situation, the findings indicate that many athletes have to work to finance their sporting career. The average brut and net income for athletes as well as hourly wages for athletes in several sports are provided and compared to other professions. Moreover, monthly sport-related expenditure and monthly available income are presented. The results section finishes with the athletes’ agreement to a list of statements, their level of satisfaction with several aspects, the perceived intellectual support from several institutions, and some expectations from policy-makers. The book contains unique empirical findings on the situation of elite athletes in Germany.