Abstract representation of fair revenue sharing in sports, symbolizing equal distribution.

Level the Playing Field: Why Anonymity is the Key to Fair Revenue Sharing in Sports Leagues

Nico Varela in Business & Economy December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how embracing anonymity in broadcasting revenue distribution can revolutionize fairness and competitiveness in professional sports."

The roar of the crowd, the thrill of the game, and the global audience tuning in – professional sports are big business. Broadcasting rights are a massive piece of the pie, generating billions in revenue. But here's the million-dollar question: how do you split that money fairly among the teams?

For years, leagues have wrestled with this issue, using various formulas based on viewership, performance, and sometimes, just plain old tradition. However, a groundbreaking study is shaking things up, suggesting that anonymity – stripping away individual team identities – could be the key to a truly equitable distribution model. This approach challenges established norms and promises to level the playing field in unprecedented ways.

This isn't just about money; it's about the very essence of competition. Fair revenue sharing can empower smaller teams, encourage investment in talent, and ultimately, lead to a more dynamic and engaging league for fans. Let's dive into the details of this game-changing research and explore how anonymity could reshape the future of sports.

Why Anonymity Matters: Beyond Traditional Metrics

Abstract representation of fair revenue sharing in sports, symbolizing equal distribution.

Traditional revenue sharing models often rely on factors like team popularity or market size. While these metrics seem logical on the surface, they can perpetuate existing inequalities. Teams in larger cities or with established fan bases often rake in more revenue, creating a cycle where the rich get richer, and smaller teams struggle to compete.

Anonymity throws a wrench into this system by focusing on the collective good of the league. Imagine a scenario where revenue is distributed based on a formula that doesn't consider individual team names or market values. Instead, it emphasizes factors that benefit the entire league, such as overall viewership, competitive balance, and fan engagement. This is where the concept of impartiality truly shines.

Equal Treatment: Rules that seem fair can inadvertently favor certain teams, while anonymity ensures everyone starts on equal footing.
Boosting Competition: Smaller teams get a financial boost, allowing them to invest in better players and facilities.
Fan Engagement: A more competitive league is a more exciting league, attracting more viewers and generating more revenue for everyone.

The research highlights that anonymity, when combined with other key principles like additivity (revenues should be additive across different broadcasts) and a consideration for 'null teams' (teams with no viewership), leads to a more generalized and equitable split of resources. This approach allows leagues to move beyond simply rewarding past success and instead focus on fostering a more sustainable and competitive ecosystem.

The Future of Fair Play: Embracing Anonymity for a More Competitive League

The concept of anonymity in sports revenue sharing might seem radical, but it represents a crucial step towards a more just and competitive landscape. By prioritizing impartiality and focusing on the collective good, leagues can empower all teams to thrive, creating a more exciting and engaging experience for fans worldwide. It's time to rethink traditional models and embrace a future where fairness reigns supreme, ensuring that every team has the opportunity to shine.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s10479-023-05345-y,

Title: Anonymity In Sharing The Revenues From Broadcasting Sports Leagues

Subject: econ.th

Authors: Gustavo Bergantinos, Juan D. Moreno-Ternero

Published: 31-03-2023

Everything You Need To Know

What is the core problem that the broadcasting revenue sharing model tries to solve in professional sports leagues?

The core problem is how to fairly distribute the massive revenue generated from broadcasting rights among teams. Traditional methods often lead to inequalities, where teams in larger markets or with established fan bases receive disproportionately more, hindering the competitiveness of smaller teams. The goal is to create a system that empowers all teams and ensures a more dynamic league for fans.

How does 'anonymity' in revenue sharing models specifically address the limitations of traditional methods, and what are its key benefits?

Anonymity challenges traditional models by removing team identity from the revenue distribution formula. This means that factors like team popularity or market size are not directly considered. Instead, the formula emphasizes factors that benefit the entire league, such as overall viewership, competitive balance, and fan engagement. The key benefits of anonymity include equal treatment for all teams, a boost in competition as smaller teams receive financial advantages, and increased fan engagement due to a more competitive and exciting league.

Besides 'anonymity', what other principles are crucial for a fair revenue distribution model, and why are they important?

Besides anonymity, 'additivity' and consideration for 'null teams' are crucial. Additivity means that revenues should be additive across different broadcasts, ensuring that the total revenue is accurately accounted for and distributed. Consideration for 'null teams', or teams with no viewership, is also important, as it allows the model to be generalized and account for all scenarios. These principles, combined with anonymity, help to move beyond simply rewarding past success and instead focus on fostering a more sustainable and competitive ecosystem.

How does the implementation of 'anonymity' in revenue sharing change the dynamics of competition among the teams?

Implementing 'anonymity' in revenue sharing significantly alters competitive dynamics. By leveling the playing field, smaller teams gain increased financial resources, enabling them to invest in better players, facilities, and overall team improvement. This financial boost allows these teams to compete more effectively against larger market teams that traditionally have an advantage. The ultimate result is a more balanced and engaging league, where any team has the opportunity to become a contender.

What are the long-term implications of adopting an 'anonymity' based revenue sharing model for the future of sports leagues and the experience of fans?

Adopting an 'anonymity'-based revenue sharing model has far-reaching implications. Long-term, it promises a more just and competitive sports landscape. By prioritizing impartiality and the collective good, leagues can foster a more exciting and engaging experience for fans globally. The financial stability of smaller teams will lead to increased investment in talent, resulting in higher-quality games and more compelling storylines. This, in turn, attracts a broader audience, creating a virtuous cycle of growth and sustainability for the entire league, enhancing the overall fan experience with more unpredictable and thrilling outcomes.