The Evolution and Knowledge Structure of Sport-Based Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A Bibliometric Analysis using Scopus Database

Abstract

Abstract

Research on sport-based Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has developed

rapidly and is no longer understood merely as a social activity but also as part of

a sports organization?s sustainability strategy. This study aims to map the

development, knowledge structure, and main themes in sport-based CSR research.

The study employs a bibliometric analysis method using data from the Scopus

database consisting of English-language journal articles from 2009 to 2025. The

analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer to identify

publication trends, productive authors, leading journals, and keyword network

visualizations. The results indicate that publications on sport-based CSR have seen

a significant increase, particularly after 2015, in line with growing attention to the

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The most dominant research themes relate

to environmental sustainability, sports organization management, consumer

behaviour, and organizational governance. Furthermore, the analysis indicates

that sport-based CSR research is dominated by developed countries and focuses on

sustainability issues within the sports industry. The study?s conclusions suggest that

sport-based CSR research is evolving toward a more strategic and sustainability-

oriented approach. This study is expected to serve as a reference for future sport-

based CSR research.

Keywords: bibliometric analysis, SDGs, sport-based CSR, sport management,

VOSviewer.