Assessing the Impacts of Sports Contract Breaches on Public Rights and Social Interests in Popular Sports: A Public Law Perspective

This study investigates the multifaceted effects of sports contract breaches on public rights and social interests within the context of popular sports, employing a public law framework. Utilizing a comparative cross-sectional design, we analyzed 212 documented cases of contract violations from major football and basketball leagues across Europe and North America between 2015 and 2024. Advanced statistical techniques, including Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Multivariate Regression Analysis, were applied to assess the direct and indirect impacts on public trust, social welfare, and institutional legitimacy. The findings reveal that breaches of sports contracts significantly undermine public confidence (p < 0.001), reduce perceived social benefits (β = -0.41, p < 0.01), and challenge the legitimacy of governing bodies. Mediation analysis further indicates that transparent legal interventions can mitigate negative outcomes, highlighting the critical role of public law in safeguarding collective interests. These results offer actionable insights for policymakers, legal practitioners, and sports administrators aiming to enhance contractual compliance and promote social responsibility in high-profile sports.