Conclusion: the European Model of Sport, a mythical reality

The European Model of Sport (EMS) has shaped EU sport policy since the 1995 Bosman case, offering a framework that balances commercial and sociocultural values. This book examines the EMS to explore the concept from a multidisciplinary perspective. This concluding chapter takes stock of the collective contributions and reflects on the academic, policy, legal and sociopolitical challenges of the European Model of Sport. The contributions in this book have identified three core aspects that define the EMS: 1) Sociocultural values like cohesion and identity underscore sport's significance beyond economics; 2) grassroots sport, essential to public engagement, faces pressures from commercialization and reduced volunteerism; 3) Good governance has become increasingly pivotal, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and collaboration between public authorities and sport organizations. Globally, the EMS influences sport models but encounters challenges such as commercialization, geopolitical investments, and differing governance structures, exemplified by contrasts with U.S. and Chinese systems. These dynamics highlight the need for adaptability to sustain EMS values. While the EMS lacks a singular identity, it embodies shared European principles of fairness, inclusivity, and integration of amateur and professional sport, reinforced by a “governance turn”. This analysis reaffirms the EMS's relevance in balancing sport’s cultural and economic dimensions, offering insights for sustainable governance and global sport development.