UCFB academic co-authors report focusing on finances across modern county cricket

A UCFB academic has co-authored a report looking into modern financial aspects of county cricket within England and Wales.

Professor Rob Wilson, head of UCFB’s executive education courses alongside VSI Executive Education, worked alongside Jonathan Dyson, the Leonard Curtis team and expert panel to produce the report.

“Like much of the work I do,” Rob said, “my key focus was on the financial analysis and the application of those numbers to the county game, and the influx of cash from the Hundred, and to provide coherent, and realistic recommendations for the sport to thrive.”

The report covers the financial aspects of many areas of county cricket, such as competitive balance, women’s cricket, disability cricket and sustainability.

Speaking about the importance of this report, Rob said: “It helps us (the general public) understand what is going on with the county game, the opportunity that exists and the challenges it faces to remain viable.”

Read the full report and find out more about its findings.

Rob has previously authored and co-authored reports looking at the finances across the modern era of other sports, such as rugby union. Find out more about the report he co-authored with fellow UCFB academic Andy Golding.

He went on to speak about why now is a vital time to be looking into the finances of these sports.

“For cricket,” he said, “the influx of private capital to the Hundred franchise model needs to be spent carefully.

“The game stands at a crossroads and should learn the lessons from other sports on what not to do.”

He added: “The case for rugby union is similar, to a degree, and our report highlighted the financial challenges at play. From an educational perspective, it’s important to get under the bonnet of these sports that our students know and love.

“It helps provide evidence for them to review, but crucially also demonstrates what they will need to do when they go for employment opportunities.”

He finished: “Collaborative working is what makes me tick. I’ve tried, throughout my career to involve as many people as possible in the work that I do.

“For these reports I’ve been able to involve many of my present and past PhD students to influence the direction of travel.

“It also helps connect them with the sectors we teach about, extending their own opportunities and providing a rich contact book to utilise with our student body.

“For me, working with such a talented team at Leonard Curtis has also broadened my involvement in the financial services industry and connected me with insolvency practitioners, adding another layer to my Professorship.”

Professor Rob Wilson leads the executive education courses at UCFB, including MSc Sports Directorship and CEO of a Sports Organisation, both delivered alongside VSI Executive Education.

You can also apply to UCFB through Clearing and begin the journey towards your dream career in sport as early as this September.