The pursuit of legitimacy through strategic alliances: the examination of international joint sport event bidding

Research question: Given the increased attention on joint sport event bids this study examines how the practices and structures created through the formation of a joint bidding alliance could influence the creation of diverse types of organizational legitimacy. Research methods: A descriptive qualitative approach analyzing a combination of archival materials and interviews related to 15 international large-scale joint sport event bidding cases was completed. Results and Findings: Results suggest various practices and structures are created through forming joint bids. Propositions that suggest how joint bidding alliances can result in the creation of various legitimacy types: managerial/technical, consequential, procedural, and linkage legitimacy are provided. Implications: This study extends the sport event literature by examining joint bidding alliances as organizational strategies. A model illustrating the legitimation process of joint bids in sporting events and implications of this study is suggested.