Networks, strategy and sport: the case of City Football Group

Purpose This study examines the networks and strategy of Manchester City Football Club Group, central to group's emergence as a global entertainment organisation with network franchises worldwide. Design/methodology/approach The employs case design examine both Group (CFG)'s strategy. Drawing upon an extensive review documentation pertaining CFG's strategic vision approach, analysis brand's constituent clubs, partners state- corporate-investors was conducted, providing macro-level view use franchising, media partnerships commercial agreements extend CFG brand internationally. Findings study's findings afford unique insight into efforts monetise globalise through which provides insights convergence in sport politics, business. Namely, how enacted by Abu Dhabi government (its owner) has leveraged sporting properties successfully. In turn, it extends their geopolitical economic grows parent entity. Research limitations/implications franchising. royal family Originality/value research represents important step examining football club ownership within sport. this respect, present new way understand globalised, digitised geopoliticised operating environment.