Analysing the Australian Football League’s (AFL) governance structure: how does it compare to Europe’s “club-run” leagues?

Rationale/Purpose:
The Australian Football League’s (AFL) governance structure is largely unique in the context of professional sports leagues, yet it has rarely been studied. This paper analyses the various components of the AFL’s “Independent Commission” governance structure and draws comparisons with European football’s “club-run” leagues.
Method:
This is a primarily conceptual paper that involves documentary analysis of constitutional documents and governance reports relating to the AFL.
Findings:
The AFL’s governance structure is characterised by a Commission of independent members that, in stark contrast to European football, has near complete powers to run the league through the CEO. While the AFL is “owned” by its clubs, they have limited constitutional power to influence decision-making, but are able to hold the Commission accountable through their ability to elect and remove its members. A policy of “active engagement” exists within the AFL with the intention of promoting harmony between key stakeholders.
Research Contribution:
This paper contributes to sport governance research by presenting new insight on how the AFL’s distinctive governance structure works from a constitutional perspective and highlights the efficiencies the structure (or elements thereof) may yield in other league contexts.
Practical Implications:
The paper provides practitioners across the sport industry with an in-depth look at an under-researched and seemingly effective league governance structure, which can inform their debates on sport governance reform.