Date of Graduation

Spring 5-16-2025

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Environmental Management

First Advisor

Allison C. Luengen

Abstract

Professional sports leagues contribute to environmental impacts through large-scale travel and event-related operations, particularly from fan and team transportation. While many leagues have made public commitments to sustainability, there is limited consistency in how those efforts are tracked or reported. Scope 3 emissions, which include fan and team travel, are often overlooked despite being a significant part of a sports organization’s carbon footprint. For example, in the 2024 season, the MLB, NBA, and NFL collectively took an estimated 7,502 flights to away games. This number does not account for the millions of fans who travel to stadiums each season, often by car due to convenience or lack of public transit options. This study uses GIS analysis to assess transit accessibility to four California stadiums, compares 4 sustainability frameworks used across professional sports, and evaluates the transparency of select teams sustainability reporting. Findings suggest that even when public transit is available, many fans choose to drive, indicating that convenience plays a stronger role than distance in shaping travel behavior. While some teams cite sustainability frameworks, there is little consistency in how goals are defined, or progress is tracked. Few teams provide third-party verification or clear emissions metrics making it difficult to measure real impact. The lack of standardized reporting increases the risk of greenwashing and limits accountability. To address these issues, the study explores the potential of more structured approaches, including the adoption of alternative frameworks such as Certified B Corporation standards and recommends partnerships with academic researchers.

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