Purpose Case study research is a common qualitative research approach in sport management, yet a comprehensive review of its use and quality remains missing. The purpose of this paper is to examine how case studies are applied, their core characteristics, and existing methodological gaps. Design/methodology/approach This study conducts a systematic literature review of 114 case study articles published in six leading sport management journals between 2014 and 2024. Findings The findings reveal a methodologically rich yet philosophically underdeveloped landscape. While the prevalence of case studies underscores their utility in grappling with the context-dependent complexities of sport organizations, events, and policies, our findings also expose critical ambiguities and oversights that hinder the field's methodological maturity. Originality/value The findings pinpoint key methodological flaws in sport management case studies, offer targeted rigor-boosting strategies, and set a clear agenda to enhance theoretical depth and methodological maturity for future research.
Chen et al. (Wed,) studied this question.