A review of research on mergers of male and female national sporting organisations (NSOs)

Since the early 1990s, governments worldwide have championed the idea of merging single-sex (men’s and women’s) national sports organisations (NSOs) into one, for several reasons: as a means of achieving efficiencies and minimising duplication; to realise gender equality in sport, and as a reflection of a broader commitment to advancing women in sport. This paper presents the findings of a review of literature on such mergers. A systematic review was completed of peer-reviewed literature (journal articles, book chapters, reports) published between 1980 and 2023 in two prominent electronic databases (SCOPUS and SPORTdiscus). Following the application of PRISMA guidelines, four studies were selected from a starting return of 3,315. In-depth analysis revealed three overarching themes. First, few studies have specifically focused on the role of gendered norms, values and attitudes during merger negotiations. Second, external drivers played a key role in limiting the outcome of mergers, notably neoliberal ideas around gender balance on boards. Third, these led to unintended outcomes and the reproduction of real and perceived gender inequalities post-mergers. In presenting these findings, we offer a basis from which to advance further research and understanding of gender-based mergers in NSOs worldwide, focusing on conceptual and methodological issues and pressing knowledge and empirical gaps.