Understanding change in a sport's development network: Korean ice hockey and the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Games

Sporting event stakeholders have recognized the potential of events to facilitate development of sport in host regions. Stakeholders must work together closely in order to expedite development of a particular sport. However, little is known about the networks that facilitate the growth of a sport, especially when development is accelerated by the hosting of a major sport event. This study aims to better understand the effect of hosting a major sport event on a sport's development network and the subsequent advancement of a sport. We adopt a network theory to help frame our exploration of the sport development network with regard to the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Games and South Korean ice hockey. The study delineates a sport development stakeholder network, explores the impact of a sport event on its structure, and identifies potential impacts on a sport's development in the host country.