Sport business in leading economies From a renowned group of international scholars this new work examines how leading economic countries use sport business particularly individual sports events (such as the Olympics or FIFA Mens or Womens World Cup) as well as participant sport in comprehensive plans toward driving and furthering economic development raising brand awareness (country as a brand) transforming lagging communities and enhancing travel and tourism in the country. Comparative sport studies are fundamentally designed for cross country and cross cultural understanding learning and improvement. By recognizing the achievements administrative procedures and management practices of peer countries and using them as a mirror or referencing parameter government agencies and sport organizations of a country may be able to identify areas that need improvements in their own administration and cultivate development and growth in the countrys sport industry. Exploring how China Japan South Korea Russia the UK Germany the US Canada Brazil South Africa and Australia have all used sport as a catalytic agent each chapter delves into the countrys sports industry by looking at: recent history and stages of the industry; current state including scope magnitude structure governance policies facilities and programs; developmental characteristics strength and highlights; contemporary challenges and issues; and trends of development and advancement.