Nicolas Scelles

Dr. Nicolas Scelles is a Lecturer at the Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, Department of Finance and Economics. He is an expert in sports economics and management, with a focus on competitive balance, competitive intensity, and fan demand in professional sports.

• External examiner for multiple PhDs in sports economics (France, Netherlands, Spain)
• Editorial board member for journals including European Sport Management Quarterly and Sport, Business and Management: An International Journal
• Recipient of the 2020 Emerald Literati Outstanding Reviewer Award

His research spans soccer, esports, road cycling, and rugby, with a particular emphasis on the economics of outcomes uncertainty and its impact on spectator behavior. He has contributed to debates on sports governance, media rights valuation, and gender equity in sports. Recent publications examine:

• 2025: Social justice movements in sports
• 2025: Esports business ecosystem lifecycle in China
• 2025: FA Women's Super League attendance determinants
• 2024: UEFA Nations League competitive dynamics
• 2024: VAR technology in football
• 2024: Economic forecasting for Paris 2024 Olympic medals

His work aligns with MMU's 'Tackling Inequalities' mission, exploring:

• Gender disparities in European football
• Social return on investment in inclusion programs
• Predatory journal classification challenges

Dr. Scelles has supervised 13 PhD students across topics including:

• Chinese youth football reforms
• Football social enterprises in D.R. Congo
• Esports commercial value
• Esports town business models
• Sport event legacy development