Which of the following best captures the essence of structural change in sports?

The essence of structural change in sports revolves around redefining sports roles and hierarchies. This concept refers to how the organization and governance of sports evolve over time, impacting everything from the power dynamics within sports organizations to the ways in which athletes and teams interact within the sport itself.

Structural change can manifest in various forms, including shifts in leadership, alterations in the governance models of sports leagues, the emergence of new sports organizations, and changing relationships between stakeholders, such as athletes, sponsors, and governing bodies. These changes can lead to new expectations, norms, and practices that redefine who has authority and influence within the sport, ultimately shaping the competitive landscape.

In contrast, fostering rivalry between teams focuses more on the competitive aspects of sports rather than the underlying structures that govern how those sports operate. Promoting accessibility to all athletes, while crucial for inclusion and diversity, doesn't directly capture the broader shifts in roles and hierarchies associated with structural changes. Consolidating power among elite organizations points to a specific outcome of structural change rather than the comprehensive redefinition of roles, which encompasses the dynamics of various stakeholders and their influence in the sports ecosystem.