Abstract:
This research aimed to study the current situation in the development of Professional Basketball in Thailand and how the competition is being managed and operated, from the view point of contemporary team fan clubs. This was an Integrated Mixed Method Research using Qualitative and quantitative Research using 6 in-depth interviews with 6 primary sources in research. The purpose was to study opinions of 400 fans on the current situation in the management of professional basketball. Data was examined using statistical analysis of mean averages and standard deviation. The research found that currently, the competition in professional basketball personnel was divided into three areas: 1) individuals that lack knowledge and experience in the organization of competitions 2) the lack of personnel 3) non-professional athletes, inadequate budget and materials, below standards location and facilities, unclear scheduling of events and limited existing marketing channels for basketball clubs. The guidelines for the Management and Development of professional basketball were as follows. Firstly, the recruitment of skilled employees into the clubs need to be appropriate with formal training and knowledge development. Secondly, the preparation of the budget did not meet the competition, improve requirement to the quality and the standards, of the materials, location and amenities. The event had to be well planned and accordingly promoted, reflecting back to made the marketing of events. The suggestions from the results of the research are, the agencies involved in the management of Professional Basketball competition in Thailand, should continuously strive to improve in the different areas such as equipment, venues and amenities to meet the international standards of the Deming Cycle (PDCA) and should appropriately make promotions using marketing strategies from the Integrated Marketing Communication to ensure success in Professional Basketball in Thailand including clubs and the management of competitions.