Abstract: The existence of academic schools reflects the participation, activity and maturity of academic research in specific disciplines. Based on literature review, this paper probes into the theoretical basis, motivation, process, influence and role of the academic schools of sports economics in China. The findings are as follows: 1. Sports economics belongs to applied economics rather than sports science; 2. The infiltration and acceptance of economic thoughts are the incentives for the formation of sports economics academic schools; 3. Sports industry is a reflection of sports economic laws in practice; 4. The high-quality development of sports industry requires new perspectives and ideas.

Key words: sports economics, academic schools, middle-income trap, high-quality development, industrial policy