The Sports Economist podcast

1:06:44

In this conversation with Dr. Dan Rascher, Professor of Sports Management at the University of San Francisco, Shirin explores the evolution of sports economics from a niche academic field to a recognized discipline. Dr. Rascher shares insights from his journey as a sports economist and his work on high-profile cases including college athlete compensation. The discussion covers the economic impact of stadiums and sporting events, highlighting the challenges in measuring their true value to communities. They examine competitive balance across leagues with different salary structures, the changing landscape of college sports with NIL and direct payments to athletes, and how promotion/relegation might transform American soccer. The episode concludes with Dr. Rascher's thoughts on emerging trends in sports media, new sports like pickleball, and how fan experience is reshaping stadium design and technology integration.…

The Sports Economist

1
The Business of Premium Sports Experiences with Tom Ravenhill 57:08

5 weeks ago57:08

57:08

Tom Ravenhill from Keith Prowse, the official hospitality partner for Wimbledon, joins Professor Shirin Mollah to discuss the evolving landscape of sports hospitality. Tom shares insights from their recent white paper on why people choose premium experiences and how consumer preferences are changing. He delves into the challenges of attracting younger audiences, the impact of social media on event marketing, and the growing trend of multi-generational attendance. Tom also explores the future of sports, touching on innovations like e-sports and shorter game formats. The conversation covers the importance of partnerships in sports business, strategies for engaging high-net-worth individuals, and how the experience economy is reshaping the sports industry.…

The Sports Economist

1
Soccer, Stadiums, and Statistics: Inside the Mind of a Sports Economist 1:02:29

6 weeks ago1:02:29

1:02:29

Dive into the fascinating intersection of economics and sports with Dr. Reade from the University of Reading. As both an economist and passionate Oldham Athletic supporter, Dr. Reade offers unique perspectives on how economic principles apply to the sporting world. He explains his research on stadium attendance, the impact of crowds on match outcomes, and the significant differences between European football's "Wild West" approach versus the heavily regulated American sports model. This episode explores several compelling topics including competitive balance between leagues, behavioral economics in sports decision-making, and how university partnerships with sports teams create valuable research opportunities. Dr. Reade also discusses his work with various football clubs including Reading FC, Brentford FC, and Southampton's community trust, providing insights into how sports economics continues to evolve as a data-driven field while questioning its ultimate impact on policy decisions.…

The Sports Economist

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Super Bowl LIX: The $500 Million Game 6:40

7 weeks ago6:40

6:40

Dr. Shirin Mollah dives into the economic landscape of Super Bowl LIX, hosted in New Orleans at the Caesars Superdome. The episode explores how the NFL's biggest event affects various stakeholders differently - from the host city to major corporations. While the NFL claims hosting cities see $300-500 million in economic benefits, the real impact is closer to $100-150 million after accounting for displacement effects and infrastructure costs. The discussion covers the massive media rights deals, including Fox's broadcast as part of the NFL's $110 billion agreement through 2033. Advertising rates hit $7 million for a 30-second spot, while sports betting reached new heights with expected wagers surpassing last year's $16 billion record. The episode concludes by examining fan spending patterns and future trends, including potential international Super Bowls and the rise of streaming platforms.…

The Sports Economist

1
The Economics Behind NFL's Vikings-Lions Showdown 6:15

8 weeks ago6:15

6:15

Dr. Shirin Mollah dives into the economics behind a crucial December NFL matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. The episode explores why ticket prices skyrocketed to an average of $700, driven by playoff implications and division rivalry. A fascinating twist emerges when Vikings ownership purchases 1,900 secondary market tickets at roughly $1,000 each to increase their fan presence at Ford Field. Dr. Mollah breaks down how supply and demand principles shape NFL game experiences, from limited stadium capacity to broadcasting rights. The discussion covers various factors influencing ticket prices, including team performance, rivalry dynamics, and season timing. The episode also examines how different market segments access the game, whether through premium tickets, TV broadcasts, or streaming platforms, highlighting the broader economic impact on both businesses and fans.…

The Sports Economist

1
Why Jamaica Sprints and Norway Skis: Comparative Advantage Explained 5:11

9 weeks ago5:11

5:11

Dr. Shirin Mollah explores how comparative advantage shapes success in sports, from individual athletes to entire nations. She breaks down this economic principle through various examples, starting with basketball players who specialize in specific skills to benefit their team. The discussion extends to baseball's designated hitter rule and how it maximizes team efficiency. Moving to the global stage, she examines why certain countries excel in specific sports, like Jamaica's dominance in sprinting and Scandinavian success in winter sports. The episode highlights interesting cases like Australia's swimming prowess, attributed to natural advantages like climate and infrastructure. A fascinating example of breaking comparative advantage comes from LA Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, who excels at both hitting and pitching - a rare feat only previously seen with Babe Ruth. The episode connects these sports examples back to fundamental economic principles of trade and specialization.…

The Sports Economist

1
Welcome to The Sports Economist 0:50

11 weeks ago0:50