Professor Shirin Mollah sits down with Jason Logan, head coach of a high school girls basketball program and director of Logan Basketball Academy, to explore how youth sports function as economic engines in local communities. Logan shares his personal journey from an out-of-control teenager in South Carolina to a dedicated mentor, crediting his high school coach with literally saving his life through structure, discipline, and unwavering support. The conversation dives into how basketball teache...
Jul 25, 2025•26 min•Ep. 13
Tyler Potts, Senior Director of Partnership Sales for the LA Rams, breaks down the sophisticated world of sports partnerships that go far beyond simple logo placement. The conversation explores how teams create authentic connections between brands and fans through strategic partnerships that align with team culture and community values. Potts shares behind-the-scenes stories including the innovative draft house concept, the heartwarming response to LA fires with the fire department partnership, ...
Jul 11, 2025•40 min•Ep. 12
Sports journalist and author Neil deMause joins Professor Shirin Mollah to unpack the complex world of stadium financing and sports economics. Drawing from nearly 30 years of research, deMause reveals why the gap between what taxpayers want to spend and what teams demand often seems insurmountable. He discusses how new stadiums rarely pay for themselves, despite being marketed as economic goldmines. The conversation covers everything from the San Francisco Giants' privately-funded success story ...
Jun 27, 2025•54 min•Ep. 11
This week The Sports Economist sits down with Maggie Hughes and Quentin Wolfe, captains of Midnight Runners San Francisco, to explore how run clubs create economic and social value in urban communities. The conversation dives into Midnight Runners' unique format - nighttime runs with music, themed events, and inclusive pacing that stops every mile to regroup. Starting in London over a decade ago, the movement has expanded to 18 cities globally, with four locations in the US alone. The discussion...
Jun 13, 2025•45 min•Ep. 10
This week on The Sports Economist, host Professor Shirin Mollah speaks with flag football enthusiasts Travis Andre Ross and Blake Lewis about the economics and community aspects of this growing sport. Travis, a seasoned player with 15 years of experience, and Blake, who picked up the sport more recently, share insights on the costs and benefits of participating in recreational leagues. They discuss the financial investment (averaging about $100 per month) compared to traditional gym memberships,...
May 30, 2025•54 min•Ep. 9
Professor Shirin Mollah interviews Richard Motzkin, Executive VP and Managing Executive of Global Soccer at Wasserman. Motzkin shares his journey from law firm attorney to soccer agent, discussing how he represented stars from the 1994 World Cup team before Wasserman acquired his business. The conversation explores the economics of soccer, including player representation, league structures, and wage differentials between leagues. Motzkin offers insights about collective bargaining agreements, pr...
May 16, 2025•52 min•Ep. 8
In this informative conversation, host Dr. Shirin Mollah welcomes Dr. David Berri from Southern Utah University to discuss sports economics with a focus on women's sports. Dr. Berri dives into the arguments from his sixth book, "Slaying the Trolls," explaining how historical discrimination against women in sports has created today's market disparities rather than any inherent lack of fan interest. He challenges common myths about women's sports, demonstrates how relative competition matters more...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 7
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 commun...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 6
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 ...
Mar 14, 2025•57 min•Ep. 5
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 ...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 4
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, ...
Feb 28, 2025•7 min•Ep. 3
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...
Feb 21, 2025•6 min•Ep. 2
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 sprint...
Feb 14, 2025•5 min•Ep. 1
Unlock the hidden numbers that drive the world of sports. Join Dr. Shirin Mollah on The Sports Economist as we dive deep into team performance, competitive balance, revenue streams, and impact on local economies. Featuring insights from sports economists, industry leaders, and passionate fans, we offer a fresh perspective on the business behind the game. Whether you're a devoted fan or just curious, we've got you covered. See you next Friday at 8 a.m.
Feb 03, 2025•50 sec•Ep. 1
