An Economist Goes to the Game

Except for paying for tickets, parking, and concession hotdogs, the casual fan doesn’t spend much time pondering the relationship between sports and economics. But, as Stanford University economics professor Paul Oyer explains, money plays a pivotal role in virtually every aspect of sports. He covers a range of related topics, from why athletes cheat to the reasons your city should never host the Olympic Games, but he begins with little kids who love to play sports.  

Some families invest an extraordinary amount of time and money in the hopes their children will someday strike it rich as professional athletes. Children and teens worldwide fantasize about making big bucks in basketball, football, soccer, baseball, skiing, snowboarding, tennis, and other sports. Following their dreams, they dedicate their youth to athletic training and participation.