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 examines the economic ripple effects of organized running communities, from supporting local businesses to driving running tourism. Maggie and Quentin share insights on their data collection methods, tracking everything from attendance patterns to retention rates across different event types. They explain how the volunteer-driven model maintains authenticity while building genuine social connections that combat urban loneliness. Beyond economics, the episode explores behavioral nudges that keep runners engaged, from themed runs to accountability partnerships formed within the community. The captains discuss transferable leadership skills gained from managing large groups, negotiating partnerships, and building brand awareness. Personal stories highlight how running builds confidence and creates lasting friendships, while their upcoming Bay to Breakers celebration showcases the playful, inclusive culture that defines Midnight Runners.…

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, while highlighting the immeasurable value of community connection. The conversation explores flag football's economic future, including its upcoming Olympic debut in 2028, potential for player sponsorships, and its recent recognition as an official women's high school sport. The guests also reflect on how skills developed through flag football—like teamwork, communication, and leadership—translate to their professional lives. Throughout the episode, the hosts explore the intersection of sports economics, community building, and personal development that makes flag football unique in the sports ecosystem.…

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, promotion/relegation systems, and the relationship triangle between players, selling clubs, and buying clubs. He also discusses how he helps athletes transition after their playing careers and the importance of prioritizing relationships over transactions. The episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at the business side of global soccer from someone who has negotiated landmark deals and now teaches sports law at Loyola Marymount University.…

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 than absolute quality, and explains why the WNBA's financial struggles are often misrepresented. Dr. Berri also shares insights on player evaluation in different sports, the limitations of advanced analytics, the economic impact of stars like Caitlin Clark, and the irrationality of sports gambling. Throughout the discussion, he provides evidence-based perspectives that counter traditional narratives about sports economics and gender differences in athletics.…

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.…

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.…

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.…

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.…

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.…

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.…

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.…