An Economist Goes to the Game
How to Throw Away $580 Million and Other Surprising Insights from the Economics of Sports
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Yale University Press
Published:12th Mar '24
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This book explores how economic principles illuminate the world of sports, offering insights that enhance both athletic performance and fan understanding. An Economist Goes to the Game provides a fresh perspective.
In An Economist Goes to the Game, Paul Oyer explores the intricate relationship between economics and sports, illustrating how economic principles can enhance our understanding of athletic endeavors. He delves into various questions that challenge conventional wisdom, such as the impact of ticket scalpers on teams and the motivations behind parents encouraging their children to pursue sports. Oyer's examination spans the globe, offering insights into why certain countries dominate specific sports, like the Koreans in women’s golf and the Kenyans in marathon running.
The author employs clear writing and engaging anecdotes to convey complex economic concepts, making them accessible to both sports enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Through the lens of economics, Oyer addresses topics such as performance-enhancing drugs, the disparity in player contracts across different sports, and the fascinating story of how one individual revolutionized sports betting. Each chapter presents a unique perspective that challenges readers to think critically about the dynamics of sports.
Ultimately, An Economist Goes to the Game serves as an entertaining guide that not only enriches the reader's appreciation of sports but also equips them with economic insights that can enhance their experience as fans or athletes. By bridging the gap between economics and sports, Oyer invites us to consider how these two seemingly disparate worlds intersect in surprising ways.
“Mr. Oyer writes clearly and ranges across all sorts of sports as well as across the globe, introducing fascinating observations.”—Henry D. Fetter, Wall Street Journal
“Oyer is able to find some unexpected nuances. . . . The book makes for an enjoyable read and may cause you to rethink some of your assumptions about what goes on on (and off) the field.”—Money Week
“A fun and highly enjoyable way to explore the brilliant world of economics through the lens of sport.”—Robert Butler, National Association for Business Economics
“If you’re interested in the business side of professional sports and the chances of anyone making it to the top, then this book is for you.”—Leath Al Obaidi, Society of Professional Economists
“With his original focus on how an economist looks at different aspects of sports, Paul Oyer gives us a brilliant new perspective that is both enlightening and engaging. A very insightful book that will surely change the way you look at sports.”—Ignacio Palacios-Huerta, London School of Economics
“Oyer has given us the definitive Freakonomics for sports—a fun and insightful account of what happens when economic thinking intersects with the world of sports.”—Andrew Zimbalist, author of Whither College Sports: Amateurism, Athlete Safety and Academic Integrity
“Paul Oyer applies his considerable analytical skills to study sports phenomena such as corruption, ticket scalping, child prodigies, the Olympics, and many others. I highly recommend this book to sports fans, students, and researchers for some fascinating economic analyses.”—Lawrence M. Kahn, Cornell University
“In Paul Oyer’s new book, we learn a bit about sports and a lot about thinking like an economist. Learning economics is now going to be as much fun as playing ping pong, pick-up basketball, or touch football.”—Roger Blair, author of Sports Economics
ISBN: 9780300274127
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
216 pages