Sports Economics for Non-Economists

This book cuts through the jargon and complicated formulae to focus on the key concepts in sports economics, introducing the fundamentals in a concise and engaging way to give the reader without a background in economics the tools with which to read and apply sports economics in their work. Full of real-world cases and stories, the book offers a short economic history of sport and explains the economic foundations of the world of sport today, from local leagues to mega-events. Covering both amateur and professional sports, it explores and explains the most important issues in contemporary sports economics, from player transfer markets and the rise of women's sports to the spending behaviour of fans and the growing shadow of corruption. A fascinating read for any student, researcher or practitioner working in sport, or for the general reader who wants to understand the background to many of the most important stories in sport today, this is the only book on sports economics that you will ever need.

Wray Vamplew is Emeritus Professor of Sports History at the University of Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom, and Global Professorial Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

1. The Sports Business is Different, 2. Our Tool Kit: Theory, Concepts and Numbers, 3. Commodification: Has Money Ruined Sport?, 4. Mass Participation, Sports Clubs and Commercial Amateurism, 5. Professional Recruitment, Earnings and Labour Relations, 6. Sportswomen and Gender Economics, 7. Attendances and Audiences, 8. Seeking Profit or Utility: Objectives of Owners and Entrepreneurs, 9. Tournaments and Leagues, 10. Sponsorship, Stadiums, and Subsidies, 11. The Economics of Sport Mega Events, 12. The Global Sports Economy: Trading Goods, Player Migration and International Organisations, 13. Medals, Health and Welfare, and the Third Sector, 14. Corruption, Environmental Unsustainability and Discrimination, 15. The Virus and After: Coping with Crisis