The hottest Sports Economics Substack posts right now

Hosts win more medals mainly because they can enter many more athletes, so sheer numbers produce more podiums even if each athlete is on average weaker.
After controlling for delegation size, hosts still earn extra golds in judged sports, implying judges favor home athletes; that judged-sport boost appears even when there are no home crowds.
Common explanations like wealth, population, distance, climate, jet lag, neighbor spillovers, or adding events don’t explain the effect, and smaller countries gain proportionally more because their delegation size jumps bigger when they host.

Sports franchises are now seen as trophy assets, where owners often care more about the prestige of ownership than making a profit. This trend makes buying teams feel more like collecting than investing.
The prices for sports teams have skyrocketed in recent years, often without clear ties to their financial performance or success on the field. This disconnect means teams can be seen as overpriced compared to their actual value.
As ownership of teams shifts to extremely wealthy individuals, the dynamics of sports may change. Owners might prioritize star players for their fame, reshaping how teams are built and how fans experience the games.

The idea of 'fracking the pie' in sports means leagues are trying to get more money from their existing fans instead of attracting new ones. This is happening a lot in the streaming world.
Sports fandom is becoming less common among younger generations, which is leading to fewer casual fans. However, the fans that do exist are often more knowledgeable about the sports they follow.
Access to sports has improved with technology, but it often comes at a higher cost. This can make it harder for people to enjoy games together, which used to be a big part of the sports experience.

Notre Dame's independent status gives the school a financial edge. They keep all the money from performance bonuses instead of sharing it with other schools.
Unlike conference teams, Notre Dame can choose its schedule and doesn't have to play a conference championship game, which many think is unfair.
Some football coaches believe all teams should be in conferences and compete equally. However, the actual financial benefits of Notre Dame's status paint a different picture.

Sunk costs shouldn't affect current decisions. If you've already spent money, it shouldn't make you invest more if it's no longer worth it.
Investors tend to hold on to losing stocks longer than they should. This can cause frustration and loss of potential gains.
Regularly reviewing your investments can help you avoid emotional decision-making. Treating your portfolio like a new investment each year can keep it healthy.

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College sports in America make a ton of money, but the athletes don't get paid much for their efforts. They get scholarships, but that isn't the same as real earnings.
The NCAA pretends college athletes are amateurs, but that's not true for big sports like football and basketball. It's more like a modern version of indentured servitude, where players risk injuries without fair compensation.
A new system is needed for college athletes, where some can be true 'student athletes' focusing on education, while others could be 'semi-pros' allowed to earn money and get sponsorships. This way, they can make a decent living while playing.