From professional team sports to international events such as the Olympics and Tour de France, the modern sports industry continues to attract a large number of spectators and participants. This book, edited by John K. Wilson and Richard Pomfret, analyzes the economic evolution of sports over the last 150 years, from a pastime activity to a big business enterprise. It begins at a time when entrepreneurs and players first started making money from professional sports leagues, through to the impact of radio and TV in the twentieth century, and on to the present day.

Using examples from sports across the world, the chapters cover such important issues as player migration, labor market restrictions, stadium arrangements and the rise and fall of workplace provisions. Unlike most sports economic texts, the contributors featured here provide insights into the historical origins of many practices and policies peculiar to the industry. This historical perspective casts light onto the development of practices, such as labor market regulations and public policies, which have become more prevalent in the modern age.

The non-technical, user-friendly nature of this book will appeal to many students, particularly those enrolled in sports economics courses - a field of study which is increasingly common. Academics will also find this book to be a timely reference for their research and teaching.

Contributors include: L. Borrowman, A. Carter, J. Cranfield, L. Frost, A.K. Halabi, K. Inwood, A. Kawaura, S. La Croix, M. Lightbody, J.-F. Mignot, R. Pomfret, J.A. Ross, W. Vamplew, J.K. Wilson

About the Author
Edited by Richard Pomfret, Professor of Economics, University of Adelaide, Australia, and Adjunct Professor, The Johns Hopkins University Bologna Center, Italy and John K. Wilson, Senior Lecturer in Economics, University of South Australia Business School, Australia

Reviews
'Sports in the modern era have acquired an unprecedented social significance, a conjuncture that can only be understood through the lens of history of economics. This is an important book that offers a number of significant contributions and shows how the combined wisdom of these two disciplines can put modern sports in their proper context.' -- Stefan Szymanski, University of Michigan



Book Information
ISBN 9781786430441
Author Richard Pomfret
Format Paperback
Page Count 168
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd