Power Play: The Business Economics of Pro Sports

OTTAWA, March 31, 2014 /CNW/ - Pro sports are much more than just a game—they are big business. In Power Play: The Business Economics of Pro Sports, economists (and passionate sports fans) Glen Hodgson and Mario Lefebvre look behind the public spectacle to address the underlying business economic issues.

Which pro sports league most embraces the free market, and which is the most socialist? (The answer may be surprising.) Could southern Ontario support another National Hockey League team? Will Major League Baseball ever return to Montréal? What about the National Basketball Association in Canada? Can the Canadian Football League ever expect to have teams from coast to coast?

There is something in this book for every observer of business, the economy and society, even if you aren't a big sports fan -- although it helps to be one.

As a foundation, the authors examine the economic conditions of the communities in which franchises are based - factors like population, income and head offices. They look at the operating conditions for pro sports leagues, and analyze why some pro sports franchises succeed, financially and competitively, while others fail. They even wade into the politically hot topic of who should pay for new pro sports facilities.

The authors conclude with a "fearless forecast" of what the Canadian pro sports scene could look like in 2035, with lots of room for growth in leagues and teams, if the underlying necessary conditions can be met.

Power Play: The Business Economics of Pro Sports is available in printed and e-book formats. For more information, visit http://www.conferenceboard.ca/powerplay.

About the Authors
Glen Hodgson is Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at The Conference Board of Canada.

Mario Lefebvre is formerly of The Conference Board of Canada, and is the new President  & CEO at L'Institut de développement urbain du Québec.

SOURCE: Conference Board of Canada

Brent Dowdall, Media Relations, Tel.: [phone] ext. 448
E-mail: [email protected]