Professor Shirin Mollah sits down with Stephen Cheung, CEO of the LA County Economic Development Corporation, at the Intuit Dome during the LA Sports Council's innovation conference. Cheung breaks down the jaw-dropping numbers behind LA's sports economy—$12.1 billion in economic impact and 93,000 jobs supported by the sector in 2024 alone.

The conversation dives into how international superstars like Shohei Ohtani are transforming LA into a global sports destination, with Japanese tourism spiking 91% and 85% of those visitors attending multiple Dodger games. Cheung explains how LA's incredible diversity, with the largest Filipino, Armenian, and Korean populations outside their home countries, creates unique opportunities when international athletes arrive.

From facial recognition payment systems at the Intuit Dome to the SoFi Stadium drawing 73,000+ fans per Rams game, technology is reshaping the fan experience. Cheung emphasizes the critical need for education institutions to prepare the next generation for careers spanning sports tech, data analytics, and digital marketin00:00 - Introduction at Intuit Dome

Dr. Shirin Mollah sits down with Neil Schwartz, president of SBRNet and host of "My First Job in Sports," for a deep dive into the data driving modern sports business. Schwartz shares his journey from cable TV to becoming a self-proclaimed "data nerd" who helps colleges, universities, and sports organizations understand fan behavior through comprehensive consumer research.

The conversation covers the evolution of fan engagement post-pandemic, revealing surprising trends like the Kansas City Chiefs' 23% increase in female fans thanks to the Taylor Swift effect, Formula One's explosive U.S. growth through Netflix's "Drive to Survive," and the WNBA's impressive 60% year-over-year fan increase. Schwartz explains why sports has a "Gen Z problem," how women's sports fandom is nearly equal to men's, and why price elasticity varies dramatically between leagues like the NFL and WNBA.

From sports gambling concerns to the globalization of soccer and F1, Schwartz emphasizes one core principle: sports are fun, and data tells the story. He challenges traditional marketing approaches, advocates for fact-based decision making over gut instincts, and reveals how organizations can use demographic insights to change conversations with sponsors and maximize revenue while enhancing fan experience.

Professor Shirin Mollah sits down with Dr. Kevin Curran, a seasoned play-by-play producer and college professor with over 30 years of experience working with teams like the Oakland Athletics, LA Lakers, and University of Arizona. They explore the often-overlooked economic impact of play-by-play announcers on team revenue, fan engagement, and marketing strategies. Curran reveals how these voices aren't just calling games – they're sophisticated sales tools, building parasocial relationships with fans while promoting everything from bobblehead nights to season tickets. The conversation covers the business relationships between teams and broadcasters, the challenges of measuring ROI on play-by-play investment, and how emerging technologies like AI might reshape this traditional role. With insights from someone who's worked alongside Hall of Fame broadcasters like Chick Hearn, this episode uncovers the fascinating economics behind the voices we trust to guide us through our favorite games.

Professor Shirin Mollah sits down with Jason Logan, head coach of a high school girls basketball program and director of Logan Basketball Academy, to explore how youth sports function as economic engines in local communities. Logan shares his personal journey from an out-of-control teenager in South Carolina to a dedicated mentor, crediting his high school coach with literally saving his life through structure, discipline, and unwavering support.

The conversation dives into how basketball teaches essential workforce skills like teamwork, resilience, and leadership that translate directly to professional success. Logan discusses the challenges facing modern high school athletics, including how NIL deals are reshaping college recruiting and making scholarship opportunities more competitive. He explains his philosophy of putting academics first while using sports to build character and confidence in young women.

Logan also talks about his Logan Basketball Academy, which provides opportunities for underdog players who might not make their school teams. The discussion touches on the Caitlin Clark effect on women's basketball, the importance of female coaching representation, and how proper investment in youth sports programs can create lasting community impact. Throughout, Logan emphasizes that sports create family bonds that extend far beyond the playing court, providing life-long support networks for young athletes.

Tyler Potts, Senior Director of Partnership Sales for the LA Rams, breaks down the sophisticated world of sports partnerships that go far beyond simple logo placement. The conversation explores how teams create authentic connections between brands and fans through strategic partnerships that align with team culture and community values. Potts shares behind-the-scenes stories including the innovative draft house concept, the heartwarming response to LA fires with the fire department partnership, and community impact initiatives like the PacSun clothing donation program. The discussion covers partnership evaluation criteria, measuring success through fan engagement, and how partnerships have evolved from traditional signage to content-driven, data-focused collaborations. Potts also discusses the Rams' academic partnership with LMU, youth sports initiatives including girls flag football, and preparation for hosting major global events like the World Cup, Olympics, and Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium.

Sports journalist and author Neil deMause joins Professor Shirin Mollah to unpack the complex world of stadium financing and sports economics. Drawing from nearly 30 years of research, deMause reveals why the gap between what taxpayers want to spend and what teams demand often seems insurmountable. He discusses how new stadiums rarely pay for themselves, despite being marketed as economic goldmines. The conversation covers everything from the San Francisco Giants' privately-funded success story to the Oakland A's controversial move to Las Vegas. deMause explains the tactics teams use to extract public money, including the "art of the steal" playbook that hasn't changed much in decades. They explore how streaming and changing media rights might reshape team finances, why cities keep funding stadiums despite overwhelming evidence they're poor investments, and what role democracy plays in stopping bad deals. The discussion also touches on deMause's personal journey from sports fan to stadium critic, his favorite ballparks that no longer exist, and his vision for what fan-friendly, community-focused stadium development could look like.

This week The Sports Economist sits down with Maggie Hughes and Quentin Wolfe, captains of Midnight Runners San Francisco, to explore how run clubs create economic and social value in urban communities. The conversation dives into Midnight Runners' unique format - nighttime runs with music, themed events, and inclusive pacing that stops every mile to regroup. Starting in London over a decade ago, the movement has expanded to 18 cities globally, with four locations in the US alone.

The discussion examines the economic ripple effects of organized running communities, from supporting local businesses to driving running tourism. Maggie and Quentin share insights on their data collection methods, tracking everything from attendance patterns to retention rates across different event types. They explain how the volunteer-driven model maintains authenticity while building genuine social connections that combat urban loneliness.

Beyond economics, the episode explores behavioral nudges that keep runners engaged, from themed runs to accountability partnerships formed within the community. The captains discuss transferable leadership skills gained from managing large groups, negotiating partnerships, and building brand awareness. Personal stories highlight how running builds confidence and creates lasting friendships, while their upcoming Bay to Breakers celebration showcases the playful, inclusive culture that defines Midnight Runners.

This week on The Sports Economist, host Professor Shirin Mollah speaks with flag football enthusiasts Travis Andre Ross and Blake Lewis about the economics and community aspects of this growing sport. Travis, a seasoned player with 15 years of experience, and Blake, who picked up the sport more recently, share insights on the costs and benefits of participating in recreational leagues. They discuss the financial investment (averaging about $100 per month) compared to traditional gym memberships, while highlighting the immeasurable value of community connection. The conversation explores flag football's economic future, including its upcoming Olympic debut in 2028, potential for player sponsorships, and its recent recognition as an official women's high school sport. The guests also reflect on how skills developed through flag football—like teamwork, communication, and leadership—translate to their professional lives. Throughout the episode, the hosts explore the intersection of sports economics, community building, and personal development that makes flag football unique in the sports ecosystem.