ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores variety of economic concepts. These concepts frequently have applications beyond the business of sports. It includes significant coverage of the four major sports in North America as well as European soccer. The book discusses the purpose and structure of professional leagues by studying the largest leagues in North America and Europe. It analyses the challenges that concentrated markets create for consumers and would-be competitors. The book investigates the desirability of competitive balance, how it can be measured, how it has changed over time, and how leagues have dealt with unbalanced competition. It discusses the potential benefits of new arenas for teams and the cities in which they play, and describe how the size and shape of facilities have evolved. The book explores the economics of mega-events, such as the Olympics and World Cup.
