economics Soccernomics If a neoliberal economist was asked to sit down and create a system of player exchange in a sporting league, he or she would probably design something identical to European association football (aka soccer). Unlike in Australian or American sporting leagues, attempts at equalisation such as draft picks and salary
Asian Cup Economic analysis of the Asian Cup This article was originally published on 23 January 2015 but was erased by a technical glitch. As we head into 2015, Australia is set for the biggest summer of sports it has in its history. With the Australian Open and Cricket World Cup all heading down under, it seems that
Brazil economy Final sore line: 0–2 In Part 1, I outlined the theoretical understanding and some of the evidence that underlie the economic decision to subsidise a mega-sports event. I concluded that, on balance, subsidising a mega-sport event such as the World Cup is ultimately a poor use of taxpayer money in terms of purely measurable
AFL Off-season economics The AFL finals series is at an end for 2014, and that can only mean one thing: draft and trade season is upon us. Yes, it’s that time of year when team list managers become hard-nosed negotiators, player managers flood the airwaves, talent scouts ruminate on the various qualities
AFL Equalisation in the AFL: a modern take Following the introduction of the salary cap and player draft system in 1986, the Australian Football League has done a great job of restoring the overall level of competitive balance in the competition. Studies by Ross Booth have shown that the level of balance between teams has converged towards a
advertising Superbowl: A marketing cult In a regular sporting arena, half-time merely marks the interval before two opposing teams battle it out in the second half. Sure, we may be accustomed to food being consumed, wrestling spectators waiting and previews being flashed across the screen, but for large scale American organisations, it’s a race
AFL Equalisation in the AFL: a historical look Recent attempts by the Australian Football League’s Commission to further strengthen its equalisation policies have come under considerable scrutiny in the media over past years. Talk of spending caps, debate over cost of living allowances and the freedom of players to move within their labour market have generated significant
cost-benefit Editors’ Picks - 31 August 2014 This week in Editors’ Picks, we take a look at the recently released NBN cost-benefit analysis, the world economy in maps, Australian university fees, solutions to address unemployment, and the lucrative trade in elite footballers. NBN Cost Benefit Analysis Find There’s Such A Thing As Too Much Speed – Peter
AFL Why the AFL is killing Australian sport Every Victorian knows who Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin is, who Nathan Buckley is, and who James Hird is. Even non-supporters know these names, because AFL is so ingrained in Victorian culture and lifestyle that is almost impossible to avoid them. However if you ask an average Victorian who James Horwill is,
AFL The Perverse Incentive of the AFL Draft: Rationally Uncompetitive On February 19th, the Australian Football League (AFL) handed down the third biggest fine in its history of $500,000 to the Melbourne Football Club. The fine was the result of a seven month investigation into allegations the club took deliberate action to lose matches toward the end of the
