Syllabus Econ 410 January, 2010
International Sports Economics
Prof: Dennis P. Wilson GH 418 745-2632 dennis.wilson@wku.edu
Course Description:
-- study the industrial structure of differing sports leagues
-- New Zealand Rugby Union, Australian Football League, National Rugby League
-- comparisons based on structure, leadership, incentive of club management, labor market and local economic impact
-- travel allows for direct contact and interaction with each league’s headquarters and a site visit to at least on club from each league
Attendance/Behavior/Grading:
Students are expected to attend ALL class meetings and be prepared for class discussions. Students are expected to attend ALL site visitations in a proper and professional manner.
Final grade for the course will be determined by participation, written assignments and two exams. Grades are assigned using a traditional ten point scale.
Category Weight Tentative Date
Exam I 35% 1/2
Exam II 35% 1/18
Travel Journal 10% 1/20
Writing Assignments 20% various
Course Outline:
Part I: Industrial Organization, Incentives, and Labor Markets
Readings:
Charters 2-4 & 9; The Economics of Professional Team Sports, Downward and Dawson
Ch.2 “The Market Structure of Professional Team Sports Leagues: General Themes”
Ch.3 “The Market Structure of Professional Team Sports Leagues: The Firm in Professional Team Sports”
Ch. 4 “Cross-Subsidization in Professional Team Sports Leagues”
Ch. 9 “The Labor Market in Professional Team Sports: The Traditional View”
Material will be covered prior to travel.
Part II: New Zealand Rugby Union
Readings:
“Professionalization of New Zealand Rugby Union: Historical Background, Structure Changes and Competitive Balance,” Owen and Weatherston, Working Paper, 2002.
“Uncertainty of Outcome, Player Quality and Attendance at National Provincial Championship Rugby Union Matches: An Evaluation in Light of the Competitions Review,” Owen and Weatherston, Working Paper, 2004.
“Uncertainty of Outcome and Super 12 Rugby Union Attendance: Application of a General-to-Specific Modeling Strategy,” Owen and Weatherston, J of Sports Economics, 2004.
Site Visit:
Wellington – New Zealand Rugby Union Headquarters
1 Hinemoa Street
Christchurch – Canterbury Rugby Football Union
5 Durham Street
Part III: Australian Football League
Readings:
“Australian Professional Team Sports in a State of Flux,” Dadscheck, J of Australian Studies, 2003.
“Comparing Competitive Balance in Australian Sports Leagues: Does a Salary Cap and Player Draft Measure Up?” Booth, Sport Management Review, 2005.
“The Australian Football League’s Recent Progress: A Study in Cartel Conduct and Monopoly Power,” Stewart et al, Sport Management Review, 2005.
“League Expansion and Inter-organizational Power,” Dickson et al, Sport Management Review, 2005
“Determining the Professional Sport Broadcasting Landscape: An Australian Football Club Perspective,” Turner and Shilbury, Sport Management Review, 2005.
“Attendance at Australian Rules Football: A Panel Study,” Borland and Lye, Applied Economics, 1992.
Site Visit:
Melbourne – Australian Football League Headquarters
140 Harbour Esplanade
Melbourne – AFL Club visit
One or more upon arrangement: Carlton FC, Collingwood FC, Essendon FC, Hawthorn FC, Melbourne FC, North Melbourne FC, Richmond FC, St. Kilda FC
Part IV: National Rugby League
Readings:
“Australian Professional Team Sports in a State of Flux,” Dadscheck, J of Australian Studies, 2003.
“Comparing Competitive Balance in Australian Sports Leagues: Does a Salary Cap and Player Draft Measure Up?” Booth, Sport Management Review, 2005.
Site Visit:
Sydney – Rugby League International Federation or National Rugby League
165 Phillips Street Land Road, Moore Park
Sydney – NRL Club Visit
One or more upon arrangement: Bulldogs, Cronulla Sharks, Manly Sea Eagles, Parramatta Eels, St. Georges Dragons, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Sydney Roosters, West Tigers