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The Sports Business as a Labor Market Laboratory

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  • Lawrence M. Kahn

Abstract

With superior data on compensation and productivity, as well as the occurrence of abrupt, dramatic market structure and player allocation rules changes, sports labor markets offer an excellent setting in which to test economic hypotheses. This paper reviews evidence from sports in four areas: employer monopsony, discrimination, the Coase Theorem, and incentive contracts, supervision and performance. There is considerable evidence of monopsony as well as for the existence of some forms of discrimination against minority athletes. Incentive contracts have strong effects on player performance and behavior, and there is mixed evidence on the predictions of the Coase Theorem.

Suggested Citation

  • Lawrence M. Kahn, 2000. "The Sports Business as a Labor Market Laboratory," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 14(3), pages 75-94, Summer.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:jecper:v:14:y:2000:i:3:p:75-94
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/jep.14.3.75
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    File URL: http://www.aeaweb.org/articles.php?doi=10.1257/jep.14.3.75
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J40 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - General
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism
    • J30 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - General

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