Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
640. Why Governments Are Betting Big on Sports
50 minutes Posted Jul 11, 2025 at 10:00 am.
0:00
50:12
Download MP3
Show notes

The Gulf States and China are spending billions to build stadiums and buy up teams — but what are they really buying? And can an entrepreneur from Cincinnati make his own billions by bringing baseball to Dubai?

 

  • SOURCES:
    • Simon Chadwick, professor of afroeurasian sport at Emlyon Business School.
    • Derek Fisher, high school basketball coach, former N.B.A. coach and player.
    • Kash Shaikh, chairman, C.E.O., and co-founder of Baseball United.
    • Rory Smith, football correspondent at The Observer.