In this informative conversation, host Dr. Shirin Mollah welcomes Dr. David Berri from Southern Utah University to discuss sports economics with a focus on women's sports. Dr. Berri dives into the arguments from his sixth book, "Slaying the Trolls," explaining how historical discrimination against women in sports has created today's market disparities rather than any inherent lack of fan interest. He challenges common myths about women's sports, demonstrates how relative competition matters more than absolute quality, and explains why the WNBA's financial struggles are often misrepresented. Dr. Berri also shares insights on player evaluation in different sports, the limitations of advanced analytics, the economic impact of stars like Caitlin Clark, and the irrationality of sports gambling. Throughout the discussion, he provides evidence-based perspectives that counter traditional narratives about sports economics and gender differences in athletics.
