Victor Matheson

Victor Matheson, an expert in sports economics, and Alan Shipnuck, a seasoned golf journalist, dive into the intriguing world of sportswashing. They explore how nations like Saudi Arabia use sporting events to enhance their global image, despite underlying human rights issues. The conversation highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by athletes and critiques the motivations behind new golf leagues challenging traditional formats. They also discuss the murky legacy of the Qatar World Cup, revealing the corruption and absurdities in hosting major events.

Victor Matheson, an economics professor, discusses the complex relationship between sports and a nation's reputation, particularly through the lens of sportswashing. Alan Shipnuck, a sports journalist, sheds light on the riveting LIV Golf saga and its clash with the PGA Tour. Jodi Balsam, a clinical law professor, provides a legal perspective on these controversies. Together, they explore how countries use sporting events to reshape their image while confronting the ethical dilemmas and possible backlash surrounding these tactics.

Victor Matheson, an economics professor specializing in sports, and Chris Rubio, a longsnapping coach with unique training methods, discuss the surprising economics of long snapping in the NFL. They reveal how this specialized role transformed from a backup position to a millionaire's job just before the Super Bowl. The duo dives into the historical impact of specialization, highlighting long snappers' critical contributions to game outcomes. They also touch on safety regulations, coaching intricacies, and the financial implications of working in this niche sport.

Jason Robbins, CEO of DraftKings, and Victor Matheson, a sports economist at Holy Cross, dive into the explosive growth of sports betting following a landmark Supreme Court decision. They discuss how this huge market, previously dominated by the black market, is entering the mainstream. The duo shares insights on the transformation of fan engagement through daily fantasy sports and the implications for state revenues. They also highlight the importance of integrity in gambling, examining potential corruption and the role of data analytics in ensuring fair play.

Jason Robbins, CEO of DraftKings, shares insights on the rapid evolution of fantasy sports into a billion-dollar industry. Alongside Victor Matheson, a sports economist, they discuss the implications of recent legalization of sports betting, expected to bring in $300 billion from the black market. They explore the balance of skill versus luck, challenges of maintaining integrity in betting, and the financial impact on young audiences. Finally, they compare strategies in sports betting to the stock market, highlighting the industry's explosive growth and future potential.