Search

In the current U.S. economy, leaders in the golf business are increasingly concerned with the long-term growth potential for the game, particularly at the recreational level. Adding to that concern is the underrepresentation of Blacks and Hispanics who participate in golf at a time when the latter group is demonstrating exponential growth in the U.S. population. This article examines those and other factors that are contributing to the declining trend in golf participation by using a three-level analytic framework. Specific examples of factors at each level are discussed along with strategies for research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective While previous studies document racial discrimination in Major League Baseball, few have considered statistical discrimination, and how racial bias may spill over into related markets. Investigating rookie card (RC) values at their initial release, we exploit the role of information uncertainty to separately identify the influence of racial discrimination and statistical discrimination. Methods Using ordinary least squares (OLS) and Tobit models, we examine 6,026 cards released from 1986 to 1993. After documenting race-based differentials in MLB achievement, we explore the determinants of prices in certain and uncertain environments. Results RCs of black players carry a 14-20 percent premium at their initial release. Race does not influence card values once careers are finished. Finally, given comparable career performance, prices for black players decline significantly more over time. Collectively, this suggests statistical discrimination influences consumers in this market. Conclusion Racial discrimination in an upstream market can lead to spillover effects on related downstream markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines Internet discussion boards devoted to Major League Soccer, the leading United States professional soccer league, on BigSoccer.com, a U.S.-based website. MLS fans use discussion boards to build virtual communities around a league and teams lacking strong identities and traditions. MLS exists in sports landscape characterized by a fragmented soccer culture, domination by more established sports and limited coverage by traditional English-language media. The tenuous nature of MLS as a business enterprise strongly influences the discussions on BigSoccer. While most BigSoccer threads deal with field-of-play topics, business and cultural issues permeate much of the discourse. These include 1) the soccer consumer's experience, 2) soccer's place in American sport, 3) the status of the U.S. in world soccer and 4) the role of Latinos in U.S. soccer. It remains to be seen whether soccer boards will promote or discourage the development a more unified soccer culture in the U.S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]