6+ Favorite Books on Sports Business (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on sports business (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Club Soccer 101 by Luke Dempsey
$15.65

In Club Soccer 101, Luke Dempsey gives readers a fun and informative look at 101 of the greatest soccer teams from around the globe. The book covers everything from iconic European clubs like Manchester United and Barcelona to legendary South American teams like Boca Juniors. I appreciated how it highlights each team's history, famous players, and unique fan cultures. The global nature of soccer and its ability to connect people is a strong theme throughout. Honestly, I found nothing to criticize; it’s a delightful read for anyone wanting to dive into the world of soccer.
Pros:
Comprehensive overview of 101 soccer teams
Covers history, memorable moments, and key players
Highlights global nature and cultural significance of soccer
Cons:
Nothing - it delivers.
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04/15/2026 04:03 am GMT
Soccernomics by Stephen Szymanski
$1.93

Soccernomics by Stephen Szymanski is all about using economic and data analysis to understand the world of soccer—how it’s played, watched, and managed. The authors, a sports journalist and a stats whiz, bring a unique perspective to the game, diving into topics like the link between soccer and economic success and the fan culture around the sport. I found it to be a hilarious and engaging read that combines my interests in soccer, politics, and economics. Honestly, I didn’t have any complaints—it was just a great book overall!
Pros:
Hilarious and fun to read
Fascinating exploration of soccer, politics, and economics
Unique perspective on the footballing ecosystem
Cons:
Nothing - great read.
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04/15/2026 03:00 am GMT
Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons
$12.59

Bill Simmons' Book of Basketball takes a deep dive into NBA culture, aiming to entertain and inform basketball fans. I found the conversational tone engaging and appreciated the thorough research that really shows Simmons’ passion for the game. However, the book is a hefty read that could have benefited from better editing and structure. It feels a bit dated with its early 2000s references and leans heavily on American perspectives, missing out on the global nature of basketball. Ultimately, it’s a fun read for hardcore fans, but it may not resonate as well with everyone else.
Pros:
The tone and writing are conversational and engaging.
The author's research is extensive and impressive.
The book is thorough and sparked a greater interest in basketball.
Cons:
The book is overly long and lacks structure.
It has aged significantly with outdated cultural references.
It is too America-centric, missing international basketball stories.
It is too focused on the author rather than the broader topic.
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04/15/2026 07:01 am GMT
Baseball: A History by George Vecsey
$12.99

Baseball: A History by George Vecsey takes a deep dive into the story of America’s favorite game, tracing its roots from the 19th century to today. The book covers everything from the evolution of rules to key moments like player integration and the steroid scandal. As a baseball fan, I found it captivating, especially how it highlights the sport's role in American culture and the global economy. However, I was hoping for something as engaging as The Ball Is Round, and it didn’t quite measure up. Still, it’s a solid read for any baseball enthusiast!
Pros:
Comprehensive look at baseball history
Includes stories of great players and moments
Explores baseball's impact on American culture
Cons:
Did not meet expectations set by another book.
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04/15/2026 07:02 am GMT
The Ball Is Round by David Goldblatt
$14.99

In The Ball Is Round, David Goldblatt takes us on a fascinating journey through soccer's history, tracing its evolution from a chaotic folk pastime to the world's favorite sport. I loved how the book dives into the game's tribal nature, its cultural significance, and even its darker sides, like fan violence. Goldblatt's writing is engaging and flows well, especially in his exploration of the 1990s when soccer truly went global. My only quibble is that it's a bit lengthy, but overall, it's a brilliant and insightful read worth keeping on your shelf.
Pros:
Comprehensive and detailed history of soccer
Insightful exploration of soccer's cultural impact
Brilliant writing that is fast-paced and readable
Cons:
It's a bit long - but really nothing else.
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04/15/2026 08:01 am GMT
The Games by David Goldblatt
$9.99

In The Games by David Goldblatt, the author takes us through the modern Olympic Games, starting from their revival in 1896 all the way to Rio 2016. I appreciated how Goldblatt organized the content chronologically, making the hefty read feel manageable. He highlights the Olympics’ ties to international conflicts and the ongoing struggle for gender equality, while also critiquing the IOC's secrecy and the commercialization of the Games. Although I felt he was a bit harsh on the Atlanta Olympics, his writing is engaging and insightful. Overall, it’s a fascinating look at how the Olympics reflect broader societal issues.
Pros:
The book is well-organized and structured chronologically.
Goldblatt provides unifying themes for different Olympic Games.
The author weaves in geopolitical context without overwhelming the narrative.
David Goldblatt is an excellent writer, making the book engaging.
Cons:
The criticism of the Atlanta Olympics felt sharper than that of other Games, which seemed biased.
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04/15/2026 08:01 am GMT
The Soccer Book by DK
$13.57

DK does these types of infographic + topic books so well. I read this to get a sense of "what I didn't know, that I did not know" about soccer. I love the sequence, the layout, and the format. Soccer is definitely a "show, don't tell" kind of sport. And flipping through an introductory book like this makes watching the World Cup or my local MLS club that much more enjoyable.
Pros:
Well-laid out
Beautiful images & illustrations
Provides a nice balance of details within an accessible overview format.
Cons:
The paperback is big and dense, like a textbook
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04/15/2026 05:01 am GMT