Best Sports Industry Books of 2025

"Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game" by Michael Lewis is a fascinating narrative that explores the quest for success in baseball. The book follows the Oakland A's, led by visionary general manager Billy Beane, and their unconventional approach to the game. Despite having a significantly lower budget than their competitors, the A's have managed to reach the post-season playoffs three years in a row. Lewis's lively account showcases how Beane's passion for neglected statistics and his willingness to discard old wisdom have given the little guy an edge over big money. This book is a must-read for baseball fans and non-fans alike."

LIV and Let Die by Alan Shipnuck is a fascinating and well-researched book that delves into the PGA Tour's battle against the Saudi-funded LIV Golf League. Alan Shipnuck, a trusted correspondent, delivers the inside story in real-time, with fly-on-the-wall reporting from the decadent yachts where LIV was hatched and within the corridors of power as the PGA Tour flailed to fend off the threat. Shipnuck's unparalleled access and award-winning reporting chops provide rich portraits of the brand-name protagonists to this sprawling story, making it a must-read for anyone who has a stake in professional golf. The book is unique in its ability to reveal numerous revelations about what really happened, and why, during the most chaotic moment in golf history.

Formula One 2023 is the ultimate guide for any F1 enthusiast. With detailed examinations of all the teams, drivers, and tracks for the upcoming season, this book provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect. It also includes race-by-race reports and statistics from the 2022 season, changes to the rules and regulations for 2023, and major talking points in F1. The fill-in guide for 2023 allows readers to personalize their book and keep track of the season's progress. Bruce Jones's insightful text is complemented by dozens of color photographs, detailed circuit maps, and a statistics section containing major records from over 70 years of F1 history.

Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk is the highly anticipated memoir by the legendary sports gambler Billy Walters, widely regarded as "the Michael Jordan of sports betting". With an unmatched winning streak of thirty-six consecutive years, Walters has become fabulously wealthy by placing hundreds of millions of dollars a year in gross wagers. In this book, Walters shares the secrets of his proprietary betting system, which will serve as a master class for anyone who wants to improve their odds at betting on sports. Overall, Gambler is a must-read for anyone interested in sports betting and the life of a true gambling legend.

A Damn Near Perfect Game: Reclaiming America's Pastime by Joe Kelly is an insider's exposé of the laws and culture of Major League Baseball. Kelly provides a house-cleaning tour of the clubhouse, the field of play, the bullpen, the front office, the commissioner's office, and a ballplayer's restricted life off the field. He addresses the issues that have tarnished the game and provides solutions to make baseball pure, fun, and damn near perfect. Kelly's legendary exploits, including starting a bench-clearing brawl with the Yankees' Tyler Austin, add an entertaining touch. This book is a must-read for baseball fans who want to see the game thrive and evolve.

This book titled "Goodbye, Oakland" explores the paradoxical identity of the city as a sports town, featuring conversations with luminaries from sports, politics, and economics. The book delves into the rich history of Oakland sports, including the departure of teams like the Raiders and the Warriors, and the ongoing fight to keep the Oakland Athletics. Through the perspective of veteran Oakland Tribune scribe Dave Newhouse and sports business leader Andy Dolich, readers will gain an appreciation for the challenges and quirks that define "The Town." Overall, "Goodbye, Oakland" is a fascinating read for sports fans and anyone interested in the unique identity of this gritty city.

How Baseball Happened: Outrageous Lies Exposed! The True Story Revealed by Thomas W. Gilbert is a fascinating book that exposes the true story of baseball’s amateur origins. The book explores the conditions and factors that led to the game's creation in the 19th century and turned it into a national pastime. It sheds light on the hundreds of uncredited amateurs who played without gloves, facemasks or performance incentives in the middle decades of the 19th century. The book also debunks many myths about baseball's history, making it an informative and enjoyable read for baseball fans and history buffs alike.

Playmakers: How the NFL Really Works (And Doesn't) by Mike Florio is a comprehensive and eye-opening look at the modern-day NFL. Florio takes readers on a journey through the league's scandals and controversies, from the boardroom to the locker room, with new insights and reporting. He answers questions about how the NFL operates and why negative stories seem to have little impact on the bottom line. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the sports industry, and Florio's no-holds-barred approach makes it an engaging and informative read.

Leading: Learning from Life and My Years at Manchester United is a book written by Sir Alex Ferguson, one of the most successful football coaches in history, and Sir Michael Moritz, a venture capitalist and author. In this book, Ferguson shares his insights on leadership decisions he made throughout his 38-year career as a manager, and how they can be applied to business and life. From hiring to firing, from teamwork to adversity, Leading provides practical and inspiring lessons for any leader. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for those interested in business leadership and sports management.

The Big East: Inside the Most Entertaining and Influential Conference in College Basketball History is a must-read for basketball fans. This book takes readers inside the most iconic league in college basketball history and shares the story of how the Northeast, once an afterthought, became the epicenter of college basketball. The author includes interviews with more than sixty of the key figures in the conference’s history, taking fans inside packed arenas to epic wars fought between transcendent players, and behind locker-room doors where combustible coaches battled even more fiercely for a leg up. The Big East is a fun and informative read that captures a special time in Big East basketball.