How to Rob a City: NBA Billionaire Edition
Summary
Host Kevin Foster critiques the proposed $600 million public subsidy for Portland’s Moda Center, demanded by billionaire owner Tom Dundin. The episode debunks economic arguments for stadium deals, citing expert consensus that such investments yield no net economic benefit. Foster exposes the ownership group’s controversial backgrounds, political lobbying tactics, and conflicts of interest, urging listeners to recognize these subsidies as harmful handouts to the wealthy.
Topics discussed
Intro and Sponsors: Times Square, TNA, Cotton, Vital Proteins
Portland's $600M Stadium Subsidy for Tom Dundon's Blazers
Tom Dundon's Background: Subprime Loans and Cost Cutting
NBA Owners' Culture: One-upmanship and Public Handouts
Ad Break: Times Square, TNA, Addyi, OnDeck
Sports Economics: Substitution Effect and Lack of Tourism
Economic Consensus Against Stadium Subsidies
Myth of Economic Ruin and Arenas Thriving Without Teams
Ad Break: Times Square, TNA, Addyi, OnDeck
The Deal: Blind Funding and Stonewalling by Owners
Tactics: Creative Math and Fake Economic Impact Studies
Astroturfing and Conflicts of Interest in Portland
Conclusion: Relocation Threats and Social Injustice
Outro and Sponsors: Women's Pro Baseball League
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