Selected by The Economist as one of the best six business books of 2015.
“Even appropriately jaded readers are likely to be shocked by the evidence in Circus Maximus…which reveals the magnitude of the deception that precedes these events and the disappointment that follows.”
– The Economist
“A remarkable study that exposes the extraordinary chicanery and dodgy dealing behind staging the Olympics and the World Cup.”
– The Guardian
“Circus Maximus provides a comprehensive compendium of the benefits and costs of hosting the Olympics or soccer’s World Cup. Andrew Zimbalist documents how the officials who run the international sports organizations that authorize these events profit handsomely, while host cities and nations experience ever-increasing losses. The book also explains why before-the-fact claims that such events will deliver long-term economic benefits typically are wildly inaccurate. A citizen or public official who contemplates supporting a bid
to host a sports mega-event ought to read this book.”
— Roger Noll, Professor of Economics, Stanford University
“Pssst. Wanna buy a velodrome cheap? Andrew Zimbalist’s brutal examination of how the International Olympic Committee and FIFA (“soccer maximus” to you and me) have sweet-talked cities and nations into hosting their extravaganzas is absolutely devastating in its ugly detail. Any prospective municipal or national customer who doesn’t read this book before applying for the rights to supply the IOC or FIFA with their land and finances deserves all the debt and humbug they’re going to end up with.”
–– Frank Deford
“Indispensable for anyone who wants to understand the impact of hosting the olympics.”
— Evan Horowitz, Boston Globe
“Andrew Zimbalist is a perpetual source of insight on the economics and administration of modern sports. When weighing the very real risks and rewards of hosting major international events, political leaders and informed citizens should carefully consider the information and arguments presented here before rolling the dice.”
— Bob Costas, Broadcaster, NBC Sports and Major League Baseball Network
“You’ll be hearing a lot in the coming years about the problems cities face when they consider hosting the Olympic Games and the World Cup. This international issue is thoroughly explored by Andrew Zimbalist in his important new book, Circus Maximus. Zimbalist is the perfect person to delve into this timely topic, located at the intersection of sports and economics.”
— Christine Brennan, USA Today national sports columnist, ABC News and CNN commentator
“Circus Maximus shines a bright light on the much-needed discussion about the unconscionable expense surrounding both the bidding process and hosting of the Olympics and the World Cup. The perfectly titled book will leave you gasping for reform. Immediately.”
—Julie Foudy, ESPN analyst, former U.S. national soccer team captain—winner of two World Cups and three Olympic medals
“Cleanly written and information-packed analysis” – James Srodes, Washington Times
Circus Maximus has been published in several languages and in June 2020 the third edition of the book in English was published. The third editions contains a new preface and a lengthy new postscript, as well as an updating of the rest of the text.