The chapter discusses the economic design of sporting contests, focusing on the optimal number of entrants, prize structures, and team balance in various sports. It highlights the significant financial and personal interest in designing optimal contests, drawing parallels between contest design and auction theory. The chapter reviews the literature on the economics of sports, emphasizing the need for empirical research to understand contest outcomes. It classifies sports into individualistic and team sports, detailing the differences in their organizational structures and fan dynamics. The analysis covers various aspects of contest design, including the impact of prize structures, contest formats, and competitive balance. The chapter also explores the role of economic incentives in maintaining effort and performance, and the challenges of designing contests that balance competitive fairness and entertainment value.The chapter discusses the economic design of sporting contests, focusing on the optimal number of entrants, prize structures, and team balance in various sports. It highlights the significant financial and personal interest in designing optimal contests, drawing parallels between contest design and auction theory. The chapter reviews the literature on the economics of sports, emphasizing the need for empirical research to understand contest outcomes. It classifies sports into individualistic and team sports, detailing the differences in their organizational structures and fan dynamics. The analysis covers various aspects of contest design, including the impact of prize structures, contest formats, and competitive balance. The chapter also explores the role of economic incentives in maintaining effort and performance, and the challenges of designing contests that balance competitive fairness and entertainment value.