How sports could save Canada's economy

Forget better oil prices-- more sports teams could improve Canada's economy. That's according to Justin Bedi, a student at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan.

In his studies of international trade, Bedi noticed that when it comes to sports, more Canadian money goes to the United States than the other way around. But he says another NBA team, and a couple of NFL teams, north of the border would fix that. There are large contingents of football fans in B.C. and Ontario, who regularly travel south to cheer on the Seattle Seahawks and the Buffalo Bills. They might spend their money at home, if they had a home team. And Bedi says both Seattle and Vancouver would love to see the NBA bounce back into town-- so if the league chose Vancouver, Seattle fans would take the time and money to jump on the Vancouver basketball bandwagon. 

Hear Justin Bedi make his case to Jim Brown, including why cities should do their best to create favourable conditions for pro sports teams. Then tell us what you think, by emailing the180@cbc.ca.