The History of Football: Financial Dimensions of Football in America

Football isn’t just a game; it’s a billion-dollar industry that influences everything from television to stadium construction. In this course, participants will dive into the financial dynamics of football at both the professional and collegiate levels. Topics include the role of television in shaping the game’s popularity, debates about compensating college players, and the impact of player unions during labor disputes. Learners will also explore why alternative leagues have struggled to challenge the dominance of the NFL, gaining a clearer picture of the intricate relationship between football and big business.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the importance of the business dimensions of the game, including television and stadiums, and understand how these aspects impact and shape the consumption of football.
• Describe why colleges, universities, and the NCAA have historically insisted that football players should not be paid, while players have persistently fought against this perceived injustice.
• Discuss why players unionized, how they have operated as a unionized entity, and how successful they have been during periodic labor disputes.

Prior Learning

This noncredit course is beginner-friendly, with no prior expertise required. However, to ensure success, students should:

• Be comfortable reading and understanding English, as all materials are provided in English.
• Have basic computer skills, including navigating the internet, downloading/uploading files, installing software, and using applications like Microsoft Word.

These foundational skills will help you engage fully with our primarily online courses.

This is the third course of the History of Football Series, providing insights into the powerful financial forces behind the sport. For a comprehensive understanding of football’s evolution, participants are encouraged to complete the full series.