The Business of NCAA Football

“You Will Never Look at College Football the Same” Michael MacKelvie explores the distinctive nature of college football, emphasizing its rich traditions and community connections amid a commercial landscape that increasingly prioritizes financial gain over local rivalries and fan engagement. It contrasts the collegiate sport’s lack of parity with the NFL’s structured fairness, highlighting the deep emotional ties fans have to their teams, particularly in smaller programs. Despite rising ratings for major games, the overall viewership is predicted to decline, leading to fragmented audiences as traditional experiences are lost to commercialization. The narrative suggests that the sport’s leaders must address these issues to maintain fan loyalty and preserve college football’s cultural significance, warning that neglecting the sport’s integrity for immediate profit could have long-term repercussions. Through insights from fans, academics, and university administrators, the video ultimately raises important questions about the future of college football and its ability to foster community in an evolving landscape.