Posted: April 24th, 2025

Replies for – Discussion Thread: Financial Trends in Sports

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Nov 1 10:47am

Discussion Post by Dominick Hill

The development of data analytics and technological integration to improve player performance, fan interaction, and team management is one significant trend influencing the sports industry today. While wearable technology and physiological tracking offer real-time data into an athlete’s performance, health, and recuperation, advanced analytics is transforming the way management and coaches make decisions. Previously exclusive to top athletes, these developments are now more widely available at all levels of competition. In order to optimize training programs and prevent injuries, athletes and coaches can utilize wearable sensors such as WHOOP and Oura rings, which measure heart rate, sleep quality, and recovery metrics. These devices provide comprehensive performance and health data (Maxcy, Drayer, & Byon, 2020).

The NFL’s Next Gen Stats program, which uses RFID tags to track players’ movements and speeds, is one particular example. It is powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). Sophisticated performance assessments are made possible by this technology, which also gives spectators additional ways to interact with the game. Broadcasts employ the information to show player speed, distance from defenders, and reaction time. By viewing the game from several perspectives, fans can have a better grasp of the ability and strategy required for professional football. In addition to improving fan interaction, this technological connection helps coaches make more accurate in-game changes (NFL Communications, 2021).

The ability to take care of athletes’ physical health and improve their performance while adhering to ethical standards will grow along with data analytics and technology. But it’s crucial to keep a balanced perspective, understanding that even though technology is a potent instrument, sports will always be primarily about character, commitment, and collaboration.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.” This verse reminds athletes and coaches alike of the importance of training and dedication. Leveraging technology to optimize performance aligns with the concept of stewardship, as it allows individuals to make the best use of the skills and resources given by God. Just as athletes are encouraged to train in a disciplined way, using technology ethically and responsibly in sports demonstrates good stewardship of knowledge and resources.

Maxcy, J. G., Drayer, J., & Byon, K. K. (2020). 
The Economics of Sports Analytics. 
Journal of Sport Management, 34(4), 275–289.

NFL Communications. (2021). 
NFL’s Next Gen Stats, Powered by AWS. 
NFL Communications. Retrieved from 

nflcommunications.com

Links to an external site.

Oct 29 5:59pm| Last reply Nov 1 10:51am

Discussion Post by Robert Leek

Trends In college Sports

Recently the trends in college sports have been a huge conversation starter now with the changes in Name Image and Likeness. Athletic departments had most of their financial focuses on team travel cost, team gear, coaching salaries and scholarships. Now that the NCAA has allowed colleges to pay their athletes, it has opened a new door in the financial realm. This not only affects the programs finical stability but also their recruitment process. “In 2015, as a result of O’Bannon v. NCAA, the NCAA allowed athletes to be compensated for the ‘full cost of attendance’ which added allowances for travel and other expenses to full scholarship offers. Even this relatively small change expanding compensation for athletes created differences between schools that had a small but statistically significant impact on recruiting. Prior to 2021, increases in total benefits provided to athletes operated through scholarships determined at the school level. The Supreme Court decision in NCAA v. Alston (June 2021) and the rules changes that followed represent a more substantial change with wider-ranging implications. One fundamental difference is that for the first time, athletes can negotiate NILs as individuals.” (Owens et al., 2024)  With this change we are seeing athletes being paid more than professional athletes and deminshing the NCAA as an amateur sports level. 

With endorsements, advertisements and television deals college sports are on a trend that was way different than before.  Even club sports at colleges are being broadcasted on ESPN such as Liberty Hockey. Broadcasting sports does not come with a cheap price. When including the prices of camera equipment, employment, and the platform they can make a huge dent into the departments finances. When looking at college conferences they have their own broadcasting channels for all their sports such ACC Network and BIG 10 Network. These a major factors to take in when recruiting athletes. College athletics draws in a lot of money but also spends most of it on keep the program flourishing and afloat. Although the biggest part to college athletics revenue is ticket sales. “The three principal sources of revenue for power five athletic departments are ticket sales, donations, especially for priority seating, and media rights and licensing. The largest source of revenue for FBS athletic departments is ticket sales.”(Hill, 2015) Some college athletics tickets cost more than a NFL game. This trend continues as talent and money is poured into athletic departments. Most athletic departments focus on fan experience and others as the Bible says in Philippians 2:4 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (ESV) This is key as fans feel valued and will continue to support the program. 

References 

Hill, B. (2015). 
Financial Trends in Intercollegiate Athletics Mirror Financial Trends in Higher Education. https://etd.auburn.edu/bitstream/handle/10415/4956/Bernard%20Hill_Dissertation_rv5%20%28Final%20Updated%20Version%29%20BH_11-20-15 ?sequence=2&isAllowed=y

Owens, M. F., Rennhoff, A. D., & Roach, M. A. (2024). The impact of name, image, and likeness contracts on student-athlete college choice. 
Applied Economics, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/00036846.2024.2331425