Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/34074 
Year of Publication: 
2006
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 2186
Publisher: 
Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
This paper studies intercollegiate athletics in the context of the theory of cartels. Some point to explicit attempts by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to restrict output and payments for factors of production as evidence of cartel behavior. Others argue that such limits enhance product quality by preserving amateurism. I find that the NCAA's compensation limits on athletes lead to high levels of rents from the entertainment revenues produced by the athletes. The athletes producing these rents are disproportionately African-American, while the beneficiaries are primarily white. The rents are typically spent on coaches' salaries, facilities, and nonrevenue sports. Although athletic departments considered as businesses lose money on average, there is some evidence, although not unanimous, that they generate alumni contributions, state appropriations, and additional student applications.
Subjects: 
cartel
monopsony
college athletics
JEL: 
L12
L44
I21
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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