A significant piece of the wealth that the NFL owners garner is

"A significant piece of the wealth that the NFL owners garner is a result of the enormous TV revenues they get - and those revenues are supported by a legislatively granted exemption from the antitrust laws that has been made applicable to sports leagues, primarily the NFL." These words from Eliot Spitzer delve deep into the complexity of wealth, power, and legislation, revealing the ways in which certain industries—such as the NFL—are granted privileges not available to others. Spitzer speaks to the concept that the NFL’s success is not solely the result of hard work, competition, or athletic excellence, but also of legislative action—an exemption from antitrust laws that allows the league to function differently from other businesses. This exemption allows the NFL to consolidate its power, control its revenue streams, and maximally benefit from the enormous profits made possible by television contracts. This is a reminder of the deeper, often invisible systems that shape wealth in society.

In the ancient world, power and wealth were often closely tied to the favor of the gods and the ability to manipulate the structures of society. Consider the story of Croesus, the wealthy king of Lydia, who amassed great fortune through both trade and the favor of the gods. However, it was not just his business acumen that built his empire—it was also his strategic alliances, his understanding of law and policy, and his manipulation of the economic systems of his time. In much the same way, Spitzer is highlighting how the NFL, much like the ancient kings, thrives not only on the strength of its own market or the appeal of its sport, but also because of external forces—specifically, legislation that creates a favorable playing field.

Consider also the example of Rome, where the emperors wielded immense control over both the political and economic spheres. The gladiatorial games, for example, were not just a form of entertainment; they were also a tool used by emperors to consolidate power and control over the masses. By funding the games, emperors could keep the people entertained and distracted, while also channeling the wealth of the empire toward a spectacle that reinforced their dominance. The connection between public spectacle and control over economic resources was clear: those who controlled the resources—whether through legislation, governance, or market manipulation—controlled the flow of power. In a similar fashion, the NFL’s exemption from antitrust laws allows it to control a significant portion of the sports market, consolidating wealth and influence in ways that transcend the realm of pure athleticism.

Spitzer’s words also bring attention to the importance of policy and law in shaping the economic landscape. In the case of the NFL, the league’s exemption from antitrust laws allows it to operate as a monopoly, controlling the flow of media rights and broadcast revenues that support its enormous wealth. This exemption places the NFL in a position of privilege—able to garner profits that would be unattainable without such legislative support. It is a striking example of how laws are often shaped to benefit certain sectors of society, while the broader population is left to contend with the consequences of market consolidation and the concentration of wealth. This is a modern version of the patronage systems that have existed for millennia—where those in power use their influence to create favorable conditions for the few, at the expense of the many.

The lesson here is one of awareness and critical reflection. Just as Croesus and Roman emperors shaped their fortunes through the manipulation of laws and systems, so too must we be cautious in understanding how external forces—such as legislation, regulation, and corporate influence—can shape the distribution of wealth. The NFL is not merely a sports league; it is a beacon of privilege, a clear example of how legal frameworks can create disparities in economic and social power. While the NFL has certainly contributed to the global popularity of sports, the wealth it generates comes not only from the athleticism of its players but from the influence it wields in the legislative and political arenas.

In practical terms, we must learn to be mindful of the ways in which systems of power shape our lives—whether through media, legislation, or the consolidation of wealth. Spitzer’s words challenge us to question the fairness of these systems, to ask why certain industries and individuals are allowed to thrive through legal and economic advantages not afforded to others. This is not merely an exercise in criticism, but in awareness—so that we can recognize when the systems we participate in are unjust and work toward creating a more equitable society.

Action in response to this wisdom means engaging with the world not only as consumers but as citizens. As we examine the forces at play in shaping industries like sports, we must advocate for policies that promote fairness and competition in the marketplace. Like the ancient philosophers who questioned the morality of their rulers, we too must ask whether the systems we live in truly serve the common good or if they are designed to benefit only a select few. By becoming more aware of how the rules of the game are written, we can work together to ensure that the future is one where wealth and power are not concentrated in the hands of a few, but shared more equitably across society.