1. Wealth and power in sport
By: Braxton Tucker
Wealth and power in sport

2. Overview
Review/Comparison of wealth and power in sport through the different eras in history
Ancient Greek, Roman
Medieval Times
Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment
Industrial Revolution
Well-known wealthy figureheads in todays sports world.
Is this a problem?

3. Ancient Greeks 1000 B.C.-100 B.C. Wealthy & respected Greek families
Types of classes
Born into wealth or had opportunities to participate
Slaves could earn rewards (power)

4. Roman Contest 100 B.C.-500 A.D.
Leaders wanted to show off their powerful military training as entertainment
Most popular chariot races
Betting emerged
“Spectators bet heavily on the races, and when they became bored or unruly the emperors gave them free food and raffled off prizes to prevent outbreaks of violence. This strategy pacified the crowds and allowed the emperors to use events to celebrate themselves and their power.”

5. Medieval Times 500 A.D.-1300 A.D. Peasants vs those born into royalty
Upper Class had more access to equipment and facilities
Medieval Video

6. Roman -continued

7. Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment 1300 A.D.-1800 A.D.
Women unequal rights
Seen as caregivers
Discouraged for moral reasons, but wealthy still participated in sport

8. Industrial Revolution 1780-1920
Unequal rights for African Americans
Work > Leisure

9. George Steinbrenner Pioneer of modern sport ownership (free agency)
7 World Series Championships, 11 pennants, team value $1.6 billion
Powerhouse ball-club

10. Phil Knight
“Knight holds the key to Oregon athletics in his wallet, and everybody there knows it. The new basketball gym, Matthew Knight Arena, named after Phil's late son, is his project. The school's uniforms, more than any other team's, are a billboard for his company, Nike. There is a sense that every new building and every important hire needs Knight's stamp of approval”
Personal coaches lessons, Play Call

11. Mark Cuban Worked his way to the top Enthusiastic and passionate
Many changes as owner
Built new facility
Spoiled players
Mark Cuban

12. Are there solutions? Fairness and Equality
Small Market Teams < Big Market Teams ie: Moneyball
Bar set higher in the current era
No clear solution
Oakland As couldn’t get the good players because they didn’t have the money

13. Conclusion Ancient Greeks emerged from wealthy families
Romans- Power of military
Medieval- Satisfy Spectators
Renaissance- Women less power
Industrial- Workers & African Americans less power
Now- Wealthy investments from powerful figures
There is no clear solution on how to level the competition because it all comes down to how and whose hands investors want to place their money.