You're Not an Athlete
Non-Fiction / Sports Business

You're Not an Athlete

by John Smiley

Publish Date August 11, 2026
Pages 130
Publisher JRS Publications

An in-depth exploration of the evolving business landscape of college and high school sports. Discover the transformative forces reshaping athletic programs through NIL deals, revenue sharing, gambling, and institutional dynamics.

About This Book

You're Not an Athlete dives deep into the trillion-dollar business of college and high school sports. This comprehensive analysis examines the seismic shifts reshaping athletic programs: Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements that have fundamentally changed athlete compensation, revenue-sharing models that distribute media rights and broadcasting profits, the explosive growth of sports gambling and its impact on institutional integrity, and the complex interplay between athletes, schools, governing bodies, and commercial interests. Through case studies, market analysis, and forward-looking insights, this book reveals how the business of sports is rewriting the rules of competition, education, and opportunity for the next generation of athletes and institutions.

An Excerpt

"Financial literacy is going to be important for athletes. With both NIL and revenue sharing, there will be a lot more money in the hands of young athletes. Making good decisions with money can be tough for young and inexperienced people. Especially those who may or may not personally have guidance or a way to save the money. Some athletes will undoubtedly make mistakes with their money. Which is okay, except as many adults know, earning money isn't easy. Getting paid for a sport is a privilege, and the wages earned should be treated with a high level of appreciation. As long as all parties humbly appreciate the money, more people can win."

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