Senior Seminar
Research Paper on the Effects of Professional Athlete Endorsements on Amateur Athletes. This research was conducted over the coarse of the 2012-2013 school year and includes primary and secondary research discover what the effects, if any, of professional athlete endorsement deals have on prospective athletes.
Abstract
The process of athletes acquiring endorsements has become a
rising phenomenon. The growing tendency of athletes endorsing brands has sparked inflated salaries that lead to
a financial strain on the sports franchises themselves as well as on the fans
that pay to enjoy their favorite sports star. The payment of these players impacts
those who support these franchises by elevating ticket prices, concessions, and
parking fees. The commercialization of sports has turned sports culture into a business that has become preoccupied
with profit margins instead of the accomplishments of the athletes.
This research explores the effects the acquisition of paid endorsements
of a brand or product has on amateur athletes. While the literature did reveal issues,
such as loss of sportsmanship and the distraction of athletes from their sports
involving athlete endorsement deals, the in-depth interviews I conducted have
led to the conclusion that professional sports have a structure in place for
athlete endorsements which prevents any outstanding issues.
Through proper organization of the players’ schedule, good communication
between athlete and team, and high commitment of the athletes to their teams,
the effects upon amateur athletes of endorsements are greatly reduced.
Abstract
The process of athletes acquiring endorsements has become a
rising phenomenon. The growing tendency of athletes endorsing brands has sparked inflated salaries that lead to
a financial strain on the sports franchises themselves as well as on the fans
that pay to enjoy their favorite sports star. The payment of these players impacts
those who support these franchises by elevating ticket prices, concessions, and
parking fees. The commercialization of sports has turned sports culture into a business that has become preoccupied
with profit margins instead of the accomplishments of the athletes.
This research explores the effects the acquisition of paid endorsements
of a brand or product has on amateur athletes. While the literature did reveal issues,
such as loss of sportsmanship and the distraction of athletes from their sports
involving athlete endorsement deals, the in-depth interviews I conducted have
led to the conclusion that professional sports have a structure in place for
athlete endorsements which prevents any outstanding issues.
Through proper organization of the players’ schedule, good communication
between athlete and team, and high commitment of the athletes to their teams,
the effects upon amateur athletes of endorsements are greatly reduced.