The Absurdity of Economic Focus on Athletics: Why Give a Shit?

In a world brimming with complex challenges, it’s astonishing how society directs vast attention, resources and economic focus on athletics, while scientific pursuits that could address pressing global issues are often underfunded and overlooked. This article delves into the puzzling phenomenon of society’s fascination with athletics and the resulting economic priorities, highlighting the absurdity of this focus when compared to the potential benefits of investing in scientific endeavors.

The Economic Focus on Athletics

1. The Glamour of Professional Sports

Professional sports have an undeniable glamour. From the roar of the crowd to the breathtaking feats of athleticism, they capture the imagination of millions. However, it’s the enormous financial stakes associated with professional sports that warrant scrutiny.

2. Mind-Boggling Athlete Salaries

One of the most conspicuous aspects of the economic focus on athletics is the mind-boggling salaries paid to star athletes. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, athletes in major sports leagues, such as the NBA, NFL, and European football, were signing contracts worth tens of millions of dollars annually. For example, in 2020, Patrick Mahomes signed a contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs worth up to $503 million.

3. The Stadium Extravaganza

Lavish stadium construction is another hallmark of the economic focus on athletics. These architectural marvels are often funded by a combination of taxpayer money and private investments. For instance, the construction of the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles was estimated to cost around $5 billion.

4. Relentless Marketing and Sponsorships

The marketing machinery surrounding sports is relentless. Companies invest heavily in advertising, endorsements, and sponsorships to align their brands with sports teams and athletes. The global sports sponsorship market was valued at over $58 billion in 2020.

The Absurdity of Athletic Economic Priorities

Now, let’s delve into the absurdity of these economic priorities and the opportunity cost they represent when compared to scientific pursuits.

1. Missed Opportunities for Scientific Research

One of the most glaring absurdities is the missed opportunity for scientific research. Imagine if even a fraction of the funds that flow into athletics were redirected toward scientific research. Diseases that have plagued humanity for centuries might have been eradicated, and breakthroughs in renewable energy, space exploration, and artificial intelligence could be closer to reality. A study published in “Science Advances” in 2018 emphasized the importance of funding scientific research to foster innovation and societal progress[1].

2. Strengthening Healthcare Systems

The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the importance of robust healthcare systems. Redirecting funds from sports to healthcare could result in stronger healthcare infrastructure, better pandemic preparedness, and improved access to healthcare for all. A study published in “The Lancet” in 2019 emphasized the need for sustained investments in healthcare systems to address global health challenges[2].

3. Fostering Education and Critical Thinking

Quality education is essential for fostering critical thinking, innovation, and societal progress. Funds currently spent on athlete salaries and stadium construction could be redirected to support educational institutions, teacher training, and initiatives that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. A report by UNESCO highlighted the importance of education in achieving sustainable development goals[3].

4. Addressing Climate Change

Climate change poses an existential threat to humanity. Funds used for lavish stadiums could be channeled into projects that address climate change, such as renewable energy initiatives, carbon capture technologies, and sustainable agriculture. A report by the World Bank stressed the importance of infrastructure investment in supporting economic growth and reducing poverty[4].

Economic Priorities

Let’s explore specific examples that illustrate the absurdity of these economic priorities.

1. The Space Race vs. Athletic Contracts

Consider the economic priorities of space exploration versus professional sports contracts. In 2020, SpaceX successfully launched astronauts into orbit in partnership with NASA. The cost of a single SpaceX launch was estimated to be around $62 million. In the same year, NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes signed a contract worth up to $503 million. This comparison highlights the significant economic resources allocated to sports over endeavors that push the boundaries of human knowledge and exploration.

2. Stadium Costs vs. Scientific Research

The cost of constructing lavish sports stadiums often far exceeds the budgets of scientific research projects with transformative potential. For instance, the SoFi Stadium, with its $5 billion price tag, could have funded numerous research initiatives. Consider the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. The construction of the LHC, which has contributed significantly to our understanding of particle physics, cost approximately $4.75 billion.

3. Sports Sponsorships vs. Public Health

The staggering amounts spent on sports sponsorships by multinational corporations raise questions about economic priorities. In 2020, Nike signed an endorsement deal with NBA star LeBron James worth an estimated $1 billion. Meanwhile, global efforts to combat infectious diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, often struggle to secure sufficient funding. These diseases continue to claim millions of lives annually.

Studies Analyzing How Funds Could Be Better Used on Intellectual Pursuits

There are a number of scientific studies that have analyzed how the funds that are currently being spent on athletics could be better used on intellectual pursuits. For example, a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that increasing funding for public education by 10% would lead to a 1% increase in GDP growth.

Another study, by the Brookings Institution, found that investing in research and development is one of the best ways to boost economic growth. The study found that every dollar invested in research and development generates an average of $15 in economic benefits.

Conclusion

The economic focus on athletics, with its astronomical athlete salaries, lavish stadium construction, and relentless marketing machinery, raises profound questions about societal priorities. The opportunity cost of this focus becomes increasingly apparent when we consider the potential benefits of redirecting these funds to scientific pursuits, healthcare, education, and initiatives addressing global challenges.

It is essential for society to reevaluate its values and economic priorities, recognizing the absurdity of the current state of affairs. The world cannot afford to remain ensnared in the folly of athletic economic obsession while the pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and societal betterment withers on the vine.

As this article has illustrated, redirecting resources from athletics to intellectual and scientific pursuits holds the promise of a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future. It’s a call to action for society to recognize the absurdity of the status quo and channel its energy, resources, and enthusiasm towards endeavors that drive meaningful progress, innovation, and the betterment of all. The question is not whether we can afford to make this change; it’s whether we can afford not to.