American Sports in an Age of Consumption: How Commercialization Is Changing the Game

Sports are not what they used to be. New publicly funded stadiums resemble shopping malls. Fans compete for cash prizes in fantasy sports leagues. Sports video games are now marketing and public relations tools and team logos have become fashionable brands.

The larger social meanings sports hold for fans are being eclipsed by their commercial function as a means to sell merchandise and connect corporate sponsors with consumers. This book examines how the American consumer culture affects professional and collegiate sports, reducing fans to consumers and trivializing sports themselves.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Cory Hillman is an Assistant Professor in Communication Studies at Ashland University. His work has appeared in the Communication & Sport journal as well as in various books. He lives in Ashland, Ohio.