American sports empire : how the leagues breed success /

Jozsa (economics and business administration, Pieiffer Univ.) presents a well-researched, largely demographic analysis of Major League baseball's American and National Leagues and of the NBA, NFL, and NHL--i.e., "the American sports empire" of his title. The author addresses league (or empire) construction; league and team maintenance and survival; league roles, policies, and support systems; and how the league environment affects the major players (owners, players, support staff). He also delves into economics, including governmental cooperation, media portrayal, and the culture of the fan and the role these play in reinforcing the values and sustainability of the league. In the final analysis, he exposes how powerful a social force these businesses have become and how covertly interdependent and linked the prominent US professional sports leagues and their cartel cast members are. The book is well referenced; appropriate facts and figures are illustrated. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Students at the upper-division undergraduate level and above interested in pursuing a career in professional sports. M. L. Krotee North Carolina State University