Sports Business Journal: Foundation of collegiate, pro sports is falling into disrepair

For the first time in 30 years, in its annual survey, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) reported a decrease in overall athletic participation at the high school level. Of note, football declined for the fifth year in a row to the lowest mark in 20 years. Surprisingly, boys and girls basketball also dropped, with the latter category falling to its lowest number since 1992-93! Numerous studies have tried to explain this decline, but a common theme in all of them is “tough economics.” In other words: there’s not enough money. Let me say that again: not enough money!

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