As we get close to the next NFL season, I feel that it’s important to discuss the impact of sport in society.
We tend to write off sports as “just a game” and want to place it in a bucket completely separate from the rest of the events in the world, but all sport has a huge societal influence, while also being a real-time reflection of societal values at any given moment.
The Cultural Mirror and Conduit for Change
Often sports aren’t just a societal mirror, but are actually leading the charge. There are a million examples of this such as Jackie Robinson breaking the MLB’s color barrier, Billie Jean King working to advance LGBTQ+ visibility, and Germany’s ban from the 1920, 1924, and 1948 Olympics.
Sports also gives activists an earned voice to shape society. Muhammed Ali was incarcerated for protesting the Vietnam war. Jessie Owens openly protested German (and frankly the world’s) racism towards African Americans in the 1936 Nazi Olympics. Most recently Colin Kaepernick’s protest against systemic racism in the US.
Athletes’ activism has helped to move society forward and bring meaningful change to the world.
Economic Impact
Sports generate substantial economic benefits, both locally and globally. Professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, and Premier League generate billions annually through ticket sales, broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and merchandise. Major events—such as the Olympics, World Cup, and Super Bowl—act as powerful economic catalysts, attracting tourism, boosting hospitality, and creating temporary and permanent jobs. The sports industry supports a vast network of careers, from athletes and coaches to media, logistics, and marketing professionals, while driving infrastructure investments in stadiums, training facilities, and transportation. Most professional sports teams also make a true effort to contribute to the cities that they live in the form of monetary donations, charitable initiatives, and volunteer efforts.
Beyond direct revenue, professional sports can serve as a pathway to upward social and economic mobility, particularly for athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds. A successful sports career can break cycles of poverty, offering education opportunities, financial security, and community influence. Indirectly, sports enhance city branding and attract long-term investment, making them a key driver of commerce, employment, and social transformation on both local and global scales.
Unity & Inclusion (or the opposite)
Sports have a unique ability to unite people across diverse backgrounds through shared passion and loyalty. Within fandoms, differences in age, race, politics, or social class often fade as supporters rally behind a common team or athlete. Game days become communal experiences—whether in stadiums, sports bars, or living rooms—where strangers become friends over chants, celebrations, and heartbreaks. This collective identity fosters belonging, pride, and connection, sometimes spanning generations of fans. Even in defeat, shared emotions strengthen bonds, making sports fandom not just entertainment, but a powerful social glue that bridges divides and brings people together under one banner.
However, this unity can also create an “us versus them” mentality, where rivalries intensify and opposing fans are seen as adversaries. While often playful, this dynamic can sometimes fuel hostility, especially when competition is fierce, adding another layer of intensity to the sporting experience. One example of this on an international scale was the “Miracle on Ice” Hockey game towards the tail end of the Cold War. The US and Soviet Union really hated each other.