Experts: Despite Scandals, NFL's Future Likely Secure
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The NFL is a $10 billion business that just might be too big to fail.
While some fans might be appalled by the behavior of players such as Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson, fans and sponsors are still paying and will likely continue to do so "unless or until those folks think that this is a chronic problem," said David Carter, who heads the Sports Business Institute at the University of Southern California.
The sponsors, however, have been applying pressure.
Experts: Despite Scandals, NFL's Future Likely Secure
Peterson, accused of child abuse, was briefly reinstated by the Minnesota Vikings this week before Radisson hotels suspended its sponsorship of the team. Anheuser-Busch and PepsiCo have voiced concerns about domestic violence in the league.
"I think the sponsors are really trying to do right by their consumers, but at the same time, the right business move can oftentimes also be thought of as the best way to cover your behind," Carter told WCBS 880's Peter Haskell.
Robert Boland, who teaches sports business at NYU, said he doesn't think the league has to worry.
"I don't think there'll be much long-term effect," he told Haskell.
"The NFL's bottom line is probably secure," Boland said.
Boland, however, said he thinks the NFL needs clearer policies.
Carter noted that the NFL is now a 24/7 enterprise.
"There is so much interest in what goes on on the field, but then there's the gambling component to it," he said. "Fantasy football leagues are wildly successful."
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