The Cartel

Abstract

The NFL is a cartel and has been able to use that power reality in a number of ways to enhance its economic success and in turn increase its power. The Stadium Game comes in many forms but essentially involves using promises and extortion to get new stadiums for its franchises. Expansion is another element in the process. Movement of franchises was restricted until Al Davis and the Los Angeles Municipal Coliseum Commission won their court case to move the Raiders to Los Angeles. There also were struggles over ownership rules pitting Edward Bennett Williams of Washington against the Commissioner. The argument was settled in the court of appeals in NASL v. NFL. These cases opened up an era of movement that further enhanced community exploitation. Among those moving were Baltimore to Indianapolis and Cleveland to Baltimore. Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys took a different and effective route to a new stadium, while others like the Minnesota Vikings threatened movement to get a new stadium. On the other hand, Leonard Tose in Philadelphia is an example of how one could actually drive an NFL franchise to ruin while enriching oneself. These changes diminished the power of the Commissioner.