Watch The Business of Amateurs

The Business of Amateurs is a 2016 documentary that explores the controversial world of college sports in the United States. Featuring interviews with former collegiate athletes, sports journalists, and NCAA officials, the film highlights the ways in which universities and other organizations profit from the athletic performances of amateur players while providing little compensation or support.

At the center of the film is former UCLA basketball star Ed O'Bannon, who in 2009 filed a lawsuit against the NCAA for using his likeness and image without his permission. O'Bannon's case, which argued that college athletes should receive a share of the money generated by their sports programs, ultimately led to the NCAA being forced to allow schools to offer additional financial benefits such as cost-of-living stipends.

The Business of Amateurs uses O'Bannon's story as a jumping off point to explore the broader financial and ethical issues surrounding college sports in the United States. The film delves into the lucrative television contracts, marketing deals, and endorsement agreements that generate billions of dollars for colleges and universities each year, as well as the ways in which student athletes are exploited by these systems.

The documentary also features interviews with Ramogi Huma, founder of the National College Players Association, which advocates for the rights of college athletes, and Ramona Shelburne, an ESPN journalist who has covered college sports extensively. Huma and Shelburne provide expert commentary on the various issues facing college athletes, including the lack of healthcare benefits and job security, the risks of injury, and the ways in which college sports can inhibit academic and personal development.

Throughout the film, The Business of Amateurs presents a compelling case for reforming the NCAA and its policies regarding college sports. The documentary argues that while college sports can be valuable and rewarding for student athletes, the current system is exploitative and unfair, depriving athletes of proper compensation and resources while enriching universities, broadcasters, and advertisers.

Ultimately, The Business of Amateurs offers a powerful critique of the status quo in college sports, and provides a compelling call to action for athletes, fans, and policymakers alike. Whether you are a die-hard college sports fan or simply interested in issues of social justice and exploitation, this fascinating and thought-provoking documentary is definitely worth a watch.

The Business of Amateurs is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.