In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner explores the possibility of merging the NFL and NBA with top-level college football and basketball programs, creating a promotion-relegation system similar to European soccer. Dubner interviews sports economist Stefan Szymanski, former NFL player Domonique Foxworth, and sports economist Victor Matheson to discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a system. The conversation covers the history of American and European sports structures, the financial implications for team owners and players, and the potential impact on fan engagement and community involvement. While the guests acknowledge the appeal of increased competition and broader geographic representation, they also raise concerns about the practicality of convincing NFL owners to relinquish their guaranteed value and the potential resistance from college sports enthusiasts. Ultimately, the episode concludes that while the idea is intriguing, the likelihood of its implementation in the near future is slim due to the entrenched interests and financial realities of professional sports in America.
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