The Super Bowl: Lucrative for the NFL, Exploitative for Workers

The Glamorous Halftime Show

Every year, the Super Bowl's star-studded halftime performance captivates viewers worldwide. But behind the scenes, a different story unfolds.

Despite the massive profits earned by advertisers, the workers responsible for setting up the extravagant stage for this 15-minute extravaganza are paid a meager $12 per hour. They toil for up to 48 hours, handling heavy equipment and assembling stage components, without even receiving a ticket to the game.

Cities and Their Unfulfilled Promises

Cities eagerly vie to host the Super Bowl, lured by the NFL's promise of economic prosperity. However, studies show that actual revenue for taxpayers falls short of projections.

Labor Exploitation in the Shadow of Glory

"These are low-paying service industry gig jobs that come with zero benefits," says Michael Edwards, an expert on sports ethics. "The economic impact lines the pockets of corporations and leaks out of the local economy."

Unpaid Labor and Violations

The Super Bowl has a history of labor exploitation. The NFL often relies on unpaid, volunteer work. In past events, production crews recruited unpaid volunteers for field work, violating labor laws. Even when paid, wages often fall below minimum wage.

Questioning the Benefits

"There's always an equity issue," adds Edwards. "The owners should share more profits with labor." Despite players' high-paying contracts negotiated by their powerful union, front-line workers are left behind.

"Built to Host" or Built for Exploitation?

New Orleans, which has hosted the Super Bowl 10 times, has faced criticism for its enforcement of "clean zones" that restrict street vendors and artists from benefiting from the event.

Violent policing of unlicensed vendors, often immigrants, has accompanied Super Bowl events, raising concerns about human rights and social impacts.

A Call for Transparency

"We need to understand all the costs and negative impacts, which don't get enough coverage," says Edwards. "Communities should carefully consider the true value of hosting such mega-sporting events and ensure that any benefits are equitably shared."