I was surprised to learn that the NFL hasn’t paid taxes since 1966, when “professional football leagues” were added to the IRS code as non-profit organizations. That put them into the same category as tax-exempt charities, such as the Cancer Society, homeless shelters, and churches. At the same time, they were granted an exemption in the anti-trust regulations, giving them a monopoly in terms of negotiating TV rights, thus saving them even more money. (Maybe they need it to pay the up to $29 million yearly salaries of their top executives and the hefty contracts of their top players?)
It makes me wonder why the items we buy–tickets, hot dogs, beer, team clothing, etc.—are astronomically high. And why we put up with it.
I’ve signed a petition (from a reputable organization) asking Congress to revoke this obscene concession of being granted non-profit status and to insist that the NFL pays their share of taxes. If you’d like to sign it, click on http://www.credomobilize.com/petitions/end-the-nfl-s-charity-tax-break?akid=9865.3296984.wBYovR&rd=1&suppress_one_click=true&t=6.