THE NCAA CARTEL AND COMPETITIVE BALANCE IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL

The NCAA regulates college football player recruiting, eligibility, an d compensation. The economic theory of cartels suggests that one conse quence may be reduced competitive balance. The enforced restrictions i nhibit weak teams from improving, and protect strong teams from compet ition. A ''stratification'' is implied which should be evident over ti me as less ''churning'' in national rankings and conference standings, and fewer schools achieving national prominence. I test this general hypothesis by comparing various competitive balance measures for about 25 years before and after NCAA enforcement began in 1952. The hypothe sis is supported by all measures;It both the national and conference l evels.