Critical Sports Studies

  • opening scene from original Super Mario Bros. video game
    Forty years after the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System, the name remains synonymous with worldwide gaming and technological innovation.
  • Muhammad Ali dodging a hit by Joe Frazier in boxing ring
    Fifty years after the Thrilla in Manila bout launched HBO as a national broadcasting powerhouse, the network continues to shape modern viewing and entertainment.
  • broadcast camera with ESPN Monday Night Football card on side
    Launching a new direct-to-consumer service this week and inking a recent deal to control NFL Media, ESPN continues evolving as the dominant force in sports media.
  • Who Let the Dogs Out single cover
    The Baha Men hit, released 25 years ago, occupies a distinctive spot in music and sports history, along with 鈥淢acarena鈥 and other novelty earworms.
  • Sesame Street muppets and Alan Muraoka wearing party hats on Sesame Street
    Through its more than 100-year history, U.S. public media has represented diverse audiences and broadcast in areas that commercial media hasn鈥檛.
  • June 2025 soccer match between Urawa Red Diamonds and Club Atletico River Plate
    The FIFA Club World Cup, being held through July at venues across the United States, highlights international collaboration and concerns that soccer schedules are too packed.
  • Cy Young pitching
    145 years after Lee Richmond threw the first perfect game in Major League Baseball, pitchers still pursue one of baseball ultimate achievements.
  • Thunderbolts Wheaties box over background of Wheaties
    Recently featured in Marvel blockbuster The Thunderbolts*鈥攁nd with the Thunderbolts featured on a tie-in box鈥擶heaties has been the go-to champion breakfast for 100 years and counting.
  • Coors Field on the Rockies' Opening Day
    Even though Major League Baseball faces an uncertain future entering its 150th season, Opening Day still holds a special place in the culture and fans鈥 hearts.
  • Elated Clemson players celebrate win over Arizona players
    The big business of the annual college basketball tournament, continuing with the second day of First Four games today, has been more than a century in the making.
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