The literary works of John Smiley

You're Not an Athlete

by John Smiley • 2026

Non-Fiction / Sports Business

An in-depth exploration of the evolving business landscape of college and high school sports. Discover the transformative forces reshaping athletic programs through NIL deals, revenue sharing, gambling, and institutional dynamics.

You're Not an Athlete dives deep into the trillion-dollar business of college and high school sports. This comprehensive analysis examines the seismic shifts reshaping athletic programs: Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements that have fundamentally changed athlete compensation, revenue-sharing models that distribute media rights and broadcasting profits, the explosive growth of sports gambling and its impact on institutional integrity, and the complex interplay between athletes, schools, governing bodies, and commercial interests. Through case studies, market analysis, and forward-looking insights, this book reveals how the business of sports is rewriting the rules of competition, education, and opportunity for the next generation of athletes and institutions.

About the Author

John Smiley is an author and entrepreneur who deconstructs the systems shaping sports, business, and society. With an analytical perspective forged in the world of sports and company building, his work provides a roadmap for understanding how value and power are created. Smiley's writing challenges the status quo and equips his audience with the frameworks to master their environment.

Each book serves as a practical guide for understanding the complex systems that influence modern life. Whether dissecting the economics of sports, exploring business dynamics, or analyzing societal structures, the work is always grounded in rigorous analysis and actionable insights.