Kenneth L. Shropshire

Kenneth L. Shropshire
  • David W. Hauck Professor Emeritus of Legal Studies and Business Ethics

Contact Information

  • office Address:

    654 Jon M. Huntsman Hall
    3730 Walnut Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19104

Research Interests: contracts, negotiation and dispute resolution, sports law, the sports industry and sports ethics

Links: CV, Personal Website

Overview

Education

JD, Columbia University School of Law, 1980; AB, Stanford University, 1977

Recent Consulting

United States Tennis Association; Miami Dolphins; NFL; Negotiation training and consultation. Expert witness.

Academic Positions Held

Arizona State University: Adidas Distinguished Professor of Global Sport, CEO Global Sport Institute 2017-Present; Wharton: 1986-present.(Director, Wharton Sports Business Initiative, 2004-present; named David W. Hauck Professor, 2001; Chairperson, Legal Studies Department, 2000-2005; Pitney Bowes Term Assistant Professor of Legal Studies, 1986-91). University of Pennsylvania: (Acting Director, Afro-American Studies Program, 1997-98).

Other Positions

Acting Executive Director, RISE, 2016; Attorney, General Business, Sports and Entertainment Practice, 1982-86; Assistant Vice President, Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, 1982-85; Associate, Manatt, Phelps, Rothenberg & Tunney, Los Angeles, 1980-82

Professional Leadership 2005-2009

President, Sports Lawyers Association, 2005-2007

Continue Reading

Research

  • Kenneth L. Shropshire, Athlete Transition from Playing to Real World at all Levels (2019)

  • Kenneth L. Shropshire and Collin D. Williams, Jr. The Miseducation of the Student Athlete: How to Fix College Sports (Wharton Digital Press, 2017)

    Abstract: The student-athlete’s life: practice, gym, weight room, film review, repeat. Simply put, sports come first. Academics is a distant second. As the revenues generated by big-time college sports continue to skyrocket, virtually all of the debate involves whether (and how much) student-athletes should be paid for play. Kenneth L. Shropshire and Collin D. Williams, Jr., argue that “student” has to come first in student-athlete: the focus should be on prioritizing a meaningful education. In The Miseducation of the Student Athlete: How to Fix College Sports, Shropshire and Williams draw on new research to reveal that it has become increasingly difficult for college athletes to balance school and sports, much less a social life, leading to serious economic, professional, and emotional consequences for young people. Given that fewer than 2% of all college men’s basketball and football players will play at the professional level, the other 98% of student-athletes must be prepared to find and perform well in jobs outside of their respective field of play. In this bold call to action, Shropshire and Williams explain how we got here and what can be done about it. They lay out The Student-Athlete Manifesto, a roadmap to increase the likelihood that student-athletes can succeed both on and off the field. They also offer a Meaningful Degree Model, which ensures education pays for everyone, along with stories of success that show it is possible to be both a student and an athlete. A critical read for student-athletes, sports leadership, policy makers, and anyone who loves college sports, The Miseducation of the Student Athlete has the potential to disrupt college sport and create lasting change.

  • Kenneth L. Shropshire and T. Davis, The Business of Sports Agents 3rd ed (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2016)

    Abstract: Successful sports agents are comfortable with high finance and intense competition for the right to represent talented players, and the most respected agents are those who can deal with the pressures of high-stakes negotiations in an honest fashion. But whereas rules and penalties govern the playing field, there are far fewer restrictions on agents. In The Business of Sports Agents, Kenneth L. Shropshire, Timothy Davis, and N. Jeremi Duru, experts in the fields of sports business and law, examine the history of the sports agent business and the rules and laws developed to regulate the profession. They also consider recommendations for reform, including uniform laws that would apply to all agents, redefining amateurism in college sports, and stiffening requirements for licensing agents. This revised and expanded third edition brings the volume up to date on recent changes in the industry, including: —the emergence and dominance of companies such as Creative Artists Agency and Wasserman Media Group —high-profile cases of agent misconduct, principally Josh Luchs, whose agent certification was revoked by the NFLPA —legal challenges against the NCAA that may fundamentally change the definition of amateurism —changes to agent regulations resulting from new collective bargaining agreements in all of the major professional sports —evaluation of the effectiveness of the Uniform Athlete Agents Act (2000) to regulate agent conduct —issues faced by the increasing number of agents representing athletes who work abroad as well as athletes from abroad who work in the United States. Whether aspiring sports agent, lawyer, athlete seeking an agent, or simply interested in understanding the world of sports representation, the reader will find in The Business of Sports Agents the most comprehensive overview of the industry as well as a straightforward analysis of its problems and proposed solutions.

  • Kenneth L. Shropshire, Sport Matters: Leadership, Power, and the Quest for Respect in Sports (Wharton Digital Press, 2015)

  • S. Rosner and Kenneth L. Shropshire, The Business of Sports 2nd ed (2010)

    Abstract: A collection of sports business readings. Edited with Scott Rosner.

  • Kenneth L. Shropshire, Negotiate Like the Pros: A Master Sports Negotiators Lessons for Making Deals, Building Relationships and Getting what you Want (2009)

  • Kenneth L. Shropshire, Being Sugar Ray: The Life of Sugar Ray Robinson, America’s Greatest Boxer and the First Celebrity Athlete (2007)

    Abstract: A biographical study of the boxer Sugar Ray Robinson. That life serves as a prism to view modern-day athletes and the business of sport.

  • Kenneth L. Shropshire and T. Boyd, Basketball Jones: America Above the Rim (2000)

Teaching

Past Courses

  • CPLN999 - INDEPENDENT STUDY

  • LAW 999 - ISP

  • LGST101 - LAW AND SOCIAL VALUES

    This course presents law as an evolving social institution, with special emphasis on the legal regulation of business in the context of social values. It considers basic concepts of law and legal process, in the U.S. and other legal systems, and introduces the fundamentals of rigorous legal analysis. An in-depth examination of contract law is included.

  • LGST204 - REAL ESTATE LAW

    This course examines the fundamentals of real estate finance and development from a legal and managerial perspective. The course serves as a foundation course for real estate majors and provides an introduction to real estate for other students. It attempts to develop skills in using legal concepts in a real estate transactional setting. The course will be of interest to students contemplating careers in accounting, real estate development, real estate finance, city planning, or banking. The main topics covered may include the following: land acquisition, finance; choice of entity; tax aspects; management (leasing, environmental); disposition of real property (sale of mortgaged property, foreclosures, wraparound mortgages, sale-leasebacks); and recent legal developments. Lectures and class discussion required.

  • LGST207 - SPORTS BUSINESS MGMT

    This course examines various business disciplines as they apply to the sports industry. The course provides the student with an overview of the business of the intercollegiate, Olympic and professional sports enterprises. In addition, the course investigates the business related issues encountered by managers of sports organizations and covers how business principles can be applied to effectively address these issues.

  • LGST218 - DIVERSITY & THE LAW

    The goal of this course is to study the role the law has played, and continues to play, in addressing the problems of racial discrimination in the United States. Contemporary issues such as racial profiling, affirmative action, and diversity will all be covered in their social and legal context. The basis for discussion will be assigned texts, articles, editorials and cases. In addition, interactive videos will also be used to aid class discussion. Course requirements will include a term paper and class case presentations.

  • LGST228 - SPORTS LAW

    This course focuses on the areas of association, contract, constitutional, labor, antitrust, and agency law as they apply to the sports industry. This course exposes the student to many of the legal issues facing stakeholders in sport organizations. Special attention is given to the regulation of professional sports leagues promoting competitive balance, as well as antitrust law and labor-management relations dealing with the organization structure of sports leagues. The course also takes an inside look at previous and newly formed collective bargaining agreements and the use of Salary Cap or lack thereof in professional sports leagues. The development of effective communication skills will be emphasized through class presentations, written assignments, and quizzes; leadership and interpersonal communications will be cultivated through small group projects and meetings, and critical thinking and problem solving skills will be fostered through the careful study of case law impacting the sports industry in a variety of facets.

  • LGST299 - SEMINAR IN LAW & SOCIETY

    A study of the nature, functions, and limits of law as an agency of societal policy. Each semester an area of substantive law is studied for the purpose of examining the relationship between legal norms developed and developing in the area and societal problems and needs. Please see department for current offerings.

  • LGST804 - REAL ESTATE LAW

    This course examines the fundamentals of real estate finance and development from a legal and managerial perspective. The course serves as a foundation course for real estate majors and provides an introduction to real estate for other students. It attempts to develop skills in using legal concepts in a real estate transactional setting. The course will be of interest to students contemplating careers in accounting, real estate development, real estate finance, city planning, or banking. The main topics covered may include the following: land acquisition, finance; choice of entity; tax aspects; management (leasing, environmental); disposition of real property (sale of mortgaged property, foreclosures, wraparound mortgages, sale-leasebacks); and recent legal developments. Lectures and class discussion required.

  • LGST806 - NEGOTIATIONS

    This course examines the art and science of negotiation, with additional emphasis on conflict resolution. Students will engage in a number of simulated negotiations ranging from simple one-issue transactions to multi-party joint ventures. Through these exercises and associated readings, students explore the basic theoretical models of bargaining and have an opportunity to test and improve their negotiation skills. Cross-listed with MGMT 691/OIDD 691/LGST 806. Format: Lecture, class discussion, simulation/role play, and video demonstrations. Materials: Textbook and course pack.

  • LGST809 - SPORTS BUSINESS MGMT

    This course examines various business disciplines as they apply to the sports industry. The course provides the student with an overview of the business of the intercollegiate, Olympic and professional sports enterprises. In addition, the course investigates the business related issues encountered by managers of sports organizations and covers how business principles can be applied to effectively address these issues. This course is crosslisted with MGMT815.

  • MGMT291 - NEGOTIATIONS

    This course examines the art and science of negotiation, with additional emphasis on conflict resolution. Students will engage in a number of simulated negotiations ranging from simple one-issue transactions to multi-party joint ventures. Through these exercises and associated readings, students explore the basic theoretical models of bargaining and have an opportunity to test and improve their negotiation skills.

  • MGMT353 - WHARTON FIELD CHALLENGE

    Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of a student? Do you want to set kids on a path to becoming financially literate? Do you want to learn leadership skills in the classroom? Here at the Financial Literacy Community Project (FLCP) we are able to create an experience that achieves all three. We partner with various public schools around the West Philadelphia area and teach concepts integral to financial literacy. We teach a wide range of grades from middle school to high school, and work with students to help them learn how to be financially responsible. In addition to teaching in neighboring high schools, we also have group class meetings run by Professor Keith Weigelt on Mondays from 7:00 PM-8:30 PM. We learn about the disparity of wealth and how to best address it while also learning teaching techniques, classroom strategies, and overall basic financial literacy. A basic understanding of personal financial literacy is required.

  • MGMT691 - NEGOTIATIONS

    This course examines the art and science of negotiation, with additional emphasis on conflict resolution. Students will engage in a number of simulated negotiations ranging from simple one-issue transactions to multi-party joint ventures. Through these exercises and associated readings, students explore the basic theoretical models of bargaining and have an opportunity to test and improve their negotiation skills. Cross-listed with MGMT 691/OIDD 691/LGST 806. Format: Lecture, class discussion, simulation/role play, and video demonstrations. Materials: Textbook and course pack.

  • MGMT893 - ADVANCED STUDY-EMGT

  • OIDD291 - NEGOTIATIONS

    This course examines the art and science of negotiation, with additional emphasis on conflict resolution. Students will engage in a number of simulated negotiations ranging from simple one-issue transactions to multi-party joint ventures. Through these exercises and associated readings, students explore the basic theoretical models of bargaining and have an opportunity to test and improve their negotiation skills.

  • REAL204 - REAL ESTATE LAW

    This course examines the fundamentals of real estate finance and development from a legal and managerial perspective. The course serves as a foundation course for real estate majors and provides an introduction to real estate for other students. It attempts to develop skills in using legal concepts in a real estate transactional setting. The course will be of interest to students contemplating careers in accounting, real estate development, real estate finance, city planning, or banking. The main topics covered may include the following: land acquisition, finance; choice of entity; tax aspects; management (leasing, environmental); disposition of real property (sale of mortgaged property, foreclosures, wraparound mortgages, sale-leasebacks); and recent legal developments. Lectures and class discussion required.

  • REAL804 - REAL ESTATE LAW

    This course examines the fundamentals of real estate finance and development from a legal and managerial perspective. The course serves as a foundation course for real estate majors and provides an introduction to real estate for other students. It attempts to develop skills in using legal concepts in a real estate transactional setting. The course will be of interest to students contemplating careers in accounting, real estate development, real estate finance, city planning, or banking. The main topics covered may include the following: land acquisition, finance; choice of entity; tax aspects; management (leasing, environmental); disposition of real property (sale of mortgaged property, foreclosures, wraparound mortgages, sale-leasebacks); and recent legal developments. Lectures and class discussion required.

Awards and Honors

Undergraduate Excellence in Teaching Award (2010)

Undergraduate Excellence in Teaching Award (2011)

Undergraduate Excellence in Teaching Award (2017)

University of Pennsylvania Martin Luther King Jr. Community Involvement Faculty Award (2017)

100 Most Influential Sports Educators in America

  • Friars Senior Society Faculty Award, 2012

In the News

Knowledge @ Wharton

Wharton Stories

Activity

Latest Research

Kenneth L. Shropshire, Athlete Transition from Playing to Real World at all Levels (2019)
All Research

In the News

Rebranding the NFL: How the League Shifted Its Message on Racial Justice

In a stark turnabout, the NFL is now embracing the same goals of social justice and racial equality that cost quarterback Colin Kaepernick his football career. Experts explain the change and why other brands should follow suit.

Knowledge @ Wharton - 9/11/2020
All News

Wharton Magazine

Race and the Global Sports Business

The current roster of athlete activists is speaking out and redefining the sports industry.

Wharton Magazine - 04/25/2017

Wharton Stories

Taking Time to Reflect: How to Celebrate Juneteenth

Juneteenth, or Black Independence Day, marks the date when enslaved people in Texas received word that President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation more than two and a half years earlier.  Today we celebrate the 155th anniversary of this historic date. On Tuesday, Mayor Kenney declared Juneteenth an official Philadelphia…Read More

Wharton Stories - 06/19/2020
All Stories