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Head games: Navigating liability and insurance in the NFL

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  • Sabrina Du

Abstract

This teaching case explores the National Football League's (NFL) evolving risk management strategy in response to mounting concussion‐related liability. As research increasingly links repeated head trauma to long‐term neurodegenerative diseases, the NFL has faced a surge in lawsuits, insurance market withdrawal, and reputational challenges. Traditional insurers have grown wary of underwriting the league's liability risks, prompting the NFL to consider self‐insurance as a long‐term solution. This case examines the financial and strategic implications of that decision, drawing on concepts from insurance economics, enterprise risk management, and long‐tail risks, and the role of corporate culture in shaping risk responses. Designed for students in insurance, risk management, or sports economics courses, the teaching case fosters discussion on how large organizations manage uncertainty when traditional risk‐transfer mechanisms fail.

Suggested Citation

  • Sabrina Du, 2025. "Head games: Navigating liability and insurance in the NFL," Risk Management and Insurance Review, American Risk and Insurance Association, vol. 28(3), pages 427-447, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:rmgtin:v:28:y:2025:i:3:p:427-447
    DOI: 10.1111/rmir.70018
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