TheOak

The NFL does not exactly fit the standard business model of a Corporation, Governing body, Small Business....

It does however fit a model that would make a great TV show or movie... Wait, they already made those.. The Sopranos, and The Godfather.

Lets see.. Everyone kicks up a % to the Goodellfather. Sell a ticket, t-shirt, jersey... The Goodellfather gets his cut. Want a commercial during a game, the Goodellfather gets his cut. Want to broadcast or watch the game on TV... the Goodellfather gets his cut.

Need a new stadium or dome, you better get on the streets and squeeze people until you can cover the cost because even though the Goodellfather take 20% of all you do, nothing flows down hill. You have to strong arm cities and states to get what you need.

Dont fork over your 50%? The Goodellfather sends his goonish lawyers after you to shut you down.

Upset the Goodellfather and you may find your self in front of his chair waiting for him to hand down your punishment, a punishment that fits no rhyme or reason, but varies depending on his mood and how much you "earn".
The Goodellfather is the head of 32 families that keep him in power. He decides what they can earn and spend.

I can not think of any business model where the CEO is kept in power by a Board of Directors that he "rules over", delegates punishment to, and dictates policy over. Its normally the Board of Directors that the CEO answers to.

Even the Government has a system of checks and balances.