BYU Launched Sports Anthropology Course in Fall 2026
The College of Family, Home and Social Sciences introduced a class examining the cultural impacts of modern sports.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in College Life
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In Fall 2026, the College of Family, Home and Social Sciences at BYU launched a new course titled Sports Anthropology. The class focuses on exploring the cultural significance of athletics through topics like fan behavior, financial structures, NIL, and Title IX.
Why it matters
The course was created to address a shortage of student-athletes within the university's anthropology program. It aims to broaden student understanding regarding the global impact of sports on society.
The Sports Anthropology course, designated as ANTHR 390R, is held at the Spencer W. Kimball Tower. Classes meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 a.m. to accommodate student-athlete availability.
The players
Dr. Lynette Finau
Dr. Lynette Finau serves as the instructor for the newly launched Sports Anthropology course at BYU.
BYU
Brigham Young University is a private research institution in Provo that currently offers the anthropology course.
The details
Dr. Lynette Finau instructs the curriculum, which examines the intersection of money, gender equity, and fandom in sports. The course was specifically timed to fit the practice and training schedules of student-athletes in Provo.
Timeline
The Sports Anthropology course launched in Fall 2026.
The course will be available for registration for the Winter 2027 semester.
Culture Shift
The introduction of this course reflects the academic community's response to the rapid commercialization and regulatory evolution of college athletics. By formalizing the study of NIL and Title IX, the institution mirrors a broader societal trend of treating the business of sports as a critical field of inquiry.
Students at the university can now incorporate this specialized class into their schedules during the Winter 2027 semester. The 9 a.m. meeting time is specifically curated to ensure athletes can attend without conflicting with their training obligations.
The takeaway
This course provides a unique opportunity to analyze the financial and social structures that currently define collegiate and professional sports. Students are encouraged to register early for the winter session to ensure a spot in the curriculum.
What happens next
Registration for the Sports Anthropology course will open for the upcoming Winter 2027 semester.
Further reading
Discover more about academic developments on the College Life page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BYU Daily Universe.
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