Final answer:
Sports have transformed from folk to popular culture through factors such as the rise of professional and college sports, the commercialization of sports, and the impact of media and technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sports have transformed from folk to popular culture through various factors such as the rise of professional and college sports, the commercialization of sports, and the impact of media and technology. Initially, folk sports were local contests organized around gambling, but they evolved into big business by the turn of the 20th century. The emergence of international sports icons like John L. Sullivan and Babe Ruth helped popularize sports and bring them into the mainstream of American culture. Additionally, the commercialization of sports has allowed for financial and cultural success, as ordinary people now attend sporting events to watch wealthy athletes compete.