Yea, but at least where I am it is not as wide-spread and abused as in the US. From what I've heard from people there, it is almost rare to have a non-adjunct/TA the first year when studying. I have been to a few universities in Europe and I have met a total of 1 adjunct ever, and that was a rich software developer who exited tech because she thought it was fun teaching after her career in industry. Now it might be a bit field dependent though, I am in STEM + medicine so maybe it is more widespread in the humanities?
And as for the sports stuff I think I've seen some numbers which suggests football is a net-positive for US universities money wise.
Ah, I must've just missed them then. A bit sad to hear.