We focus on the application of business practices to operate a successful sports organization. For this special blog, topics emphasized are promotion in sport, sport marketing, the development of sport marketing plan, financing a sports organization, sport sponsorships, sales application to the sport industry will be emphasized.
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posted by Dr. Richard Hsiao at
1/23/2007 06:58:00 PM
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“Rangers considering bunker suite project” v.9, i. 37, pg. 7
The Texas Rangers currently have one bunker suite that is between home plate and first base. This suite was built for George W. Bush when he owned the team, but now the suite and the team belong to Hicks. From this suite you can not see the field, you actually have to walk upstairs to your seats. The ownership is considering building 5 more bunkers, which would wrap around home plate. Each of these suites would also come with 16 field level seats. They are currently working to see what the revenue rate would be, and if it would be worth it or not to begin construction. In order for the stadium to build these suites they would have to remove chunks of the current seats, and dig a hole to build the new bunkers. This project would take two years, only building during the off season.
I have never heard of stadiums having bunker suites before. These types of suites might tend to draw more of the wealth crowd to games. I would guess that these people would have access before games to spend time in their bunker enjoying a meal before the game with their friends. Also, the suites come with 16 tickets, which would be nice because it can be difficult to get that many tickets in a good section all together. Overall, I am interested to find out if the Rangers believe they will make more money with five more bunkers, than having club seating there.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:19:00 PM
“Rangers considering bunker suite project” v.9, i.37, pg. 7
The Texas Rangers currently have one bunker suite that is between home plate and first base. This suite was built for George W. Bush when he owned the team, but now the suite and the team belong to Hicks. From this suite you can not see the field, you actually have to walk upstairs to your seats. The ownership is considering building 5 more bunkers, which would wrap around home plate. Each of these suites would also come with 16 field level seats. They are currently working to see what the revenue rate would be, and if it would be worth it or not to begin construction. In order for the stadium to build these suites they would have to remove chunks of the current seats, and dig a hole to build the new bunkers. This project would take two years, only building during the off season.
I have never heard of stadiums having bunker suites before. These types of suites might tend to draw more of the wealth crowd to games. I would guess that these people would have access before games to spend time in their bunker enjoying a meal before the game with their friends. Also, the suites come with 16 tickets, which would be nice because it can be difficult to get that many tickets in a good section all together. Overall, I am interested to find out if the Rangers believe they will make more money with five more bunkers, than having club seating there.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:19:00 PM
"Rangers considering bunker suite project" vol 9, iss 37, pg 7 by: Lauren Fitzmorris
This article talks about the Texas Rangers Baseball team wanting to put in five bunker suites wrapping around home plate at their Ameriquest Field. In doing this they will introduce new ultra-premium ticket packages containing 16 field-level seats. If construction is approved it will span during the next two offseasons and will be completed for the 2009 season.
Ameriquest Field is follow in suit of other MBL fields that already have the bunker suites at their stadiums. In building these bunkers, the Rangers hope to turn the suites into big moneymakers for the teams. There are downsides to the bunkers, one being that the location behind home plate is a prime location for tv cameras recording the game.
I think that these bunkers coulld be the futer prime suites of the MLB. The NBA already have suite options like these at their arenas and they are doing quite well.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:21:00 PM
Making of an icon NFL style
vol. 9, I 37, pg. 1
This article was really interesting. It talked about the men and women who make the Vince Lombardi Championship Trophy. The famous Tiffany and Co. is that company that gets the honor of making this great trophy. The Lombardi trophy itself is 22 inches tall, 7 pounds and made of sterling silver. To make this one trophy Tiffany estimates they spend about 90 hours. THe Vince Lombardi Trophy is not the only trophy Tiffany and Co. make. Some of the other trophies they make are the world series, NBA and U.S. Open tennis tourn. trophies just to name a few. Tiffany also makes duplicate trophies for some teams if they request it. For the most part though they try and keep the trophies they make one of a kind.
This article was interesting to read because I didn't know that Tiffany and Co. made trophies. I have only ever heard of them making expensive jewelry. I also think that its neat that they make the trophies even though they aren't a major part of their revenue. In the end Tiffany says that keep making the trophies for all the different sporting championships because it brings joy to alot of people and what better reason it there then that.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:22:00 PM
New NHL uniforms ready to wear
vol. 9, Issue 37, pg. 6
This article is about Reebok's new streamlined NHL uniforms. The Rbk Edge Uniform system combines more form-fitting jersey's with pants offering better protection and improved moisture-management. Reebok claims that the uniforms are 14 percent lighter before the game and 25 percent lighter at the end of the contest. The new hockey uniforms took close to three years to develop. The new uniforms will be worn for the first time on February 24 at the 55th annual NHL All-Star game. Fans may currently purchase the All-Star uniforms, but will have to wait until September to purchase the uniform of their favorite team. Authentic jerseys will be $249, which is the same as the current authentic jerseys. Pricing for the replica jerseys has yet to be determined.
I like that Reebok took the time to develop these new uniforms. Not only are they for the athletes benefit, but they will also help to increase the speed of the game and take away the clutching and grabbing element, since the uniforms fit better to the body. Reebok also surprised me by not increasing the price of these new jerseys. Usually when a new product is introduced it costs more than the current model.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007 3:59:00 PM
Name change would make Canton the NFL Hall of Fame
Vol. 9, Issue 37, pg.8
The article I reviewed deals with the National Football League's plan to rename the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, to the NFL Hall of Fame. NFL representatives say the plan is still under consideration, while the Hall of Fame's front office denies even knowing of any planned name change.
I don't see any reason for a change in name. The name has been the same for 43 years, why it is necessary to change the name now to the "NFL Hall of Fame"? Every fan of the game knows that the NFL is and always has been the dominant league and the dominant brand of football in America. I don't think we need a name change to realize this. The article points out that a name change could lead to traveling Hall of Fame exhibits (sponsored, of course), and better integration of league sponsors with the Hall. I don't think I want to see a banner for Diet Pepsi hanging over the bust of Vince Lombardi. A hall of fame should be about recognizing and honoring the history the game's greatest players. Not another way for the league to line its pockets. The NFL is already the #1 professional sports league in the world, a tremendous finacial success. They don't need sponsorship invading the Hall of Fame to maintain their success. The Hall should remain independent and not for profit.
Thursday, January 25, 2007 11:54:00 AM
"NBA, Amp'd bring live games to mobile phones"
Vol. 9, Issue 37, pg.3
In the report, it is obvious that Amp’d have a first-mover advantage in the telecommunication market because it can provide 3G service to its customers before its competitor (T-Mobile) can do. With this advantage, Amp’d will potentially attract many cellphone users who love NBA basketball games to switch their telecommunication company to Amp’d.
This new entertainment service will benefit big NBA basketball fans by providing them a live game as they are not available to be in front of their TVs. In addition, there will be huge commercial potential to attract investment from advertising during game time, especially during play off games.
Friday, January 26, 2007 3:38:00 AM
"NBA, Amp'd bring live games to mobile phones"
Vol. 9, Issue 37, pg.3
This article is about the AMP'd live mobile entertainment service, and its addition of the NBA. The AMP'd service now offers not only NBA highlights and post game recaps, but it actually offers live NBA games. AMP'd has an advantage in that it is the first company to offer the thechnology that is needed to provide the live games. Not only will AMP'd earn a profit from intense NBA fans who can now see their favorite teams play no matter where they are, but they will earn a profit on major corporations advertising through their service, especially with the NBA all star weekend, and the NBA playoffs in the near future.
I think the addition of this service to AMP'd is amazing. I'm sure that the technology will reach other mobile service providers soon, and I think that is is great that people can catch a game no matter what the circumstance may be.
Friday, January 26, 2007 10:16:00 AM
“NBA, Amp’d bring live games to mobile phones”
Vol. 9, Issue 37, pg.3
People can use mobile phones to watch sport games. Amp’d Mobile provides NBA to its Live mobile entertainment service. NBA used to cooperate with T-Mobile, but T-Mobile does not have 3G services. Amp’d become the first company that provides live game services. This technology will bring Amp'd a lot of profits.
This technology is good for people who don not have time to sit in front of television. People can use cell phone to know the progress of match when they are in workplace or school.
Saturday, January 27, 2007 1:08:00 AM
"NBA, Amp'd bring live games to moblie phone" pg 3 v 9 issue 37
I cannot believe where techonolgy has gone! Seriously, can we not leave our homes and do our daily lives without sports and our phones?!? Its bad enough that we can now use our phones as an IPOD but also now to watch games?! We cannot seperate our work lives from our personal lives from our sport lives. We need to get over the fact that there is more to life than sports and our phones.
This article talks about how the NBA has a 1 million deal with T-moblie to air NBA games on phones. Amp'd has 100,000 subscribers which doesnt compare to the 67 million U.S homes that can watch the games on TV.
I think its jus the point that we have gone too far. Phones should be used to call people...not for everything else and then some!
Saturday, January 27, 2007 9:53:00 PM
“Office Depot takes care of biz extends its NASCAR deal” V9 I37 P4
Office Depot originally signed a two year deal for the 2005 and 2006 racing seasons. With the deal Office Depot became NASCAR’s official office product supplier. The new deal is expected to be of the same length as the original deal, two years. The deal also includes partnership in International Speedway Corp. and Speedway Motorsports Inc. tracks. Office Depot also gets to continue its “Official Small Business of NASCAR” promotional sweepstakes. A business is randomly chosen and is allowed to the NASCAR brand and gets a space on Carl Edwards’s car.
It was good to see a little loyalty by Office Depot and NASCAR and continue right now successful partnership. Business and sports can get ruthless at times and both at times tend to get money hungry and it could end a good relationship. Also have to commend Office Depot on the opportunities it has given small business allowing them to promote their companies to a national audience.
Sunday, January 28, 2007 8:00:00 PM
"New NHL uniforms ready to wear"
V-9, I-37, P-6
This particular article discusses another of Reebok's innovations in the world of professional hockey. As mentioned by a previous user - the article specifically outlines the new "Edge" uniform system and the benefit these jerseys and pants will provide for the NHL players.
Along with promising better protection and improved moisture-management, Reebok also claims the uniforms will mean less fatigue for the players.
The article also mentions that about half of the teams in the NHL have already practiced in the new jerseys, whereas the entire league will be in the uniforms for next season.
The overall look of the uniform is excellent, as it not only claims better protection and moisture-management, but also creats a tighter jersey which will likely cut down on the grabbing from less-skilled, defensive players. It seems as though Reebok has taken the stance to try and create a football-type jersey for use in the NHL. Great move for a great company. To this point, Reebok has basically kept all of the former equipment they've purchased (from KOHO, CCM and Jofa) and simply put the "RBK" logo on it as their own. This is a great move for Reebok, as they are not trying to fix great products by changing everything about them (take notice, Nike).
This is the first major innovation the RBK company has introduced to the NHL, and I believe they have chosen a great avenue for this leap. Whether you're a hockey fan or not, you will certainly take notice to the uniforms above all else.
Sunday, January 28, 2007 8:54:00 PM
"SNF" perks up the Peacock. pg 1,32. vol. 9, issue 37.
The power of football once again has shown its special impact on the economics in the USA. This time it has taken over the NBC network. A New $3.6 billion, six year deal for NBC to run " Sunday Night football" has pulled NBC out of the rating cellar. NBC's prime time rating among males 18-49 is up 36 percent, which puts it at the top of the list. Also, Sunday Night Football has helped other shows like Heroes become the 5th most watched show in the 18-49 age group. The pure power of the NFL is also well documented as in 1987, The NFL capulted becuase ESPN was brought into americas most influential sports brand.
To me this article was showing once again the influence of Americas favorite sport, football. I remember the days when NBC was the network that everyone watched(come one, save by the bell, hang time, california dreams, the network had it all). However, now it had to use billions of dollars just to put it back in 3rd place among the big networks. But i have a feeling and so do many, that it is going to be almost impossible for them to make 3.6 billion dollars back and make somne revune especially if they are only getting $400,000 for 30 second spots during the game and this was at the year end.
Remember life is a garden, dig it
Sunday, January 28, 2007 9:33:00 PM
Bottom line favors hoops for ACC’s N.C. schools – vol. 9 issue 36
This article deals compares the revenue brought in by football and basketball from the teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The author gives plenty of numbers to show how the basketball programs are making more money than football programs, where some schools actually lost money. One reason for this difference is due to the fact that most of these schools have large basketball arenas that can generate more ticket sales revenue. Not only is there a big difference in equipment costs and coach’s salaries, but there is also a huge difference in the number of players and scholarships awarded between basketball and football. So, while football often produces more revenue than basketball, the expenses easily outweigh that of basketball.
I can easily see how this is true in the ACC environment. Every year the ACC is arguably the best conference in college basketball while the conference falls somewhere in the middle in college football. Every team is in the hunt for the ACC basketball title every year, but in football there always seems to be three or four teams always fighting for the championship. But with equal funds sharing in the college situation, teams like Wake Forest can now compete for both championships.
Monday, January 29, 2007 8:44:00 AM
”NHL cap creates a new class of scouts” vol. 9 iss 37 pag.3
I think that it’s very interesting that new rules change the way of thinking in the clubs. A small industry has emerged as a result of the new salary ceiling. In the future this way of thinking could be more used then it is today. In transfers and negotiations with players it’s going to be more and more important to find the precise, right player. That’s why I think that these new agents work is important but I also think that all agents are going to take this in consideration in the future as a normal part in there work.
I also agree with Tom Lynn who says that the consulates need to become more multidimensional before they are worthwhile. But as I said above I think they are going to be important in the future.
Monday, January 29, 2007 4:33:00 PM
“Sports positioned as gateway to Asia” Vol 9, Issue 37, Page 12
This topic is very interesting for me, because I never put Australia in a part of economic body in Asia. Based on what happened in Australia, the author had the idea to find a gateway to Asia sports market from Australia.
In my point of view, I partly agree with this article. From the geographic point of view, the Australia should have a lot of connections with Asia in the global. And there are a lot of different cultures and sports favorites within the Australia as within Asia. In Asia, some countries like badminton, some of them love soccer, and some of them are crazy about other sports. So based on the sports business experiences in Australia, marketer can try to use some methods which come from Australia to develop the different sports markets in Asia. People shouldn’t always try to develop one sport in a whole country or a whole big area. For example, in China, we basically have two different cultures between north part and south part of area. Maybe football will be popular in the north part of China and there will be a big tennis league in south part of China.
But those marketers form western countries shouldn’t forget the difference between Asia and western countries, such as the culture, the income of the people and the social structure. Anyway, I believe that the Australia can be a gateway for sports to Asia.
Monday, January 29, 2007 8:01:00 PM
“Grey Goose vodka steps up to Breeders’ Cup race sponsorship”
Vol. 9, Issue 37, pg.33
This article is about a familiar brand of vodka, Grey Goose, signed a three-year deal to become a sponsor of Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. A manager for Grey Goose, Britt West said that it would be very fit if Breeders’ Cup cooperates with their company.
Actually, we can see there is often relationship between a horse racing and sponsorships of tobacco and wine. Form this article, it indicates that although the Breeders’ Cup have found a hard-alcohol to sponsor them, it still keeps open other chances for beer and wine categories. Britt West also said the Breeders’ Cup will become the world’s best of thoroughbred racing after Grey Goose’s sponsor. I think it is the reason that an event should find a fitting sponsor.
Monday, January 29, 2007 8:05:00 PM
"Dew Tour looks for leadoff site" i9, v37, p7
This article is about the Dew Action Sports Tour that takes place every year in the summer, with events including bmx and skateboarding. According to the cities and how they bid will determine the winner in which the tour with begin there. This year they have added Cleveland to the list of stops because of the great outcome it had for the Gravity Games, a similar type of contest, in 2002-2004. The tour decided to keep its two biggest attendance cities, Portland and Orlando. This is something that definitely needs to be thought about and decided shortly so sponsors and plans can be made asap for each of the additional cities, including the main starting one.
Monday, January 29, 2007 9:25:00 PM
Stadiums strengthen their wireless coverage
Brent Baird
Volume 9 issue 37
This article discuses the move by many major stadiums to “go wireless”. They are adding new equipment to enable or boost the signal service with in the steel structures of the stadium. The addition of this equipment has many advantages for the operating organizations; they can increase the operations of concessions, enhance communications and provide an expanded service to the media in attendance.
From a management stand point the enhanced communication is vital to safety and security planning. In this day and time with threats to large public gatherings and the mere size of stadiums the ability for security and first responders to have the ability to talk to each other, even in the depths of the stadium is a necessity to secure and service the fans in attendance. An enhanced communication system will also allow the stadium to employ fewer staff to cover larger areas of the stadium, thus saving money while providing better coverage.
The service also provides and added income for companies to sponsor the service or for people to tap in to the service. It also allows more media to cover the games and provide an enhanced and wider media coverage which will allow the event/team to be promoted in many more outlets. However I feel that this is an added benefit to having the wireless ability, for the safety and convenience of the fans in attendance.
Monday, January 29, 2007 9:31:00 PM
"'White Pele' adds sizzle to U.S. soccer," 9, 36, p. 1.
As the article states, David Bechkham will bring a lot of attention to the game of soccer in the United States. It will probably be more attention than any other time in history considering his mega contract that was recently signed.
But in my opinion, although he signed an unprecedented contract that is for a ridiculous amount of money regardless of what sport he plays, the thing that will prevent him from being a real superstar in the American sports scene is in fact the sport that he plays.
It doesn't matter that he signed for 250 million. He still plays soccer. It doesn't matter that it was a really big deal for him to come to America. He still plays soccer. And until futher notice, no one cares about soccer, and I seriously doubt that one player, regardless of how popular he is, will change that.
He may be one of the most popular and recognizable sports figures across the globe. But the thing is, most Americans are oblivious to that stuff. Americans don't know that Michael Shumacher is probably the best athlete in the world in terms of earning money.
Sure, Americans love guys like Tiger Woods and Tom Brady and Dwyane Wade, but they don't really care unless its a mainstream sport. That's why David Beckham will never approach Tiger Woods status. He'll be lucky to get Andy Roddick status. And that's considering the fact that tennis isn't that popular.
Monday, January 29, 2007 10:41:00 PM
"NBA, Amp'd bring live games to mobile phones"
Volume 9 Issue 37 January 22-29, 2007
It was only a matter of time before wireless cell phones would be able to carry live streams of sports games at the click of a button. The NBA and commissioner David Stern have reached an agreement to be at the forefront of this technilogical revolution.
The involvement of the internet, cell phone, and satelitte television has continued to allow the avid sports fan to view their teams, and also their favorite sports, from various avenues from any market (small or large). For a fan in Indiana Pa (myself) this is a gift from the sports lords. For every single Philadelphia Phillies game, I am able to go on my computer (as long as I have internet) and watch my favorite baseball team (for a small fee of $79.99 a season).
The NBA is piggy backing on this phenomenon by going global with their use of cellualr devices to broadcast live games. For all the business travelers who are stuck in airports without internet usage, or traveling in their cars, or even relaxing on vacation, there is a new technology that can allow them to watch these games. The NBA only plans on releasing 40 or so league games throughout this season but expect that number to grow larger as the technology and interest begins to gain steam. The NBA is also offering another service which gives video highlights from all the leagues action with this service. For a sports fan on the go, it is like having Mobile ESPN.
The NBA is taking a chance with their provider though as Amp'd only has around 100,000 subscribers at the present. They also have an exclusive agreement with T-Mobile allowing T-Mobile to designate themselves as the offical NBA provider. T-Mobile does not have this service yet, so the NBA decided to jump the chance to get it early with another carrier. This may confuse some of the loyal NBA fans who will not know which brand to identify with.
While financial terms were not available to the public, time can only tell whether or not this was a good business venture. The NBA will either be looked at as a pioneer for cellular device live broadcasting or will go down as a failure similar to AT&T's M-Life campaign.
Monday, January 29, 2007 11:53:00 PM
"Making of an icon, NFL style" Volume 9 Issue 37 January 22-28, 2007
I knew that the Super Bowl trophy and all the other championship trophies looked glamourous and seemed like alot of work had been put in to create the trophy, however, I never knew that the Tiffany, & Co was the sole creator of almost all championship throphies that are made.
The trophy for the NFL which is called the Lombardi Trophy was named in honor of the late Vince Lombardi who won the first two Super Bowls ever played. "The trophy takes up to 90 man-hours to make, sometimes taking as long as four to six months depending on how much other work has to be done."
"Tiffany has been making championship sports trophies since 1860 and has a virtual monopoly." The company says that "the trophies help cement that Tiffany is creating awards for the world's most recognizable athletes and it's the same company you can use for awards to recognize your own employees."
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 9:55:00 AM
“MLS sked spreads Beckham around Galaxy visit penciled in for each market in second half” v. 9, i. 38, p. 1 & 35.
David Beckham might be one of the most known soccer players and soon he will be playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy. The MLS has scheduled the Galaxy to appear in each of the 12 cities in their division. Beckham will bring in revenue that the MLS has never seen in the United States before. It is said that “Beckham would boost revenue by more than $100,000.” Beckham jerseys as well as other merchandise will become more popular across our country. I have a feeling that Beckham will become one of the most popular giveaway items at MLS games.
Soccer fanatics as well as non soccer fans have heard the name David Beckham. The differences between the two are their views on whether Beckham will make a difference in the States. I believe that Beckham’s appearance and name will bring fans to fill stadiums. But for those who are soccer fans know that all Beckham has to offer is amazing corner kicks and incredible free kicks. Other than that Beckham is just any other player on the field. I do not believe that is a standout player, but I do believe that he is going to bring a lot of people to fill stadiums across the United States. The youth will have a local soccer player to watch and an idol to become. This could also help to increase the number of children playing soccer in our society across the country.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 9:42:00 PM
"NFL adds to XL success" vol 9, iss 38, pg 7, by Lauren Fitzmorris
Does having this Super Bowl number being "XLI" really make a difference in the promotions of this years big game? Well since last years Suber Bowl XL had sponsers put in $330 million, some might say yes.
This years sponsorship dollars are as close to the level of last years, but "broadcasters, licensees and corporate partners have used the Super Bowl theme and colors as much, if not more, because they saw the success everyone had with XL." The NFL has been trying to get sponsors to buy into seasonlong marketing plans, and they are now starting to come around.
I really don't think that it makes a difference how the Super Bowl is promoted, but I do like the idea of having a set logo that can be used the same on all types of advertising. So should the number of the game make a difference? If it does watch a different sport.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 12:51:00 PM
"Riding the Montoya revolution" vol 9, iss 38, pg 1 and 36
Can one man lead NASCAR to fan bases in Russia, Asia, and Latin America? Well Juan Pablo Montoya will certainly be leading the way when he makes his full season debut in the NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit at the Daytona 500 on February 18th. Montoya is a former open wheel racing champion who has won the Indy 500 and Formula-1 racing championships. Formula-1 has many of its races outside of North America so building a fan base in Asia and Latin America is not as difficult as it is in NASCAR. But, since the popular driver is heading to stock car racing look for more of a world-wide audience to be taking notice of the sport. Montoya will be racing the Chip Ganassi Texaco/Havoline No.42 Dodge this season. With his world-wide following ESPN has named Montoya as one of five "Next" athletes. He will also be busy with promotional appearances for his major sponser's Dodge, Texaco/Havoline, Wrigley's and Oakley.
I think having Juan Pablo Montoya compete in NASCAR is great for the sport of stock car racing. Montoya is a big name in openwheel racing and will bring many of his fans with him to the Nextel Cup circuit. Also, while NASCAR has been growing more popular here in the U.S., they have yet to capitalize on the foreign market outside of North America. Adding a driver who is popular all over the world to the mix, will help NASCAR grow from America's largest spectator sport to possible one of the world's most popular sports. And thats a fact.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 3:14:00 PM
“NFL adds to XL success”
Volume 9 Issue 38 January 29-February 4, 2007
NFL uses “One Game. One Dream.” and XLI as imagery of Super Bowl this year. Preparing for the new Super Bowl season, NFL is still looking for more and more sponsors to support this year’s Super Bowl. Sponsors can put the symbol and slogan of Super Bowl XLI on their products.
I think it is not difficult for NFL to find sponsors, because football is the most famous sports game in USA. Thousands of people watch Super Bowl. It is the good chance for companies promote brands or products through Super Bowl.
Thursday, February 01, 2007 12:34:00 PM
"Dolphin Stadium adds event space"
Volume 9 Issue 38 January 29-February 4, 2007 pg 24
The Miami Dolphins are upgrading their stadium in hopes to get on a super bowl appearance cycle. Wayne Huizenga, the owner of the Dolphins is spending $250 million dollars on the overall project. The construction has already begun and will be displayed this year when the super bowl is there. The rest of the project is expected to be completed before the 2007 season and it will create more ticket sales and provide more high-profile spots for advertisers.
I think that this push by Huizenga and the Dolphins will put the other owners in a race to try to keep up with the high tech renovating of their respective stadiums because hosting a super bowl in your stadium is a big deal and a huge money maker.
Thursday, February 01, 2007 2:40:00 PM
"Turner thinks strong schedule will turn around NBA ratings"
Vol. 9, Issue 38, pg.12
Definitely, most of profit of sports broadcast TV programs came from advertising, and sports fans are the main objectives that advertising wants to focus on. Since Michael Jordan’s retirement in 2003 and competition among various sports, NBA basketball games seem to lose some of its audiences. Once broadcasting of games is not scheduled on the week days, it would also increase the run-off rate of NBA fans.
ABC Sports /ESPN is making a good decision that building “NBA Sunday” brand to draw their previous audiences back and to attract potential audiences’ attention. The building of the “NBA Sunday” brand will also bring a more comfortable time for all of the family members to appreciate games and interest the office people who don’t have to work on week days.
Friday, February 02, 2007 3:01:00 AM
Warm Weather perfect for parties
vol. 9, I. 38, pg. 21
THis article talks about how since the Super bowl is in a warm climate this year people are throwing crazy out door parties to promote their product. Some of the parties they talk about are playboys many parties promoting Sony playstation PSP portable game. The Madden bowl finals which are being held at Camo Hotel. One of the largest parties is going to be the "Motorola Mile" party. They are closing of 10 blocks of Ocean Drive for 1 large party open to everyone.
I think it is great advertising on the part of these companies to have a large party in Miami Beach to get people excited about there product and have fun while being at the Super Bowl. Miami is a good place for all these events to take place because it is such a warm and fun area to be in and then add the excitment of the Super bowl and its an advertisers dream.
Friday, February 02, 2007 4:13:00 PM
"NFL adds to XL success" v 9 issue 38, p 7.
This article discusses many points about marketing after Super bowl XL. The marketing platforms were afraid that they would not be as successful without a "round number" therefore, they are using the "One game. One dream" motto for this years Super Bowl.
This has been a good marketing platform and has done well so far. Many companies such as Coors, Motorola, Pepsi and Frito-Lay have had great adds to promote the fact that is Super Bowl XLI. For example, Coors has an add out that has 400 million cans and bottles with NFL imager and Burger King's building wrap in Miami. They all have jumped on the this chance to promote not only Super Bowl XLI, but their products as well. The VP of consumer products states that these promos are well integrated, if not better, than any Super Bowl.
The companies are working hard and are now faced with trying to come up with a theme and promos for Super Bowl XLII.
Saturday, February 03, 2007 7:07:00 PM
"NFL Experience inside Security Ring at Dolphin Stadium" v 9 issue 38, p 7.
So what is the NFL Experience? does anyone know? It is 800,000 square feet of sponsor-driven attratctions, games, food stands and merchandise. This attraction will begin operation inside the the NFL's secured perimeter, a tightly controlled zone that is within 300 yards from Dolphin Stadium.
This is the first time since the 9/11 attacks that the nlf experience has now been located within the super bowl stadium vicinity Now the nfl anticipates that the protable theme park will generate more game day business. Compared to what it did last year in Detroit, in which the NFL Experience was several blocks away.
I am a big fan of these type of attractions like the nfl experience, all-star weekends in baseball and basketball because it brings fans closer the game and to the players. Also these attractions often donate tons of money to help build certain out reach programs. For instance, the NFL will donate 1 million dollars from the gate revenue to build youth education centers in the super bowl markets. Also the prices at these type of events are very reasonable and I feel this helps individuals who are at a lower class experience some fun that is involved with the super bowl activates ($15 for adults and $10 children under 12)
Remember: When I was in China on the All-American Ping Pong team, I just loved playing ping-pong with my Flexolite ping pong paddle.
super bowl predictions: I want the colts to win but bears will claw their way to victory 21-17.
Sunday, February 04, 2007 11:21:00 AM
“MLS sked spreads Beckham around Galaxy visit penciled in for each market in second half”
Volume 9 issue 38, p35
David Beckham is the new face for MLS soccer. Last year no one would have even imagined David Becham playing in the MLS, especially since the MLS doesnt compare to the English Primier League. Many people claim that he is the Michael Jordan of soccer. Winning championships for the Manchester United, many people expect for the Los Angeles galaxy (his new team) to win the championship. This is definetely a very good investment for the Galaxy as they have already sold many season tickets. Me being a former soccer player myself, and a current coach, can't name any MLS players except David Beckham.
As the soccer season begins you may see the first soccer jersey to be sold in stores such as champs, and foot locker. With soccer growing in popularity in the states, now die-hard fans have the opportunity to wear soccer jerseys. This will also bring revenue to the Galaxy. David Beckham is definetely big since he is getting the highest salary in MLS history, and the MLS is expecting to fill stadiums everywhere the Galaxy go.
Im not really a fan of his, but when i first had heard of the news I was very shocked because of who he is and who he played for. The first thing that came to my mind is why would he want to stop playing for one of the most prestigous leagues and come to the states to play for a league thats not really that popular. Also many people compare him to Michael Jordan, but yet, but yet Jordan won the gold medal for the United States in 1992. Beckham has never won the world cup, and there are a lot of players who I think that are just as good as him if not better in the world. I know that he will bring revenue to MLS, and the galaxy, but I do feel that he is gaining to much hype for his own good.
Sunday, February 04, 2007 11:12:00 PM
“MLS sked spreads Beckham around Galaxy visit penciled in for each market in second half”
Volume 9 issue 38, p35
David Beckham is coming to the MLS. He will be joining the Los Angeles Galaxy in July. Beckham is expected to bump up revenue by 4 million dollars league wude. The MLS has decided to sell ticket packages to the fans, that are a bundle of games, one of which would give them a chance to see Beckham play.
I personally don't think that Beckham is that great of a soccer player. He's decent, but he is no better than any other guy in the MLS. However, he is a big name in soccer, and by coming to the MLS, I think he will make soccer more populat in the US. He will be a role model for younger kids who play soccer, and hopefully he will at least spark an intrest in other people to watch some soccer.
It's obvious that he is going to bring lots of money to the MLS, ticket sales have already started to increase. He may not be the best soccer player in the world, however once Beckham gets to LA, and starts making appearances in different states, Beckham maddness is going to be huge.
ps. David Beckham is hot. THATS A FACT!!
Monday, February 05, 2007 11:58:00 AM
“ MLS sked spreads Beckham around “ Vol 9, Issue 38, Page 1 and 35
I agree with this article. This article told me the marketing strategies which are made by the MLS sales team to collect money to bring the David Beckham to MLS. And this article also describes the impact of the Beckham’s coming for the American soccer.
The soccer is not a top popular sports in the United States. But it is developing so fast in the US now. In America, not all people like soccer, so that is why only 12 cities have soccer teams now. In America, football, baseball, ice hokey and basketball are the top sports in the national wide. So the marketer of the MLS chose the 12 cities which are more international to accept this international wide sport. Like any other new sports which are going to be developed, soccer league is lack of money now, because people don’t have enough confidence of soccer in the US. So the marketers need to get more and more attendance of the soccer stadiums in MLS to help the sponsors to build up the confidence for the future of the MLS.
I think the strategies for the Beckham’s coming are very efficient. Because the ownerships of the MLS may not have so much money for bringing Beckham here for some whole seasons. But his coming is a kind of stimulation. The whole world will move the eyes from the European soccer and south American soccer to north American soccer. This must bring MLS a fast growth.
Monday, February 05, 2007 4:12:00 PM
“NHL-Versus relationship looks smooth as ice” V9, I38, P8
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced, during the all-star week, that NHL will be on the Versus network next year and three years after that. Since the NHL has back from its lockout its number of home viewer ship by eight million. This positive after the NHL received criticism for people not being able to find the network. With the deal Versus is contractually obligated to spend $20 million on promotions each year.
It is important to for the NHL to establish itself as a major sport in North America again. However it is difficult for them to do that when they are on a network no one knows about or one that not all cable companies provide. I believe the NHL has to find a better way to expose itself to the audience that they lost during the lockout
Monday, February 05, 2007 6:29:00 PM
"NFL adds to XL success"
Vol. 9, Issue 38, pg.7
According to the successful marketing of last year’s Super Bowl XL, league marketers discovered that Super Bowl can’t receive same support without a round number. In order to attract more supporters, marketers promote this year’s Super Bowl as “One Game. One Dream.”
NFL has made a plan for getting more sponsors to buy into seasonlong marketing platform for a long time. This year, NFL has done a great job of getting several famous sponsorships, such as Coors, Motorola, Pepsi, Frito-Lay and Sirius. These sponsorships also use NFL’s slogan “One Game. One Dream.” to promote their merchandise. I think this kind of marketing could be mutually beneficial.
Monday, February 05, 2007 7:52:00 PM
‘Slaves’ a chronicle of pain, progress pg 28 vol 9 iss
This article is about the a book that William C. Rhoden has written about how little things has changed in the exploitation of black athletes, despite theguge salaries they command, he goes on to say its not about the money. The intense situation that will always stick out in my head is the example that is give about Dikembe Mutombo, an NBA center for the Houston Rockets. In 2006-07 season an ignorant fan called him a monkey. Witch in this article says inspired the book.
This is just a piece form http://www.dmf.org/About.html..
“Honored with USA Weekend Magazine’s “Most Caring Athlete Award,” NBA All-Star Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean Jacques Mutombo of the Houston Rockets has long been dedicated to improving the health, education and quality of life for the people in his birthplace, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Created in 1997, the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation is attempting to eradicate many childhood diseases that have virtually disappeared in developed countries while those diseases are still life threatening to children in the Congo everyday….”
I wanted to throw this piece out there to show what we probably will have to deal with this in one way or form in our field. No matter the credentials of the minority being disrespected, no matter how big there name is, there is ignorance out there.
Monday, February 05, 2007 8:52:00 PM
"NHL-Versus relationship looks smooth as ice..."
V-9, I-38, PG-8
This particular article outlines the NHL's master plan to televise numerous games (regular-season and playoff) for the next four seasons (including the current season) on the sports network "Versus." This particular network signed the deal with the NHL in the summer of 2005, however no one really heard of this because of the lost season of 2004-2005. Along with the lock-out came the disinterest in who would carry the NHL's games if and when the lockout would end.
I, like many apparently, had major troubles finding the NHL All-Star game on Versus. I was angry when I could not find the game on NBC, ABC or ESPN. I wasn't even sure of the night of the game because I heard nothing of it - because I didn't even know of the channel "Versus." I finally found the game on this channel about 20 minutes before they dropped the puck. It took a lot of searching on DirecTV, but luckily, I do have the channel.
I love the NHL, but I have to say, someone "dropped the ball" on this one. I am very happy to have the channel Versus, but it was dumb luck that got me to it on All-Star night. C'mon NHL... it's going to take more than luck to get people interested in hockey again.
Monday, February 05, 2007 8:55:00 PM
MLS sked spreads Beckham around
Volume 9 Issue 38
Brent Baird
Beckham may just be the spark MLS need to start gaining attention in the United States. While I don’t believe that MLS will ever really challenge any of the big professional sports in this country, an event like bringing David Beckham may just bring it out of the shadows and into the light of main stream media and fan attention. While Beckham’s limelight might be fading in Europe, he will definitely bring in the attention to a sport that is still tiring to find it’s identity in the United States. For example just look at the attention the announcement of his move to the galaxy has received. People were talking about it all over the world, and many people, soccer fans, the media, and business men all over the United States stood up and took notice. He has brought much attention and he hasn’t even finished moving yet. The impact is great to MLS, the schedule is being impacted, and all of the teams in the league stand to benefit. The packaging of games by many of the franchise team is a major move in generating revenue and making the league stronger. This sort of bundling was successful in the NBA with Jordan, and it was a huge fad in electronic sales a few years ago, so it should be of huge benefit to MLS this upcoming season. As Stephen Zack, of the D.C. United, stated “Our ownership isn’t paying for him to come, but we get him here once and that’s huge.” And each of the teams that get Beckham, and oh yea the Galaxy, will get the benefits that this star of the sport will bring.
Monday, February 05, 2007 9:21:00 PM
”NHL, SCI make rinks easy for municipalities” Vol.9 iss 38 page.9
This is a very interesting article that shows how important sports are for the municipalities. When the Dallas Stars moved to Dallas 13 years ago almost nobody played hockey. Today there are 85 high school teams and more than 4000 players. What the Dallas Stars did was develop new ice sheets as a part of there marketing plan. All these new players raise the interest of hockey in the area. It’s not only the new players who are going to be interested in hockey but also their family and friends. It’s very smart marketing strategy that the Dallas Stars has.
When the interest of the team rises, the value of the area rises as well. That’s why this deal is good for both the municipalities and for the team. Another factor that’s good for the municipalities is that more people are participating in activities which lead to better health in the population.
Monday, February 05, 2007 9:30:00 PM
"NFL adds to XL success" v9 i38 p7
This article is about the success that Super Bowl XL had last year and how this year they are trying to make it just as big of a success in marketing an sponsorship. Many companies put the Super Bowl logo on their products so when customers purchase these products they refer the them with the Super Bowl. XLI decided to go with the promotion of "One Game. One Dream." This ad is found on Coors Light, Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Motorola, Sirius, and the Burger King's building wrap in Miami.
I think this promotion is a good idea, because snacks, beer, and technology are very popular among American's today and the Super Bowl has chosen well known products that are common choices.
Monday, February 05, 2007 9:42:00 PM
Why the Super Bowl works for A-B. Vol9 iss38
For the last 18 years Anheuser Busch has been doing as much as they can to market their products during the most popular program of the year and one that everyone tunes into, the Super Bowl. Since they’ve first started, A-B has been using entertaining advertisements to position their products into the minds of the consumers. People are always talking about the funny commercials a week or two after the big game, and it’s A-B’s ads that they are aware of and can recall. They feel that the Super Bowl delivers on a stage that no rising technology can. Since their commercials have been so popular, people can now view them on BUD.TV (an Internet site targeted towards 21-27 year olds) so they can view commercials online while having the chance to win prizes, like a trip to next years Super Bowl. It is because of these marketing strategies A-B has the largest share of the beer market in the US and continues to grow. They had the great ideas starting almost 20 years ago and ever since people seem to relate to them and buy more of them.
Monday, February 05, 2007 9:54:00 PM
DirecTV talks hinge on MLB net
Volume 9 Issue 38 Page 1
When I first heard of Major League Baseball's idea of partnering up with DirecTV I was livid. There are major problems that are associated with DirecTV and how many people actually are able to subscribe to it. Major League Baseball had a good agreement the past few seasons with Comcast and other networks that were market based and allowed many fans to see all in and out of market games.
With the new agreement many people will not be able to see their normal games. In big cities, DirecTV is not even offered or fails to pick up a signal. There is also the chance of the dish being robbed as well. I know, the last part is an outrageous claim right? Wrong! In many inner cities DirecTV is not offered for that reason. MLB is taking a major chance by partnering with an unproven entity. In fact, I was just talking to a friend who lives in Boston but is a huge Phillies fan and I told him about this new deal and he said, "Welp, guess I am not going to be following baseball anymore." If he is thinking like this, then I have to assume more casual fans are thinking the same thing.
DirecTV was smart however in their dealings with MLB. They made sure that they also got the rights to mlb.tv which is a popular website that many baseball fans have to watch their teams games. I subscribed to this site and enjoyed the games every day of the week. The one drawback to this though is that the games can only be seen over the internet and computer as opposed to TV's (and big screen TVs that most avid sports fans own to watch their games).
In the end MLB is going to look just like the NFL. I had to travel to bars to watch the Eagles play this season because they are out of market in Indiana. Now MLB is going to force other people to do the same. I am with the columnists and bloggers who think that MLB is trying to cash in and make as much money as possible while sacrifing their fanbase. This could be a huge backfire that won't be fixed for many years (mostly because it is a 7 year agreement worth $700 million dollars).
-There is no truth to the rumor that I am watching 'Ice Princess' while typing this blog-
Monday, February 05, 2007 11:57:00 PM
Vegas site creates extra buzz, a few challenges for league’s big weekend
Pg. 6,32-33 volume 39, issue 39
This article is about the NBA all-star game for the first time being in a non-NBA market. Along with packing in Sin City (Las Vegas) at the Thomas & Mack Center, the first time NBA has come to this type of platform. This venue is not only showcasing some of the most prevalent personnel in the game but also it is bringing in names like Elton John, Goo Goo Dolls, Justin Timberlake, and Lil John to town. Not only is the area getting ready for the all-star game but it is also the annual MAGIC fashion-and-apparel show that attracts 100,000 people, it is going to be presidents day weekend, Chinese New Year, and to top all that off it is going to be Valentines day weekend.
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is paying $4.5 million to the NBA to come into town, to a center that holds only a 16,000 seat capacity. Addidas who has just partnered up with the NBA just paid $400 million, and they will only get 50 seats to give away for there high accounts, Travis Gonzolez says “its difficult to get tickets, but we understand that the NBA has to draw the line”, they could have used up to 1000 tickets if possible.
This is huge for the entertainment capital because it is going to show the impact of the NBA. It might change the minds of the casino owners to alter their ways of accepting gambling for the NBA. If they decline any gambling what so ever then they would be able to bring a team to Nevada.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007 9:09:00 PM
"Olympic glory helps Winter X fly higher" v9 i39 p1,6
This article is basically saying that the Olympics is what made this Winter X Games attendance the highest ever. Just because an Olympic gold medalist Kelly Clark was there signing autographs, but what about the other athletes who are Olympic medalists? or even past X Games medalists? The X Games is every year and fans look forward to seeing these athletes compete, the Olympics is like a bonus for the fans to see their favorite athletes. There were 25 Torino Olympians there, as well as 45 past Olympians.
Also, this article is comparing the Olympics' impact on the X Games to the World Cup's impact on US Soccer... to me, its just another way to promote the events and the success these individual athletes have in the Olympics adds an increased interest among the fans. Hannah Teeter and Shaun White are two gold medalists mentioned in the article, and they were both featured on MTV Cribs, that is another way to get their fan base up. I watch the X Games, both winter and summer, religiously, because the skill levels of these athletes is phenominal. In my opinion, I think this article is a bit backwards. I'd only watch the Olympics to see how my favorite athletes will do when they compete on a higher level. I wouldn't watch the X Games just because I saw someone win a medal at the Olympics.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007 11:48:00 PM
"Sponsors place their bets on Vegas activation" v9 i39 pg32
This article is about sponsors promoting their products during NBA All-Star weekend in Las Vegas. The league's promotors are hoping to disprove the city's tag line that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Their will be alot of new products being introduced during the All-Star festivities such as, a Dwayne Wade version of the T-Mobile Sidekick, EA Sports will release NBA Street Homecourt, and Nike's Jordan Brand is launching Air Jordan 22. While watching the game on TV fans will see new ads from NBA sponsors.
The league's official auto, Toyota will take over a drive-in movie theater for an All-Star Drive-In viewing party where fans can watch the game live. While all automobiles are able to attend the event, Toyota owners will have their choice of parking. Sprite and Nestle will provide snacks.
Overall I think it is a great idea to have the league's sponsors introduce so many new products during the league's all-star weekend. This will allow a multitude of fans to see the products and test them. It is also a good idea, because the league is hosting the game in Las Vegas, where there is not an NBA team, so the leagues sponsors may be able to attract new fans.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007 3:00:00 PM
Sponsors place their bets on Vegas activation
Vol. 9, issue 38, p 32
NBA sponsor activation is at an all-time high during All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas. Sponsors are using the All-Star Game to promote their products. Fans can watch the game live through a drive-in theater for an All-Star Drive-In viewing party was taken over by Toyota. Every car can drive in, but Toyota owners will get choice parking locations. Sprite and Nestle which are also NBA sponsors will provide snacks.
Toyota uses drive-in theater as a kind of advertisement, because only Toyota owners can get choice parking location. Every car owners who want to drive in will see this special treatment for Toyota owners. Toyota will extent it’s well-known fame.
Thursday, February 08, 2007 9:16:00 PM
"Sponsors place their bets on Vegas activation"
Vol. 9, Issue 39, pg.32
The All-Star Game of NBA always attracts lots of attention from its fans all over the world. At this significant moment, sponsors surely cannot miss this chance to advertise their current or new-released products to maintain their current market share or to attract potential customers. Las Vegas is an excellent location of providing these sponsors the best opportunity to promote their products to the whole world because of its reputation in the tourism industry.
Toyota’s Drive-In outdoor theater lets basketball fans be able to watch the live game, and this strategy will definitely impress its visitors. Through this marketing strategy by which either other cars or Toyota owners will be allowed in, Toyota is capable of maintaining its status in the minds of the current owners and attracting attenuations from the potential buyers in the party. Definitely, giving the privilege to the current owners will help to classify them from other brand owners and raise the status in their mind. This privilege will positively impress both the current owners and non-current owners in the long-term marketing plan.
Friday, February 09, 2007 1:12:00 AM
"Nets will hit suite market around Labor Day" i39, pg 5
The New Jersey Nets are taking a different approach to their sales this season. With the opening of their new arean, the Barclays Center, in 2009-2010. They will be offering suites first to team sponsors and investors begining Labor Day. The Nets are also holding off on making any long term sponsorship deals until the 2008-09 season ends. This way, they will be able to sell new packages to coincide with the Nov 09 opening of the Barclays Center.
They are not linking current Nets deals to Brooklyn deals as of now. They are talking at high levels for sponsorships. I think it is a great idea that the Nets are doing this suite deal. Suites are making the most amount of revenue for many sports teams. The fact that they are waiting to make anymore sponsorship deals is another great idea. You can put together great packages that most compaines, sponsors, and individuals cannot turn down. The new suites will cost a hefty amount, but will be worth it.
Friday, February 09, 2007 12:12:00 PM
Net will hit suite Market around Labor Day
Vol, 9, I 39, pg 5
The New Jersey Nets are building a new stadium called The Barclays Center which is going to open in 2009-10. They are planning a suite sale starting Labor Day. The Nets new suites are going to first be available to the Nets team sponsors and investors but then on Labor day the Nets are planning on having a sale open to the public if they would like to buy a suite. The Nets stadium now has 29 suites the Barclays Center is planning on having 170 suites that will cost around $463,000 a year per suite if you want to purchase one.
I think its a good idea for the Nets to have a public suite sale. Since they are going to have 170 suites they have to make sure they sell them out to get there moneys worth. I also think its a great idea for a public sale because it gives people and companies the oppertunity to get a suite if they want one and can afford one. When in years past they count get one.
Friday, February 09, 2007 7:09:00 PM
“Dew Tour to rely on athletes in the TV booth” v. 9, i. 39, pg. 7
This year the tour will offer a different voice for the TV viewers. Instead of having the former long time co-hosts Pat Parnell and Kenan Harkin they will be using former athletes to broadcast.
I think that this could be either a positive or negative approach for the event and TV station. The athletes do not have the same communication skills and experience that the formal hosts had. But they do have the first hand experience that the hosts might not have had. There is a growth in the number of retired athletes becoming sports broadcasters for different events. They can anticipate what the athletes are thinking or feeling because they have been in the same position. They also have knowledge on what the audience wants to hear, and they are familiar with different stunts that athletes perform. I think that it could be a toss up for who I would prefer to listen to a past athlete or someone who went to school for communication and has also studied each individual sport they are broadcasting.
Friday, February 09, 2007 7:51:00 PM
Sponsors place their bets on Vegas activation"
Vol. 9, Issue 39, pg.32
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!! This saying lures millions of tourist to Las Vegas yearly. Las Vegas once again has proved it value to many as it has become an attraction to all the NBA's sponsors. Mark Tatum (VP of market partnerships( says, "everyone of our partners is activating around the all star weekend and we have more clients at the game then ever, so there’s more excitement.
With all this excitement all of the NBA's partners will be using the all-star game as a product launching pad. Some of these partners are as follows, Nike Jordan Brand, T-mobile, EA sports, Foot Locker, Gatorade, McDonald’s, Sprite, Southwest Airlines and more. All NBA All-star weekend with launch co-op marketing efforts like Playstation and Spalding, Toyota and 2ksports
Reading over this article i feel that the all-star weekend in basketball has turned into another Superbowl. With the all-star game being a launching for many products I feel that I will be watching ads now like I watch for the best superbowl commercial. I also like how the NBA has given its sponsors/partners certain advantages (Commercials during the most entering weekend in basketball). Now I wonder how much the partners paid tnt to run their ads per 30 second spot
Quote: Dear little baby Jesus, who's sittin' in his crib watchin the Baby Einstein videos, learnin' 'bout shapes and colors. I would like to thank you for bringin' me and my moma together, and also that my kids no longer sound like retarded gang-bangers.
Sunday, February 11, 2007 11:08:00 AM
"Sponsors place their bets on Vegas activation"
Vol. 9, Issue 39, pg.32
NBA ALL-STAR weekend always draws a huge crowd, so where could you take it to draw and even bigger crowd than usual?? Of course Las Vegas. Vegas is one of the largest tourist attractions in the US, so where better than there to have ALL STAR weekend? With the game and festivities being in Vegas, it is a top spot for advertising and marketing. This article mentioned just a few of the major brand names that will be marketing to the fans of ALL STAR weekend. McDonalds, Southwest Airlines, and Toyota are just a few of the sponsers who will be in attendance. Plus there is no better way to sell you product that to show "big name" athletes wearing your gear, and drinking your product, thus Foot Locker Gatorade and Sprite are a few more sponsers who will be there. It's a great weekend to launch new products and new ideas for all of the sponser involved.
I think that companies who's target consumers are sports fans would be crazy to not try and get some advertisment during the ALL STAR weekend. There will not only be tons of people there in Vegas, but there will be many people watching all the activity on tv, it will be a good weekend for everybody involved.
Sunday, February 11, 2007 6:39:00 PM
"Sponsors place their bets on Vegas Activation"
Vol. 9, Issue 39, pg.32
NBA All-Star weekend is one of the best all-star events around. There are a tremendous amount of festivities that take place. Not only do you have the all-star game, but you also have the three-point shoot-out and the slam dunk contest. In most cases the, The all-star game is usually held in a city where one of the NBA teams play, but this year the NBA decided to take a different approach, they had decided to have it played in Las Vegas.
Why not have it at Las Vegas. Las Vegas is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the United States, I am surprised that there isn't an NBA team located here. With the gambling and the other attractions that Las Vegas has to offer, the ticket sales are expected to be high, which means huge revenues for the NBA The idea of having the game in Las Vegas was defintely phenominal. Also, with the players coming from different parts of the country, loyal fans of these players will follow them. The NFL plays their all-star game in Hawaii every year, maybe the NBA should play their all-star game in Las Vegas.
Sunday, February 11, 2007 8:52:00 PM
"Gators’ two titles mean new logo"
V-9, I-39, P-5
This particular article discusses how the University of Florida’s licensing office is currently choosing a logo to display the school’s two national championships - one in football and one in men’s basketball.
Yet another chance for the school and licensees to make a buck. And, why shouldn't they? As with most fans, people want to identify with a winner and Florida has certainly been that for quite some time.
It's an expensive deal for the companies who wish to get involved, as licensees must pay a 12% royalty to the school, as well as 3% to the NCAA for the basketball mark and another 3% to the BCS for the football mark. At 18% in royalties, the companies must have successful sales to offset the upfront costs. This will hardly be a problem, as fans will undoubtedly purchase the gear with the dual-championship marks. As noted above, fans will always jump on the band-wagon of the top teams. Right now, Florida has the market cornered with college football and basketball fans. If the Gators are able to win back-to-back titles in bball, look out. A new logo would then have to be created to show all three titles. Do you think fans would buy into the logo? Of course they would... they're fans.
Sunday, February 11, 2007 9:04:00 PM
“Nets will hit suite market around Labor Day” v9, i39, p5
When the 2009-2010 NBA season rolls around the Nets will have a new arena to call home. The $525 million Barclays Center will open. This coming month the Nets plan to sell the new arenas 170 suites that are projected to cost $463,000 a year. Current team sponsors and investors get the first shot at the purchase and then on Labor Day the suites go on sell to the public.
It is good to finally see the team make moves on the move to Brooklyn and the new arena. In the past there have been some things that have held the project back. Also I agree with the team with putting the suites on sale three years before the arena opens. I believe its shows a commitment by investors and sponsors.
Monday, February 12, 2007 4:45:00 AM
"Tracking trends in sports retail" V 9, Issue 39 p20
This article was a one on one with the president and founder of California-based Facility Merchandising Inc. Milt Arenson. He discussed the how sports retail is a growing entity. He talked about how there is so much more merchandise out there for infants and toddlers, youth and women then there ever had been before and it is growing each year. He spoke of the future and how sales will keep growing because of how newer stadiums are being built with concessions in mind. He also talked about the business online and how it is growing also. All in all, it seems that the merchandise business is growing at a very rapid pace and involving new consumers each year. People like Milt have seen that this is a big business and they are definitely cashing in on it.
Monday, February 12, 2007 10:24:00 AM
"Gators' two titles mean new logo" vol. 9, iss. 39, pg. 5 by Lauren Fitzmorris
The University of Florida has done something that no other Division I-A school has ever done. They hold the National Championship Title in both Men's Basketball and Football in the same calendar year. This is a cause for a celebration and for a face lift.
Right now the Gators are in the process of chossing a logo to celebrate this event. After the Gators won the Men's Basketball championship, UF realized about $500,000 in unbudgeted revenue and will likely see more from the football title. Even without the two titles, Florida gear was typically among the nation's best sellers.
I think that this is a good move for the Gators. To acheive such an accomplishment as being the first school to have these titles, the university should try to capitalize on it. The university itself looks to gain 12% off of the royalties on goods sold.
GO GATORS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, February 12, 2007 7:43:00 PM
"Yankees, Mets scout overseas markets" Vol 9, Issue 39, Page 4
This article told me that the Yankees just make a trip to China for scouting the Chinese markets.I think this is a very important process for the MLB and New York Yankees to develop the Chinese markets. I think this trip has been made after the very careful analysis which is about how to deal with the different culture and different markets. And I believe that the yankees marketers have known that how to deal with the relationship with the Chinese sports organizations. I believe they have made an appropriate plan of detailed steps for developing Chinese baseball markets.
This trip doese not just stand for the New York Yankees, but also stand for the MLB, because the Yankees went there with the cooperation with the MLB. And I think what the smart things are that Yankees planning to open their own office in Beijing and that the organization they visited for this time is the chinese baseball association. Just like what the NBA did, Yankees is planning to set up an office to help Yankees to do the marketing jobs in this foreign country. I think this strategy can help Yankees and the MLB to push their famous brands in China. And the Yankees are trying to find out the local sponsors and endorers to build up their sponsorships group for developing the Chinese baseball markets. I think this strategy is smark, because the yankees know that the local companies can help Yankees to bring their baseball brand to local Chinese people.
The article told me that the baseball was famous in China several years ago. This can prove that the Yankees have built up the confidence by the historycal analysis. And the meeting with the president of the China Central Television is also a huge progress, because Yankees know that the CCTV is the most famous and only central sports TV to broadcast sports events. I think what all Yankees did is right and good for developing the Chinese baseball markets.
Monday, February 12, 2007 8:41:00 PM
Five Ways to Cash in on Retail Sales
Volume 9 Issue 39
Brent Baird sp07
This article looks at the ways teams are now cashing in on the merchandise sales in the teams venues. The article looks at ways team approach the sales. It is interesting that only recently have the organizations really taken a look at the in venues sales market and have started to dedicate real space for such business. John Franzini stated the “it use to be we would take a corner that is 500 square feet and build a store.” Now times have changed and team stores are major parts of the facility. Stores can be found in the range of 4 to 6,000 feet in area. Teams have often turned to making the stores themed, and more like attraction themselves to bring the fans in, then once they are in the sales are made.
While some organizations like to keep the operations in house others have found it beneficial to partner with companies to handle the sales. There are benefits to operations being done both ways. Organizations do not have to worry about the inventory, or the initial investment when partnering, and they can get companies that can bring other benefits. Others like to be able to have more control on the items that are in the stores so they keep the operations in house. It all depends on the organization.
However they d it though they are all realizing the added benefits of the expanded market and the profits it can bring in.
Monday, February 12, 2007 9:20:00 PM
”New venues bring needed change to Europe” Vol.9 iss 39. page 21
I think that the buildings of new stadiums are a very important step for sports franchise and Europe and in North America. These days the franchises have to offer entertainment instead of just a game. It’s important that the whole family can enjoy there visit at the stadium. The restrooms, the food and everything else have good quality. If everybody enjoys their visit they will stay longer at the facility and they will spend more money. This is important factors for the sports franchises today.
In Europe it is the U.K. that leads the work but in Italy, Spain and Germany they also started to think in these ways and it’s very important that the stadiums are able to match the futures demands.
It is also very important that the new and improved stadiums can handle all the new security demands. In the last round in the Italian Soccer League, Serie A, only four of ten games were played with an audience because the other stadiums could not pass the security demands.
Monday, February 12, 2007 10:48:00 PM
"Gators’ two titles mean new logo"
Vol. 9, Issue 39, pg.5
This article discusses the process of the University of Florida’s licensing office selecting a logo to celebrate school’s national championships both in football and men’s basketball. This is the first time that NCAA Division I held these two competitions at the same time.
This article indicated there were already 80 licensees approved to create and use the basketball national championship logo on their merchandise and apparel; 100 licensees create and use football mark on their goods. The purpose of this activity is to create a new logo with dual national championships to sell products. I agree with this idea. When people support both of the two games, they don’t need buy two merchandise or apparel. For instance, you can wear same apparel to attend both football and basketball games because it shows both two logos on your apparel. I think it can also create a new selling point and attract more customers to buy it.
Monday, February 12, 2007 10:59:00 PM
"NBA's golden gateway" vol. 9, issue 19, p. 1
Bringing the NBA's all-star game to the entertainment capital of the world seems to make a lot of sense.
Through the years, the actual all-star game itself has taken a back seat to the partying that leads up to Sunday night. What better place to stage a weekend-long party than Las Vegas?
The fact that Las Vegas does not have an NBA team, much less a basketball arena, has probably gotten in the way in the past. Finally pulling some strings to get the all-star game will prove to be well worth it, though.
Countless clubs and casinos will no doubt enjoy great business as many players from around the league, including the all-stars, will be partying. Not only that the league has always been a magnet for rap stars, who would really benefit from playing high-profile gigs during all-star weekend.
All NBA players probably wish they were rappers and all rappers probably wish they were NBA players. This weekend they'll be benefitting from each other.
Monday, February 12, 2007 11:21:00 PM
NBA set to boost revenue sharing, adjust formula
vol 9, issue 19
This article deals with the NBA revenue sharing policy and how it is under construction to be changed in the near future. Currently, the NBA shares its national television revenues equally throughout the league, but does not distribute gate receipts, like the MLB and NFL. This hurts the teams that don’t belong to a big city and have less of a media market. The article states how In the past, the league’s revenue-sharing pool was funded by the luxury tax assessed to teams exceeding the salary cap and the escrow fund as spelled out by the collective-bargaining agreement. Last year, the pool was $14.8M and was distributed to eight different teams that qualified for, or needed, the money. The goal was to have about $18M, so the league plans to tap other common league funds to increase the size of the revenue-sharing pool. The revenue policy was formed by international business consultants McKinsey & Co., but changes are being made to ensure more money is equally gave out to the teams that need money. The formula is based not on the performance of the team, but on how well the team is bringing in profits based on the size of their markets. Some teams have markets that are a lot smaller that others (Bobcats vs. Lakers), so the formula is being altered to ensure all teams have an equal opportunity to possess revenues brought in by the league.
I think the changes are a good idea because it will help teams that have trouble generating profits to compete as strong as the other teams. I am a big fan of league revenue sharing, mainly because it helps smaller teams out a lot and keeps things interesting throughout the league. If the policy works out well, maybe the NBA will be more like the NFL, where all teams have a good chance at winning every game.
Monday, February 12, 2007 11:28:00 PM
Man in Black still brings in green
Volume 9 Issue 19 Page 1
It seems as though everyone has chosen to write about "Sponsors place their bets on Vegas Activation". I on the other hand have taken a different route and am going to comment on the state of Nextel Cup Racing and the late Dale Earnhardt.
I felt completely torn as I finished reading this article. Dale Earnhardt is still on eof racing's biggest draws and attractions even though he was killed in a car accident a few years ago. His number 3 car and his likeness is posted everywhere the racing is involved with. The man in black still truly transcends the sport.
In case some of you do not know, prior to the Daytona 500 and for the months following it, there has been a movie on Dale Earnhardt made that will be shown. His loyal sponsors GM Goodwrench and Chevrolet will be co-sponsers of the movie that will give interviews, show pictures, and have racing highlights from his life shown on the big screen to countless devoted and loving fans. The movie will be not be a commercial success because it will only be shown in the cities that are hosting major Nascar events but the producers of the film do hope that many racing fans will tune in to the 2 and half to 3 hour movie in the days prior to the race. There is little to no doubt that this film will be a success. With sponsors lined up to have their products displayed before the film in advertisements, this is certain to be a cash-cow for the DEI (Dale Earnardt International) corportation.
There are really two ways of looking at this movie being released. In one way it is nice for the fans to remember their fallen hero through the beauty of cinematic genious filled with their favorite race moments and interviews of fellow race car drivers. The other way is to be sickened that these companies are going to use the tragedy of death to make a few extra bucks. I do not know which way I am leaning towards. I think if I were an avid race fan, I would want to see this film. I would not care that the people behind it are making millions of dollars. This is a business isn't it.
I will say that this seems to be a last ditch effort for DEI to make some serious money before what could be a fallout between DEI and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Earnhardt Jr. is in the middle of a battle with his stepmother over who should have the majority stake in DEI. If Jr. goes, many believe that the business goes down with it. Chevy is gone. Jr. is gone. And the legacy that the elder Earnhardt left might be as well.
With this knowledge, can anyone blame these companies for pushing for the release of this film now? It may be enough to prove to Earnhardts late wife to make the right decision and turn over controlling stakes of DEI to the heir-apparent in Dale Jr. They can make much more money together. Isn't that what they are trying to do now???
-Guitar Hero is for real winners-
Tuesday, February 13, 2007 12:01:00 AM
"ESPN going all-HD for 7 sports"
volume 9 issue 41 page 7
With the popularity of HD broadcasts, ESPN plans on producing all game coverage from seven sports this year. ESPN covers NFL, NBA, MLB, NASCAR, MLS, college football and NHRA. These six will have all their ESPN broadcasts shown in HD. College basketball will have 150 out of 400 games in HD, which is the largest amount of games for a single sport on ESPN. Originally launched in 2003 ESPN HD is currently in 9 million homes and ESPN 2 HD is in 5 million homes. ESPN states two reasons for increasing its HD coverage: One, is so that customers are not confused by which games are in HD. Two, is that HD broadcasts recieve higher ratings than normal braodcasts. With shows such as "Cold Pizza" and "1st and 10" being shot in HD this June ESPN and ESPN 2 will have more than 7,000 hours of programming in HD this year.
This article shows that HD TV will soon be a thing that is in all homes across America. Just like cassette tapes and VHS, standard definition broadcasts will soon be a thing of the past. For now however, I'm perfectly happy with watching a Duke-North Carolina basketball game on my standard definition TV. Until the cost of HD cable and TV's comes down, I will be keeping a close eye on which shade of blue is putting the ball in the basket.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:24:00 PM
ESPN going all-HD for 7 sports
vol. 9, I 41, pg, 7
This article talks about how ESPN is going to broadcast more sporting events in HD this year. The sports they are planning on broadcasting more in HD are NFL, NBA, MLB, NASCAR, MLS, college football and college basketball. The reason ESPN says they are broadcasting more in HD is because of the ever growing market for HD tv. ESPN says that around 9 million homes have and watch ESPN in HD.
I think this is a good marketing plan for ESPN because more and more people do like to watch sporting events in HD tv. In the next few years I am sure the HD market is going to continue to grow and ESPN will be ahead of the game. I know personally I like to watch sporting events in HD because its more clear and it feels like you are at the game. So I definitly think ESPN is doing the right thing with adding more sports to its HD roster.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:53:00 PM
Volume 9 issue 41 page 4
NGBs line up to discuss media rights with the USOC
This article is interesting because it shows a organization that is a bit behind most trends to acquire assets for internet and television broadcasting. There are 45 total NGB’s and the USOC offered 31 of them and all members of its joint marketing agreement $70,000 annually through 2012 for media rights to any events and competitions they control. The USOC wants to work together and think that It would be more effective opposed to these NGB doing something like this on there own, making them a type of umbrella site similar to other national sports like MLB, but some others are concerned that the contract license could tie a breach of contract money.
If this were to go through there is several contracts that would liked to be signed to be the site developers and operations, because this would be thought as a boon for fans of the certain NGB sports, they will not have to hope for that one section that has TV time for something like gymnastics, they will be able to long on the net and see what they want when they want.
Thursday, February 22, 2007 12:43:00 AM
"White cans Dew, flies to Red Bull" iss. 41, vol. 9, pg. 1 by:Lauren Fitzmorris
Olympic gold medalist Shaun White leaves Mountian Dew after being with them for four years. The snowboarder has now signed a new deal with Red Bull. This move makes for one of the largest beverage category partnerships for an action sports athlete. This move also puts White in the same class with Red Bull's seven-figure deal with motocross champ Travis Pastrana.
With White leaving Mountian Dew, it makes him one of only a hand full of action sports athletes to leave a brand since it became associated with action sports more than a decade ago.
I feel that Red Bull is a perfect sponsor for action sports and now having White as apart of their package, that this will only help them out. Red Bull has also expanded their energy drink's portfolio to include and MLS team and a NASCAR team.
Thursday, February 22, 2007 1:49:00 PM
"ISP Sports to take over Seminoles' rights" Volume 9 Issue 40, p.3
This article is about a company called ISP Sports and how they have acquired the exclusive marketing rights to Florida State University athletics. The deal is worth 6.6 million dollars a year for the next 10 years in guarenteed money. This deal is a very lucrative one for ISP because of the outstanding strength of Florida State University's history. ISP is based in Winston-Salem, N.C., and it holds the Atlantic Coast Conference's radio rights and full multimedia rights to six other league schools. It also has the rights for five South-eastern Conference schools as well as the FedEx Orange Bowl. ISP brings a true national sales force to all of the schools that it represents. The deal will take effect on July 1, 2007.
Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:25:00 PM
AEG deal helps Devils’ arena build buzz of its own
Volume 9 Issue 41
Brent Baird
The New York Metropolitan area has not seen a new sports facility in years. (since 1981) but now it is going to see the first of many opening in the next few months. The Prudential Center will be opening in downtown Newark and there is a lot of excitement surrounding the facility. From the design to the management there is a lot of new amenities going to be enjoyed by those attending events at the center. Because of the 30 to 40 year old facilities that people have been going to the new Prudential Center will seem like a Palace. With high level seating, nice bowl design for viewing and many eating opportunities, including three major eating locations including one that will be open on nonevent days, the new facility will be a great experience for sports fans. AEG is coming into the market to run the facility for at least the next 5 years and are setting them selves up to give the chief venue booking organization, Live Nation, competition for concerts and entertainment events. The Prudential Center will have some advantages of easy mass transportation stations close by, unlike the Meadowlands. However the Center and it’s closely related Red Bull Park facility is located in downtown Newark, which has a less than safe reputation. However the opening of these venues could easily start, if not already started a revitalization of the area which would make the venues even more attractive to promoters and audiences alike.
The New York area is the largest market in the country, it is time they start getting facilities that will rival those through out the rest of the country. Who knows at the end of this building boom, the city might look more attractive to the IOC.
Thursday, February 22, 2007 11:51:00 PM
“ESPN going all-HD for 7 sports” by John Ourand
February 19-25, 2007 Vol.9, Issue 41, p.7
Because of the growing popularity in HD broadcast, ESPN is going to broadcast seven sports entirely in HD this year. There are NFL, NBA, MLB, NASCAR, MLS, college football and college basketballs in HD. ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD now are in 9 million and in 5 million homes watch HD. ESPN will provide more than 7,000 hours of HD programming this year.
AS ESPN broadcast these seven sports in HD, ESPN will have more and more audiences watch these sports games in HD. This is a good marketing strategy for ESPN to provide seven sports in HD, because the number of people watch sports games is continuously growing up. Besides, ESPN is the basic package of both dish and cable services. It is good for people, especially for students, who do not want to pay more to watch these seven games.
Friday, February 23, 2007 6:25:00 PM
"Planned $450M Braves sale faces scrutiny" February 19-25, 2007 Vol.9, Issue 41,p.3
Money, Money Money!! Major league Baseball have potentially scored another selling of a franchise. This time it is the selling of one of baseball’s most successful and fan favorite organization (the Atlanta Braves). This million dollar transfer of the Braves will happen between previous owner Time Warren to Liberty Media. However the only way this deal will occur is if two things happen. First is that this proposal passes internal review process and all individuals in management positions retain their current jobs.
I have a feeling that once the review process and voting is done, we will not see the selling of the braves to Liberty Media. One reason is that Liberty owns gambling information site donbest.com, a point that could be complicating factor in the approval process. Also it took almost a year for the two parties to agree on amount of money that the Braves are worth. Also a baseball official stated that this agreement is a long from being approved. These actions make me think that there will not be a 2007 selling or even a selling of the Braves at all.
Quote for Dr. Hsiao:we need you. hell, i need you. i'm a mess without you. i miss you so damn much. i miss being with you, i miss being near you. i miss your laugh. i miss your scent; i miss your musk. when this all gets sorted out, i think you and me should get an apartment together.
Saturday, February 24, 2007 11:52:00 AM
ESPN going all-HD for 7 Sports. Volume 9, Issue 41, p.7
HD is a new phenomena that is becoming popular. Almost Everyone is starting to jump on the bandwagon and buy HD. Even retailers are starting to sell nothing but HD televisions. ESPN knows all about this. With already Espn and Espn-2 broadcasting some of there shows in HD. Now ESPN will broadcast seven sports in HD at all times. This includes the NBA, Nascar, MLS, MLB, NFL, college football, and college basketball. With the increase in popularity of sporting events, this should bring huge revenues, especially since you will be able to see crystal clear images of your favorite team. ESPN is expecting to broadcast over 7,000 hours of HD programming. This also should bring more revenues in for providers of HD such as Directv because they offer many exclusive sporting programs. Now many people who have HD will get more for their money, so everyone wins in this situation.
Saturday, February 24, 2007 5:48:00 PM
“ESPN going all-HD for 7 sports” Vol.9, Issue 41, pg.7
In order to combat customer confusion and deal with the channel rating, ESPN decides to complete a broadcast plan with 7 sports broadcasting in the HD TV. With the development of technology, the desires of the audiences are also increasing. After HD TV was invented in the recent years, broadcast companies also provides TV programs with high-definition quality transmission.
The TV program packages with HD transmission are getting popular especially when they match up with the sports activities. HD allows sports fans to clearly watch their super heroes at home and enhances the feeling of being in the real stadium. Therefore, ESPN made an excellent decision to bring all of the 7 games to be entirely broadcasted on HD TV. This decision will bring an impact to the current traditional broadcasting industry and create another broadcasting era.
Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:33:00 PM
"USOC expands hospitality site for Beijing" Vol 9, Issue 41, Page 33
The USA house is new words for me. This article told me that the United States locate their Olympic team, partners and any other sponsors to a facility during every Olympic games. The USA house has a lot of functions-the place for hosting U.S. Olympic team, helding the celebration parties, and doing the business activities for their partners and any other sponsors.
I think the USA house can play a very important role for the US in the Olympic games. Because in sports industry, the U.S. Olympic team is a wonderful sport product, this product is a famous brand with a famous logo and popular image. The U.S. house can stand for the United States. This facility is a kind of contemporary famous brand. This USA house can connect those sponsors and partners company with the US Olympic team. It is good for them to do the business activity to promote their brands.
But I think they can not just do all activities as the american style, they should combine the America style with the characters of China. For example, they can make the team logos and colors with some Chinese style to attract more Chinese people for developing this foreign markets. And I think they can open their celebration activities to society, to all kinds of people. They should show the American friendship to all over the world during the Olympic games. And also this is a good opertunity for those companies to show their brands and products to Chinese people by representing the U.S. team during the Olympic game.
Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:45:00 PM
"LPGA taking swing at fresher logo"
V-9, I-41, P-4
This particular article discusses the proposed alteration of the current LPGA logo. This current logo (modeled after LPGA Hall of Famer Judy Rankin), is in need of slight redesign, according to LPGA Commissioner Caroly Bivens.
The new trademark logo is being redesigned to give a "fresher" look to the outdated logo, as well as boosting licensing and merchandising within the sport.
Personally, I can understand the alterations due to one thing and one thing only - money. I really do not believe the LPGA is out to "refresh" an outdated logo, they're simply looking to create new merchandise and generate revenue. And, why not? Every other professional sport offers alternated jerseys and different color combinations on all gear available. It seems as though women's golf is just following suit.
One more bit of information I noticed in this article was the length of time it will take for the new logo to be seen on merchandise. Apparently, the design work is being done by SME Branding of New York. The work on this logo is slated to take 6-12 months. WHAT? Six to twelve months for a logo?? I can understand if the company needs time to conduct tests and see people's reactions to the logo, but a half year? It's a woman swinging a golf club, how many different opionions can there be? Who knows, maybe the whole branding business works this way in every sport.
Monday, February 26, 2007 3:01:00 PM
Sources: Cable isn't goig ino Extra Innings p. 3 v9 issue 41
Sports is making money off the littest things these days. It's bad enough sports has so many TV channels, but now wants to add some on DirecTV. Yet, if you have only cable, you can't see certain things, and if you have DirecTV you can't see things either so what does this mean...you'll have to buy something in order to get your fill.
This $700 million deal with DirecTV will allow the showing of the extra inning. I personally don't see why this needs to be done. Show the everything in full...no matter what channel you are watching.
Monday, February 26, 2007 3:12:00 PM
"ESPN going all-HD for 7 sports"
Issue 41 ,V. 9, p.7
This article is about ESPN and HD tv. ESPN has decided to air 7 sports seasons in HD this year. With the world of technology quickly advancing everyday, there are millions of households across the nation that own and watch HD tv. I think that this is a great move on ESPN's part, because with so many more games being braodasted in HD the fan base is going to grow and many more people will be watching ESPN. With the clarity of and definition of the picture I think that even unlikely sports spectators may grow to like watching sports in HD. I personally love watching sportg events in HD, the picture is so much more clear. It feels like you are at the game live.
Monday, February 26, 2007 3:39:00 PM
“White cans Dew, Flies to Red Bull” v.9, i.41, pg. 1&32
Shaun White has been the action sports face for Mountain Dew over the last four years. He has now left the Dew and moved over to the energy drink Red Bull. While there are no exact details on the new deal it is said to be seven figures annually for three years. White was the best known action sports athlete for Mountain Dew. White also has signed multi-year agreements with HP and Motorola. His annual income is over $6 million.
This is going to be a loss for Mountain Dew and a major gain for Red Bull. Red bull is a growing company and their appearance in sports continues to grow. Now having one of the most know action sports athletes working for them can only help to bring in more revenue. I think that action sports is growing in our society and so when athletes get the chance to sign sponsorships and marketing contracts with big company I think that it will only help the sport to keep growing.
Monday, February 26, 2007 5:26:00 PM
“ESPN going all-HD for 7 Sports.”
Volume 9, Issue 41, p.7
Watching games from HD is a new tendency now. In order to expand the business and get more and more audiences, ESPN plans to produce seven sports in HD this year. This plan includes NFL, NBA, MLB, NASCAR, MLS, college football and the National Hot Rod Association.
HD service didn’t start its business very early. It launched in March 2003. After ESPN acceded to HD service, there are already 9 million homes have ESPN HD, and 5 million homes have ESPN2 HD. ESPN cited two reasons for this phenomena: one is to combat customer confusion, the other deals with ratings. In my opinion, those who suit their actions to the time are wise. I think ESPN knows HD is growing popularity now so it regards HD as a new market. ESPN will have more than 7,000 hours of programs on HD this year. It is a smart choice because there are more and more people can watch games not only from cable television, but also from HD telecasts.
Monday, February 26, 2007 6:59:00 PM
“Planned $450M Braves sale faces scrutiny” V9 I41 P3
Liberty Media, a company from Colorado, is in the process of purchasing the Atlanta Braves from Time Warner. Liberty Media is reported to be buying the Braves for the second highest price in MLB history at $450 million. Liberty Media is also in the works of getting the rights to DirecTV, which in negotiating a deal for an out of market TV package with Major League Baseball. Bud Selig reviewing the purchase to make sure that the team’s executives remain in place and that there is not any threat of absentee ownership. The owners still have to vote on the purchase.
I think it is important that Bud Selig see that all the current executives in the Braves organization maintain their job positions. It is common with change that the new people could clean house and hire their own people.
Monday, February 26, 2007 8:22:00 PM
"White cans Dew, flies to Red Bull" v9 i41 p1,32
After four years of being Mountain Dew's best-known action athlete, Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White, is leaving this beverage deal and is now signed with Red Bull. White did this for a seven figure contract over three years, joining fellow X-game medalists Travis Pastrana and Ryan Sheckler. Three of the most known, and most successful, upcoming faces in action sports. Not only will this help out Red Bull by signing White, but these three guys are very young and have a lot of career left to get the brand of Red Bull out there: White is 20, Pastrana is 23, and Sheckler is 17. This should bring in a young fan base and a variety for Red Bull drinkers. This deal was the 3rd one for White since he won the Gold Medal @ the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. His other contracts are with HP and Motorola making his income over $6-million just for signing with these three brands. Way to go Flying Tomato!!!
Monday, February 26, 2007 9:01:00 PM
"Planned $450M Braves sale faces scrutiny" Feb. 19-25, vol. 9, i. 41, p.3
This article is about the proposed sale of the Altanta Braves and things that could possibly get in the way of the team transferring ownership from Time Warner to Liberty Media.
I think it is a really good idea, not to mention interesting, that MLB owners must must come to a consensus on the sale of the team. The owners from around the league have to approve the deal through an internal review board.
This is a great way for the league to protect itself from wild, unqualified and poorly trained owners who may run a team into the ground. The league benefits as a whole when it ensures that only well-qualified owners are given teams. Also, the review process has to make sure that the new owner will operate with the best interest of the league in mind.
A issue that has arisen deals with Liberty Media's conflicting business interests. Liberty Media has connections to gambling websites, something that MLB wants to distance itself from. That type of thing creeping into the league would be bad for the game.
Also, although the Braves have had a great show on cable television as a result of owner Ted Turner, Liberty Media could make the Braves an even bigger TV presence because of its affiliation with DirectTV.
All in all, the owners have to decide if these things are best for the league as a whole.
Monday, February 26, 2007 9:56:00 PM
"LPGA Taking Swing at Fresher Logo"
Issue 41 Volume 9 Page 4
It is about time. The LPGA has been almost non-existent in the minds of many sports observers since its inception many moons ago. The sport really did need a shot in the arm. With a new business perspective and trying to create a newer, younger, and fresher identity, the LPGA is taking a few steps in the right direction.
The tour is going to be ramping up their licensing and merchandising to try and not only generate interest but also to create new forms of revenue. By changing the logo, with the possibility of adding secondary logos, the LPGA can start to sell a new brand and image much like the NHL is with their newer jerseys to their fans.
Another way the LPGA is trying to gain more control of their own destiny is to take over and managing around 1/3 of their tournaments. While the LPGA will still allow their business partners to control 2/3 of their affairs, they are now gaurenteeing that they have more of a direct say in all things women golf.
There is no clear cut way to make womens sports relevant in todays sport society. It always seem to take a back seat to mens sports. One thing is clear though... without help, none of these womens leagues will survive let alone make money. The WNBA has the ultimate backing of the NBA. We have already seen womens soccer have their league fold because of lack of funding (not lack of interest).
This leads me to the one league that continues to be successful, WTA. Womens tennis has thrived under lately because of their product. The game is equally as exciting to watch as the mens game. They market their individual talents extremely well (you know the names..Venus, Serena, Anna, Maria, and Martina). I am not even suggesting that it is all about sex appeal, although it doesnt hurt. They just make sure that they spice up their marque names and make them as popular as their male counterparts.
The LPGA is no relevant right now. It might never truly be. But with emerging talents such as Natalie Gubis, Michelle Wie, and Lorena Ochea, maybe the league can start to take a turn towards relevance.
Monday, February 26, 2007 11:28:00 PM
“Sources: Cable isn’t going onto Extra Innings” Vol.9 iss 40 page.3
It is important for the MLB to choose right TV deal. With a bad deal the popularity can decrease and with the right deal the popularity for baseball could increase. Of course it’s important to get paid as much as possible but it’s also important that as many people as possibly can se the games.
Monday, February 26, 2007 11:28:00 PM
“Red Bull street team will show off soccer” v.9, i.42, p.33
Andrew Lafiosca, is the vice president of marketing and sales for the New York Red Bulls MLS team, and he has a vision. The team held try-outs for a street team to promote and sell tickets to this coming season games. The street team will consist of 11 amateur players. These players were not only selected for their soccer skills but judges were looking for those who were bilingual and intelligent. Each of the players trying out for the team first had an interview and then showed off their top notch juggling skills. The street team will participate in “exhibitions for youth teams, play pick-up games with teenagers and show off in front of adults.” The success of the new street team will be measured by the number of tickets that are sold this year.
I think that Lafiosca has a great new idea. If the street team can do their job and attract individuals to watch them and then they take the time to market the Red Bulls, I think it will be successful. If the street team can draw in the youth/teenagers and send them home wanting more then they will convince their parents to get them tickets to a game. This new idea can be very successful if the street team they have selected communicates well with the community, and promotes the MLS team in a positive and exciting way.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007 10:06:00 PM
Volume 9 Issue 42 page 4
Tagliabue’s pay topped $10M in his final year
This article was manly about what Paul Tagliabue has made throughout his years as the NFL commissioner. Tagliabue stepped down on Sept. 1. The compensation disclosure covers the 12 months ending in March on the 31st day. As the article goes on it mentions how corporate America is getting upset with what CEOs are getting for not performing.
Some other commissioners in professional sports might not make $10.3 million but they do well for a living. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman earned $3.4 million, MLB doesn’t have to disclose tax returns to know what Bud Selig’s pay is, and David Stern is in the same boat but is thought to be comparable to Tagliabue’s final year. PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem earns on the upward mark of $3 million, as his counter parts in tennis earn about $1 million. Roger Goodell, Paul Tagliabue’s successor, pay is not yet disclosed but he is thought to make a smaller portion of what Tagliabue did because of the amount of people in the running for this job.
Another issue that the article pointed out was the total revenue of the 2005 year was $151 million while total expenses were $167 million, ending up with a $16 million deficit. The explanation for the top expenses are said to be $40 million in interest payments for stadium financing and $28.6 million for game day expenses. Among those numbers the most important anticipated number is $6 billion, what the revenue is expected to be this season.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007 11:37:00 PM
“XM-Sirius merger could cost leagues” Vol.9, Issue 42, pg.3
The proposed merge of XM and Sirius will be good news to both companies because the combination of their subscribers will bring considerable wealth to the new company. However, it can be bad news to the sport -related industries because the merge will create a monopoly market in which the advertising sponsors will not have other choices to bid but to accept the prices offered by the only market.
If the monopoly market really happens in the future, NFL and MLB will have to pay the biggest price to this commercial giant in the satellite radio broadcast in light of the present contract. Nevertheless, the senior managers of these sports leagues seem not so worry about the merger. They may hold that fair exchange system of the open market or regulations from the government will assist them in coming up with solutions once the merge comes around the corner.
Thursday, March 01, 2007 12:43:00 AM
“NBA giving YouTube a tryout”
Vol. 9, Issue 42, p.36
The NBA has signed a short-term agreement with YouTube from this month through this year’s NBA Finals. Except YouTube, the NBA is also negotiating with virtual world which are social-networking sites FaceBook, MySpace and Second Life. Before sign a new long-term agreement, the NBA has time to figure out how to deal with its digital media efforts. For the financial aspect, how to value the agreements is the biggest question surrounding YouTube and other new media agreements.
As new technology change as fast as you cannot imagine, leagues are also looking for new media to broadcast games. Nowadays, YouTube is popular media software that provides many kinds of music and films. The agreement between NBA and YouTube is good for viewers, because viewers can watch games at any time without television when they are free.
Thursday, March 01, 2007 8:40:00 PM
"USA Hockey 'raising the bar' with Qwest deal"
vol.9, issue 42, page 6
During Olympic years, funding for national governing bodies usually increases and then decreases afterwards. USA hockey has teamed up with Qwest communications for a multiyear deal. The deal was in the low- to mid- six figure range. It is the largest nonendemic deal in the organization's history. With the deal, Qwest will become the official communication partner for USA hockey and the official sponsor of the U.S. women's national team. Meetings for this plan began in January 2006. The company was looking for ways to be involved in athletics at the grassroots leve and with 520,000 memebers, this was a good fit.
I think it is a great idea to have a large company team up USA hockey. This deal will help market the game at the lower levels and have younger kids begin to play the game. By having this deal in place, those who use Qwest may begin to attend hockey games which may lead to higher viewership and attendance at Olympic and NHL games. To me this is not just a great deal for USA hockey, but for hockey in general.
Friday, March 02, 2007 2:07:00 PM
"Russell buys title for Monday night AFL games" Vol. 9 Issue 42 p3
Russell Athletic is extending its on-field apparel rights with the Arena Football League from three to five years and adding a four year, seven figure ad buy that gets it title sponsorship of ESPN2's Monday night AFL broadcasts.
Russel athletic is trying to stay in the race with other competitors such as Nike and Reebok to increase its relevance among youthful consumers. They also have retailers with buy commitments such as Champs as well as Sears and JCPenny in AFL markets.
Friday, March 02, 2007 3:01:00 PM
"Schools Cheer new Branding Efforts"vol.9, issue 42, page 27
So when you turn on to watch a Duke Blue devil basketball game what is the first thing you notice? Well for me it is the passionate student section referred to as the Cameron Crazies. You can always identify who these passionate fans are by there extreme behavior and regular Nike white/blue Cameron Crazies t-shirt. This dedication is found throughout many universities. In Addition, student led groups have long identified themselves as their schools’ main supporters through t-shirts and catchy nicknames such as, The Zoo, Pit-Crew (Oregon University)and so many more.
However, now some schools are capitalizing on this enthusiasm and are beginning to market around these cheering sections, by selling shirts branded with the group’s name (The Zoo) in an effort to strengthen fans ties to the program. However not all schools are allowed to make money off the ideals of other. Michigan State named a student alumni group the Izzone after head coach of the Michigan State Boys Basketball team Tom Izzone. This group is very upset that the school for trying to make profit off their ideal.
I have only one true opinion about the whole Michigan State situation. I feel that t shirts are at high perceived value and I feel that the student alumni should let regular fans and students have access to them. However, I feel that the school should not be allowed to sell them due to fact that they were not the creative minds that came up with this ideal. So go make money student alumni group!!
Quote of the week:Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
Friday, March 02, 2007 4:51:00 PM
"YES signs text-messaging sponsership deal" vol.9, issue 42, page 8
This article is about the YES network and its new sponsership deal with the greater New York Toyota dealers association for the New Jersey Nets. The deal has YES veiwers prompted to text their Toyota Player of the game through their cell phones. Fans who do text, recieve a return message that includes promotional material about the Toyota Tundra. Toyota will also be advertising through tv commercials on the YES network during Nets games, as well as on YESNetwork.com, and a prompt at live Nets games that replicates the tv text voting. Yes has tried the text messaging a couple of times in the past year with the Yankees and the Nets, but has secured a more long time sponsership with Toyota after the previous positve returns. For Toyota this deal is the first outside of baseball on the YES network.
Both Toyota and the YES network seem excited about this deal. It just goes to show that everyone is getting in to interactive multimedia. With deals on the internet, direct tv, and now text messaging and mobile phones, it is almost impossible for fans not to be involved in sports somehow. I think that it is great in this case for Toyota, as they are getting a lot of advertising done through the interactive media.
Saturday, March 03, 2007 6:56:00 PM
Big Ten Deal could help finance facilities
vol. 9, i 42, pg, 25
This article is about how the Big Ten Confrenece has a new sports channel. This new sports deal with Fox Cable Network will give each school in the Big Ten around $7.5 million dollars. That is on top of the $6.3 million each school already gets from other Tv deals. Each school then has to decide what they want to use that $7.5 million on and many of them are deciding to use it to help build or renovate their stadiums. A good exp. of this is The University of Illinois they are using 25% the money they are getting from the Fox deal to renovate their Memorial Stadium. The University of Illinois isn't the only one doing this there are many more.
I think using the money they are getting from the Fox Cable Network to help build or renovate new stadiums is a great idea. The whole reason they are getting the money in the first place is because they are airing their sports anyways so why not use that money and put it back into the athletic programs and help improve the complexes they play in. I definately think that these schools have the right idea when it comes to this money and what they are doing.
Saturday, March 03, 2007 7:06:00 PM
"NBA giving YouTube a tryout" Vol.9,Issue 42, p.36
The NBA has been doing some inovative things as of late, such as having the all-star game in Las Vegas. The NBA is looking to do something else big. They have just signed a short-term agreement with youtube this month. This deal is to help increase it digital media efforts. The NBA is always looking for many ways to broadcast their games to the audience, and this is a very big way to broadcast games, and with this being a short term deal, if it doesnt work out then they can always go elsewhere, but if it does then they can stay and do more business.
Sunday, March 04, 2007 9:14:00 PM
XM-Sirius merger could cost leagues
Volume 9 Issue 42
Brent Baird
The proposed merger between the nations two satellite radio network may have many sports leagues worried that they are about to lose out on big revenues. If the two network combine the bidding war that allowed many of the college, and professional sports leagues could seriously decline. While the current contracts are expected to be honored the leagues in which contact are about to expire could find themselves playing under a whole new set of rules. The NBA that currently has a contract with Sirius will be the first to try to negotiate a new deal if the merger goes through. With the merger the 7.6 million subscribers will be combined with the 6 million Sirius faithful to have a combined 13 million plus listeners. This will be an increasable just in opportunity to reach many more homes; however with the lack of competition, plush deals for the sports leagues could become much slimmer.
Advertisers could also be playing under a new set of rules for advertising costs could rise with the new higher number of subscribers.
As a XM scriber I am wondering how this merger will affect me, and the price I pay for the service. Will my cost go up with the expanded service? Will I have to pick and chose the channels I want to receive and will all the channels that I want still be available?
Big questions all around.
Monday, March 05, 2007 10:33:00 AM
"Red Bulls street team will show off soccer"
Vol 9, Issue 42, Page 33
To be a sponsor and join in the sponsorship in a professional sports league is a very smart marketing activity. I think it is very valuble for the Red Bulls to be the major sponsor of the Major League Soccer, because I believe the MLS will be one of the most popular sports in the US.
The Red Bulls company is not just a sponsor of the MLS, but also a league promotor. This article told me that they choose street soccer teams to show off soccer to our communities. Think about the major sports that we have in this country. All of them have special images for our sports fans. For example, the NFL is the power sport, the MLB is the smart sport and hero sport, the NBA is a kind of beautiful performance. What about the soccer. For the basketball, we have a lot of street basketball fans to show off the wonderful basketball skills. I think for the soccer, the Red Bulls is doing the right things to build up the appropriate image of soccer to show off its beauty and power. Sports is a kind of culture, the Red Bulls is trying to build up the image of soccer to bring this soccer culture into our communities.
In all, the Red Bulls is trying their best to make soccer popular in this country.
Monday, March 05, 2007 3:18:00 PM
NBA giving YouTube a tryout
v9 i42 pg36.
The NBA has signed a short-term agreement with YouTube to air games and user-generated highlights. Along with YouTube, the NBA is also talking to Facebook, Myspace, and Second Life to assume and manage an online identity.
The NHL already shows highlighted clips on YouTube for fans to view. I think this is a great way for the NBA and other sports to expand into the digital world and expand thier partnerships. There are so many people who use YouTube, Facebook, and Myspace, that these clips will reach people in so many different avenues.
With the use of YouTube has allowed fans to view their favorite clips from several sporting events and now that the NBA has joined, basketball fans can see highlights over and over again. They are smart and will increase fan numbers by the use of YouTube, Facebook,and Myspace.
Monday, March 05, 2007 4:34:00 PM
“NBA giving YouTube a tryout”
v9, i42, pg36.
The NBA has signed a short-term agreement with YouTube this month, and it will allow NBA fans to watch this year’s NBA Finals online. Because NBA’s deals with ESPN, NBC and Turner will expire at the end of this season, NBA officials try to launch a new project to attract more fans.
As NBA Commissioner David Stern’s opinion, “We are looking for ways to extend our partnerships in many ways.” They figure out that upload games on a dedicated channel can attract new audiences. They not only singed an agreement with YouTube, but also negotiate with social-networking sites FaceBook, MySpace and Second Life. Their new target is the large number of people who always spend a lot of time online.
In my opinion, television is not the only way to obtain information now. Sometimes we can control a computer more easily. For example, when we are interested in a part of games, we can set it and just watch that section. I think some people don’t watch a lot of TV programs, and they don’t want to pay 40 dollars or more to watch TV. If they can just spend $3.95 to watch a game, they can choose the game they need and then save money.
Monday, March 05, 2007 6:26:00 PM
"Russell buys title for Monday night AFL games"
V-9, I-42, P-3
This article discusses the sponsorship deal between Russell Athletic and the AFL and how the deal will be expanding its on-field apparel rights over the next five years. Russell is doing so in order to increase its relevance among youthful consumers while trying to find their place in the competitive athletic apparel market.
I can understand Russell's need and want in this particular situation. First, Russell is looking to get their gear onto professional athletes and right now, every professional major market other than indoor football is taken. Second, fans seem to love indoor football. This will be a beneficial situation for Russell Athletic, as the replica jerseys will now have the Russell emblem on them.
I can speak from experience, Russell does provide quality football jerseys - our HS football team currently wears them. They are super-durable and, perhaps more importantly - they look cool.
Although I hate the AFL, or "fake football" as I like to call it, I believe Russell has made a wise choice with their investment in this league. It will only be a matter of time before we see Russell Athletic as the official apparel sponsor of the NFL, NBA, NHL or MLB.
Monday, March 05, 2007 8:33:00 PM
“Russell buys title for Monday night AFL games” V9 I42 p3
The athletic apparel company Russell Athletic signed a sponsorship deal with the Arena Football League. It includes on the field gear for up to five years, and includes a four year deal that gives Russell the title sponsorship of ESPN2 Monday night Arena football games. Russell a while back had deals with the NFL and Major League Baseball, and now it wants to re-establish itself.
I think it is a good deal for Russell get its feet back into sports with a small sport like arena football, where they can get their feet wet and not be under the pressures of say a Reebok or Nike. Also it is good for the Arena League to continue to progress into a national sport like it is, it seems to gain new and keep the current ones every year. I like the AFL because it is football and football in any form is fine by me.
Monday, March 05, 2007 9:21:00 PM
"Tagliabue’s pay topped $10M in his final year"
Volume 9 Issue 42 page 4
This article centers around the issue of salaries of league commissioners, in particular, that of Paul Tagliabue.
Although Tagliabue makes a lot more money than any other league commisioner, he is well worth the 10-million-dollar price tag. Tagliabue is without question an NFL Hall of Famer, who has not just been an asset to the game of football through the years, he is also a pioneer in the world of sports as a whole.
Today's NFL is due in large part to Tagliabue who has advanced the league while at the same time acting in fairness to both owners and players. While other North American leagues have had labor disputes off an on through the years, Tagliabue has ensured the the NFL has continued on an uninterrupted and unconfrontational basis for years.
Monday, March 05, 2007 9:26:00 PM
"ESPN near deal for stake in MLL" v. 9, i. 42, p. 1 by Lauren Fitzmorris
"ESPN is close to a deal whta twill see the network take an wquity stake in Major League Lacrosse, a six year old league that has 10 teams." ESPN is contuning their strategy of straigth rights deals for smaller sports properties in favor of deals that allow the company to own part of a league. This deal is similar to on ESPN signed with the Arena Football League.
I think that this is something that is very pasitive for MLL. Being able to get their game out there wiil help promote their league. I personally didn't know that there was MLL and I am sure that there are peole like me out there. So anyway, especially using ESPN, to get their sport out there is going to help.
Monday, March 05, 2007 10:46:00 PM
"White cans Dew, flied to Red Bull"
Volume 9 Issue 42 Page 1
In what is somewhat of a surprise to those who are not in the know regarding X-Games sports, Shaun White, Olympic Gold Medalist and X-Games hero, has decided to 'fly' to Red Bull and get his wings. White has been one of the faces of Mountain Dew, a member of the Pepsi Co. family, for the past four years. They have been able to capitalize on his rise to fame and his subsequent turn as hero in the Olympic games.
Red Bull has fought admirably the past five plus years to become a factor in the sports world. They have signed other stars in BMX and Motocross and haved gotten involved with Nascar and the MLS. This is a major signing for Red Bull because White is as much a lock for another Olympic medal run as any athlete out there. This will help put Red Bull on the international landscape and make White an even bigger name. Red Bull is hoping that he can raise their profile. they have invested heavily in him (deal is worth over seven figures) and expect him to make a splash.
Pepsi has taken care of White during his time there and will take a hit when he leaves. John Galloway was instrumental in the development of Pepsi being involved with extreme sports but he has left Pepsi to join Izze Beverage Co. as well. Many insiders believe that Pepsi will continue to stay active in extreme sports but losing White lessens their credibility.
Just remember, Red Bull gives you wings! White has his and others will follow....
Monday, March 05, 2007 11:07:00 PM
”Wilson’s multimillion-dollar ad campaign a boost for tennis” Vol.9 iss 41 page.4
This was a very important deal for tennis. When Wilson put that much money into tennis it increased the interest of the sport. This big amount of money that Wilson pumped into tennis will force other brands to increase their ad campaigns. The new money was pumped into tennis will also increase the media cover and that is also positive for the sport. The TV ad will hopefully also increase the popularity of Roger Federer and that’s a positive thing for the sport of tennis because this sport has already too few superstars.
Monday, March 05, 2007 11:12:00 PM
"Upshaw: Battles of recent players won prosperity"
Volume 9 Issue 42 Page 1
I just wrote a blog entry on an article from last week and now have to write another from this week...I'm an idiot.
Gene Upshaw is someone who is admired by many in the game of football. He has gone from the no.16 pick in the 1967 draft to starter for the Raiders to Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association since June 1983. He has fought for players rights for years.
When Upshall was playing he worked for very little and like most players had to work in the offseason. In the movie Invincible, Vince Papale worked as a school teacher and a bartender in the offseasons to make some extra cash.
Upshall worked hard to represent the players and defend them against the NFL owners and was there at the formation of the union in 1970. he was a part of the three players strikes and the landmark 1993 NFL collective bargaining agreement which enabled players to become free agents which in turn made them millions.
Upshall though has come under fire recently from the very people he played with years ago. The players, who have been featured on ESPN lately, are angry because many of them have bad benefits and live in poverty. These players think that there hasn't been enough done for them even though they were the pioneers who have allowed current players to make the money they are today.
While I tend to agree with the players who played in the 1970's and 1980's and the troubles they seem to have gone through, I find it somewhat odd that they would pick a fight with the one person who would seem to be fighting the hardest for them. Upshall epitomizes the things that are good and right about the NFL. He has turned himself into a hard working businessmen after his NFL life and has fought hard for equality for all players. The owners are the real people to fight against. Start a fund for these fallen pioneers. Give them better health benefits. Make them feel as though they count. If the owners don't, then they are showing todays players that they are still stuck back in the 1970's with their thinking and that might not be good for further negotiations in the future.
--Gerald Henderson makes me proud--
Monday, March 05, 2007 11:37:00 PM
"YES signs text-messaging sponsorship deal" v9 i42 p8
Since text messaging is all the rage these days- YES Network has decided to incorporate it with their deal with the Greater New York Toyota Dealers Association for the NJ Nets broadcasts. YES viewers can vote for their Toyota Player of the Game and in response they will be sent promotional material about the Toyota Tundra. YES has covered other games for short-term but now they have a longer program thanks to the help of Toyota's sponsorship. YES will also cover broadcasts and they will be advertising Toyota during TV commercials of the Nets games. This is a good idea and both YES Network and Toyota seem to be excited about this deal.
Monday, March 05, 2007 11:40:00 PM
Banking on Hoops
Vol. 9 Issue 42
This article discusses how the Kentucky basketball program generates most of its revenue from ticket sales each season. Last season, the program generated $11.84 million, but there is also around $11 million hidden in different budgets that the program helps generate. The article shows the attendance leaders in men’s college basketball for the past five seasons. Kentucky, Syracuse, UNC, and Louisville are all the top four teams in the past four seasons. This is shown in the overall revenue where each of these teams are in the top five, except for Kentucky because they show multimedia, licensing, sponsorships and signage revenues in other categories. Kentucky is looking to make even more money off of their ticket sales by raising the price per ticket $6 and the premium per seat another $100. This will give the men’s basketball program a larger budget that some school’s total athletic department.
While the program is reeling in money left and right, it is also spending a lot of money. Their basketball program actually spends more than their football program, which is rare in college sports. Tubby Smith is also one of the highest paid coaches in basketball and the team has to pay $1 million a year to the facility where they practice.
With a tradition like Kentucky’s it is no wonder they have one of the most consistent attendances in basketball. No team has won more games and the program is making sure they don’t lose their winning behaviors. They continue to spend a lot of money because they know people will always be there to watch them and they can make that money back.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007 11:53:00 AM
” NHLPA takes leaguewide tour” Vol.9 iss 42 page. 6
I think that this is an important step for the NHLPA. The NHL is struggling with some problems with the lack of interest. To get the players more involved in local promotions and marketing programs can raise the interest. That’s why NHPLA is doing an important job right now. To go and talk with all the 30 NHL teams and open a dialoged is a step in the right direction. They have only been working with this for a year and they have a lot to do but like Ken Kim said “but the overall the players and the teams are excited about the new communications. It’s a good foundation to build off.”
Thursday, March 08, 2007 9:36:00 PM
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Wednesday, March 14, 2007 11:51:00 PM
"Chargers will sport new look"
vol.9,issue 45, page 10
The San Diego Chargers are changing the look of their team to create a more distinct identity for what the club hopes is a Super Bowl run over the next few seasons. This is the first such change for the franchise in two decades. The change was not just to the jerseys, but also to the helmets. The teams logo and word mark were also changed in the process. The team's chief operating officer said, "This group of players needed thier own identification", and "This group will play together for a long time. 26 players are under contract through 2009." Economics did not drive this decision, because the team will have to pay a six figure sum to pay for sponsors to change in stadium signs. Because of the pool revenue any increase in sales will be shown throughout the league and no just in Chargers merchandise sales. The team will incorporate powder blue back into their colors for the first time sionce the 60's, not just for throwback games. The chargers will have three uniforms: Navy Blue for home, White for away, and Powder Blue for special occasions. The team will also have white helmets instead of the navy blue.
In my opinion the Chargers uniforms are not that much differnt from the ones that I have been looking at over the past decade. The major change is to the helmet which is now white instead of blue. Even though the uniforms may have some subtle changes to them, they still have the same overall look to them. To me this seems to be a way to help fans get over the disappointing loss to the Patriots in last years playoffs and to sell jerseys of exciting young players such as Tomlinson, Merriman, and Gates.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007 3:53:00 PM
NBA All-Star sales set mark
Volume 9 issue 44
The All-Star game that was held in Las Vegas February 17-18 set an overall merchandise sale that was up 54 percent and sales that were up at the NBA's Jam Session 24 percent from the previous year. A major issue to understand is that previously in 2005 was the NBA's top selling All-Star year held in Las Angeles. To make the obvious statement, this shows a lot that there was a back to back ground breaking year in sales for this event.
The NBA was able to sell 90 percent of all merchandise brought to this event, even having to produce an extra 50,000 with in the stand that was set up by XP Events, NBA, and Adidas. This tent was set up outside the event due to not significant room within the Thomas and Mack Arena. Although all the talk about the merchandise sales from this event would be thought to mean confusing with in the arena and following area, Daren Libonati, director of the Thomas and Mack Center says "for us it was a normal day at the office", sales were about average for such a sizable event.
I think that this means a couple different things, one with such as small event size, the consumer who came to watch the event and was not able to had that extra moneys witch enabled them purchase the merchandise. This granted them the feeling of being part of the NBA All-Star tradition. Another is the marketing of the NBA, I think it has a lot to do still with the size of the T&M Center but they were set up all through out the town, not centralizing on the arena's or events taken place. They were able to let a very wide and diverse group of consumers feel as though they had a place in the NBA All-Star game.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007 11:00:00 PM
“USTA road-tripping again, this time with bus” v. 9, i. 44, p. 4
The US Tennis Association has planned a campaign to promote this season of the US Open Series. There will be a total of 10 events in July and August. The slogan is the same as last year and is “The Greatest Road Trip in Sports… 6 Weeks, 10 Tournaments, $30 Million on the Line.” In the past player participation has been a problem and hopefully this year it will be better. The USTA is planning to promote this event through printed ads being published in USA Today, Sports Illustrated, and The New York Time. This series will be broadcasted nationally on CBS, ESPN2, NBC, and The Tennis Channel.
I think that the US Tennis Association needs to do a lot more to promote their event. It says that “the bus will appear in TV spots this year and will follow the series in ’08.” They are spending $3.5 million dollars this summer to market and advertise this years event but I don’t think that there vision will bring in any extra fans. Tennis is not a major sport in the United States and in order to create attention, they must market in a new way. I do not think that they are doing enough of this. So they are going to show this bus on TV and next year the bus will follow the tour, who cares. That doesn’t make me what to watch the tournament. There needs to be a reason to watch, I want to know who the players are, and what they can do. What is going to make this exciting to watch, there needs to be something to catch my attention and make me turn on the TV.
Thursday, March 22, 2007 3:46:00 PM
NBA All-Star sales set mark
March 12-18, Vol. 9, Issue 44, p.16
The NBA all-star game set a merchandise sale in Las Vegas. The total merchandise sales were up 54 percent and sales that at the NBA’s Jam Session were up 24 percent from the previous year. The NBA sold 90 percent of all merchandise brought in $400,000 worth of merchandise. The only problem for them is there were other locations that sell the same products around town. For example, there had 21 NBA All-Star Fashion Shows in Fashion Show Mall which have several mobile merchandise trailers on the Strip in Las Vegas. This year was NBA’s highest weekend ever, because a record 136,331 fans attended Jam Session at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
Consumers came to the event means they like watching NBA. They probably already had several NBA related products. They may not want to buy more, or they do not have enough money to spend on merchandise. They had already spent hotel, flight tickets for joining this event. But, there were still some fans would like to buy NBA merchandise. It’s a good marketing strategy for NBA All-Star game.
Thursday, March 22, 2007 7:58:00 PM
Most marketable? The money’s on Tiger
March 19-25, Vo. 9, Issue 45, p.8
Tiger Woods will remain in the position for the next five years which is he is the most marketable active athlete for brands trying to reach North American consumers. According to SportsBusiness Daily, 69 percent of voters identified Tiger Woods as the most marketable active athlete. 55 percent believe he will be the most marketable active athlete five years from now. There were 74 percent of the voters agree considered that Michael Jordan is the most marketable retired athlete. The director of marketing for Callaway Golf said, “Ten years age, everyone wanted to ‘Be Like Mike.’ Now, everyone wants to be like Tiger regardless of whether they play golf.”
I agree with Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan is the most marketable active athlete and the most marketable retired athlete. Almost everyone in the world knows Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan even though they are not Woods and Jordan’s fans, so do I. There are so many corporate have relationships with Tiger Woods, such as Nike, American Express, Tag Heuer, Buick, Gillette and EA Sports. Although Jordan had already retired for a while, still many people remember him. Nike is still keep selling Jordan shoes and somebody is still buying Jordan related merchandise.
Thursday, March 22, 2007 7:59:00 PM
"Ricky Carmichael sponsor Monster would jump from motorcycle to car with deal" v9 i45 p11
Ricky Carmichael is like the Michael Jordan of supercross sports. He is making a leap from motorcycles to stock car racing and possibly move into NASCAR Craftsman Truck racing later in the year. Carmichael has been sponsored by Monster since January of 2006 and at that time they agreed to a two-year contract and decided to stick with sponsoring Ricky when he makes the leap into stock car racing. Ginn Racing finalized a deal with Monster to put their logo on Carmichael's stock car for his first race. Monster jumped on this idea because it would give them a wider promotion base since they are the number two energy drink behind Red Bull.
I think this is a great idea to promote Monster as the main logo on Carmichael's stock car because that is his biggest sponsor and Carmichael has a lot of fans in Supercross so I can see his fan base widening after his first stock car race is complete. This would make more benefits for the Monster Energy Drink.
Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:19:00 PM
"Penguins get arena deal"
V-9, I-45, P-8
The Pittsburgh Penguins recently signed a deal to build a new arena in Pittsburgh - keeping the team in it's home for at least the next 30 years. The $290 million facility will be financed completely through a state bond. The team will also contribute $4.2 million per year for each of the 30 years towards the repayment.
Well, it's a good thing the Penguins are having a prosperous year. Had the team been in the basement this season, as they have been for the previous three, there is zero possibility of this arena deal coming to fruition. The fact that Pittsburgh currently has three of the top young players in the league has led to interest from other cities, such as Kansas City, in acquiring the Penguins franchise. Pittsburgh did themselves a great justice in keeping this organization here - regardless of their reasoning. The sport of professional hockey is slowly gaining a greater following and the Penguins are certainly one of the most exciting teams to follow.
I'll say it again - this arena deal would not have happened if the Pens were in a slump. However, they are playing very well right now and it could not have come at a better time. As a true fan, through wins or losses, I am thrilled that the Penguins will remain at home for another 30 seasons. I will certainly be a patron of the new arena in the 2008-2009 season. Good job Pittsburgh!
Sunday, March 25, 2007 12:39:00 PM
"RSNs say baseball a big hti with advertisers", March 19-25 vol.9 issue 45.
Regional sports networks are having a tremendous increase in sponsorships and the traditional 30 second commercial spots. Some of these media buyers credit this to that fact that ESPN is now covering fewer games, giving increase of sponsorships at the regional level.
So think about it! If advertisers have fewer sports to buy on ESPN, they need somewhere to go with the money that is devoted to sponsorships. Regional Sports networks have seen on average high single digit increase in sales. Some teams such as World Series Contenders like the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit tigers have had increases in sells of national spots that have hit around 15 percent. Furthermore regional networks have now embrace multiplatform approach. This means the opportunity will increase for sells when taking business online and TV (to name a few).
My opinion is a little bias. I feel that as a viewer of many and I mean many baseball games I really like the coverage ESPN gives during a game. As a Cubs fan and with WGN(cubs regional sports network) regularly offered in ever cable package I don’t get my shortage of cubs televised games. And I do love how you feel like a native of Chicago when watching the regional networks but I love espn. So I know this article was about RSN increase in sponsorship which I think is great for MLB and those teams that are getting high percentage increases but it hit me when I realized that Wednesday Night Baseball or Sunday Night Baseball that is offered by ESPN will show less games. This frustrates me. I rather listen to Harold Reynolds versus Bob Walk (I mean seriously have you ever watched the YES network or FSN to watch the Pirates or Yankees, all the announcers especially Bob walk are freaking hammered!!!), I rather watch a game in high def then a game that is not and is covered by drunken Bob Walk. I want more games on ESPN, who is with me!!
Quote of the week:Listen, Pocahontas, unless you put your ear to the ground, you'll never hear the buffalo comin'!
Sunday, March 25, 2007 1:23:00 PM
HBO Boxing Series gets prime real estate
vol.9, I 45, pg 49
This article talks about how HBO is launching it only 2nd every reality sports documentary on its prime sunday night slot. The sports documentary is called De La Hoya/ Mayweather 24/7 it follows the two boxers for weeks before there big May 5th pay per view fight in vegas. The show starts on April 15 and runs for three Sundays April 15,22,29. HBO hopes this documentary will spark more interest in the world of boxing to a younger audience and maybe when the actual fight comes around on pay per view more people will buy the fight. They hope to break the previous record for most pay per view buys in a heavywieght fight held by La Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad in 1999 with 1.4 million buys.
I think this was a good idea on HBOs part because if people watch the documentary and get hooked they will be more willing to pay to see the actual fight. This article reminds me of a show I use to watch called contender it was about boxing and I was never really was interested in boxing until i started watching that show and if one of those fights was on HBO pay per view I def. would have payed to see it.
Sunday, March 25, 2007 3:19:00 PM
Penguins get arean deal
Volume 9, Issue 45, pg. 8
After a long hard batte, the Pittsburgh Penguins finally signed a deal to build a new arena instead of moving to Kansas City.
The new deal will atleast keep the Pens in Pittsburgh for 30 years. The arena is worth 290 million dollars, and will be financed through a state bond. Inorder to pay the bond back the team will contribute 4.2 million per year for 30 years. The Pens have been trying to get a new arena for awhile now, and they really do need a new arena. Many loyal fans and state officials were key in keeping the Penguins in pittsburgh.
I believe that this was a great buisness deal for the penguins and the city. With the loyal fan base that Pittsburgh has and the fact they have some of the top players in the league, the popularity should increase which means more revenue for the Penguins. I think that it is only fitting for them to stay not only because of the fan base, but also because they are starting build a great program, which is evident from teh success that they are having this season. If Kanses City would picked up this deal then they would have picked up a very prosperous deal, but Pittsburgh prevailed and were able to keep the Pens.
Sunday, March 25, 2007 11:00:00 PM
Volume 9, Issue 45, Page 55
This article is about professional athletes writing books for children. Most recently Alex Rodriguez wrote and has come out with his second book called, “out of the ballpark. In his book Rodriguez talks about his childhood and some of the obstacles he had to work through and overcome, like developing self confidence. I think it is great that professional athletes also many times known as role models are giving children the message that they can do anything as long as they work hard and strive to succeed. Plus they give real examples of success stories, so children reading these books know that they can do anything. Not only are these books inspiring, but most of the time proceeds from the books sales go partially to charities that help with a number of different things. Some other athletes who have come out with children’s books include, Vince Carter, Sue Bird, Carmelo Anthony, and Shaun Alexander.
Monday, March 26, 2007 12:51:00 AM
Jaguars get two bids for $750 million
Volume 9 Issue 44, Pg 1,16
The Jacksonville Jaguars recently hired an investment bank, Galatioto Sports Partners, to analyze the team’s debt and seek potential buyers. They reportedly received two different offers of around $750 million dollars. NFL teams are the most expensive in all of sports, with the low-end franchises having a value of around $700 and high-end teams slightly over a billion dollars. Last year, the team earned a small profit and their vice president predicted a loss for this year. They have a small market and player costs are rising, but their owner, Wayne Weaver, would have no problem finding a buyer if he decides to sell. Who wouldn’t want to own a NFL team?
There are so many individuals with a lot of money, but only 32 teams, so the demand for a team pushes the price up even more. But Weaver may be saying the team is for sale in order to get a value on the team in order to buy out some of the limited partners. Either way he is going to make a lot of money, and if I had $700 I’d buy the Jags.
Monday, March 26, 2007 12:58:00 AM
His card is American Express, dude
vol. 9, iss. 44, pg. 1
Shaun White is back on the front page of SBJ. This time White is signing an endorsement deal is American Express. White is the latest person to join the "My life. My card." campaign. At 20 White becomes the youngest member of the American Express roster that includes other names as Tiger Woods, Mike Kryzyzewski, Andy Roddick, and Venus Williams.
Even though White is younger than other endorsers, the vice president of the company says that it does not mean that they are trying to reach out to a younger demographic.
I feel that this is a good move for White. Having his name associated with a highly valued company is nothing but a good thing. This recent signing adds to White list of companies such as, Red Bull, PlayStation, Burton, Volcom, Okaley, and Adio.
Way to go kid!!!
Monday, March 26, 2007 11:36:00 AM
Goodyear's NCAA advertising plans take flight
v9 is 44 pg 6
Goodyear will and the NCAA are teaming up to put miles on the Goodyear Blimps with the "Get There" advertising campaign. The "Get There" theme was first launced in the Daytona 500 and it will cover 8 of the 12 tournament sites during the first two weekends of March Madness which will cover more than 30 games for CBS.
Throughout the tournament, the Blimps and other aircraft will tally a total of 5,037 during the tournament. What is a good about having the blimps cover as much as they are, they are integrating the message into the broadcast, so that the channel flippers won't miss out. Goodyear also bought significant ad buys from CBS to promote their "Get There" commericals. The blimp will not cover the final four tournament and the finals because the teams hae already "Gotten There."
I think this is a very creative advertisement for not only Goodyear, but for the NCAA and CBS as well. Everyone is benefiting from this and the viewers won't miss a thing! The whole idea with Get There is a terrific idea! Goodyear is supporting all the teams in reaching their destinations and encourgaing the teams that have made it to the final 4.
With the success of Goodyear and the NCAA, I can see Goodyear working together with many more tournaments and sports to increase advertisement for everyone!
Monday, March 26, 2007 1:03:00 PM
“Sprint returns with Madness content” V9 I44 P6
Even Sprint is not a partner with NCAA they plan to do mobile March Madness for the second consecutive year. Last year’s success was the reason for the return of the mobile March Madness program. Mobile March Madness is analysis of all the games and upcoming games with scores and stats. This service is available for free to all Sprint users.
I like the idea fans of the NCAA tournament has access when they are not around a TV. With most of the games at a time when they are at work; many of them don’t want to get in trouble with their boss so it is better to get their information through the cell phones.
Monday, March 26, 2007 10:14:00 PM
"Most marketable? The money's on Tiger"
Volume 9 Issue 45 Page 8
This was one of the most intersting articles that I have read for the Sports Business Journal. This is a topic that we have been discussing in class a lot recently in regards to corportations and which athletes they choose as their sponsorship partners. This article decided to not only gauge which athlete is most marketable now but also who will be that guy/girl five years from now. In addition to these categories, there is a third section regarding retired athletes.
It is not a surprise that Tiger Woods is considered the most marketable athlete. He is one of the few athletes that seems to transcend not only race but also gender and economic status. He seems to come off as extremely genuine and that appeals to everyone. I guess it doesn't hurt that he is so successful in his sport either. What does surprise me though is how a golfer could be so marketable when a majority of people do not golf or follow golf that closely as a sport. While I have found a new love for the game and love the sport, I find it hard to believe that all the inner-city kids have the time and resources to play it. Heck, I do not even have the resources to play it to be honest. That is what makes it all the more remarkable.
The other athletes in the top 5 include (in order) Peyton Manning, LeBron James, Derek Jeter, and Dwayne Wade. In five years the outlook looks a bit different in order with one athlete falling out of the top 5. Tiger Woods is still projected to be at the top with LaBron James, Dwayne Wade, newcomer Reggie Bush, and Peyton Manning rounding out the top five. Jeter is a bit older and Bush was the most hyped rookie of last season so it is no surprise that the Heisman award winning NFL running back cracks the top 5. When you look at the list though you see an absence of MLB players which comes a bit of a shock.
What did not come as a surprise is Michael Jordan being the most marketable retired athlete (as he has been for quite some time). The rest of the top five rounds out with Cal Ripken Jr., Charles Barkley, Jack Nicklaus, and Lance Armstrong. I did not realize the marketablility of Ripken. I was kind of shocked that with Barkley's recent mishaps regarding gambling that he would place third. Nicklaus remains strong in the older population and fell where I thought he would. The wild card was Lance Armstrong who has lost some steam in light of the ongoing allegations of blood doping. Despite this, I think that all five are worthy of this distinction.
-- I'm your huckleberry! - Doc Holiday. --
Monday, March 26, 2007 10:17:00 PM
“USTA road-tripping again, this time with bus”
v. 9, i. 44, p. 4
The new marketing strategy used by the U.S. Tennis Association to promote its fourth season of the U.S. Open Series is to plan an ad campaign which valued at up to $3.5 million this summer. It uses the same slogan as in 2006 –“The Greatest Road Trip in Sports… 6 weeks, 10 Tournament, $30 Million on the Line”, and it adds a branded touring us to the spots.
About this promotion, the USTA’s managing director of marketing, Michelle Wilson, said that the most critical thing is that the message is the same as last year. It can educate people and fans all about the U.S. Open Series and introduce these players. This promotion also shows on CBS, ESPN2, NBC, The Tennis Channel, and several publications, and the creative agency is Arnold Worldwide.
I think it is a good strategy to promote a new event. When people watch TV, they may notice this ad sometimes and somewhere. When people read magazine or newspapers, they will know it. However, it still has risk. There are not a lot of people watch tennis event as basketball and football event. If USTA spend a lot of money to promote, it must attract more people to attend that event or it will lose money.
Monday, March 26, 2007 11:01:00 PM
"WMA, Fegan will team up to represent Chinese 7-footer Yi"
Vol 9, Issue 44, Page 10
China is the largest future sports market in the world. The US professional sports leagues are eager to go abroad to do the global marketing. The NBA did the great job on developing the global markets, especially in China. Since the Huston Rockets signed the No.1 center Yao Ming in 2002, the NBA got the whole lot of fans in China. The teams of NBA have been keeping eyes on developing new qualified Chinese players for earning more revenue from China.
Yi Jianlian is another super star in China, who is still growing up. He is tall, skilled, fast and healthy for basketball. I believe he is the great choice for those NBA teams. There must be a lot of teams which want to sign him in this up comming spring draft. This brings WMA and Fegan a good chance to the business. I think the cooperation of WMA with Fegan is a suitable form to do the Yi's case, because the WMA can represent him to do the global marketing, and the Fegan can use the relationship with the NBA to negotiate the contracts of Yi with the NBA teams. This cooperation can bring Yi higher price and bigger market. The WMA has a Chinese office that let them have opertunity to contact Yi and his team to talk about the contract with NBA teams.
I think it is so good for those sports marketing companies to set the offices in China to do the business. The Yi's case is a good example, they use this office to get to him and his team at the first time. In all, this article let me know that the sports marketing company can cooperate with sports agent to sign a new player in foreign country.
Monday, March 26, 2007 11:08:00 PM
Dwight Dupree
"Jaguars get two bids for $750 million"
Volume 9 Issue 44 Page 1, 16
Two bids were recently offered to buy the NFL football franchise, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The bids arrived through New York-based Galatioto Sports Partners, an investment bank the Jaguars hired to analyze the team's debt and to seek potential limited partners. Current owner Wayne Weaver, however, claims he has no plans to sell the team. Weaver owns 48.5 percent of the team and several other Jacksonville businessmen own the remainder, which is divided proportionally among them. These grumblings came about when Galatioto Sports Partners was hired. GSP sent out a financial prospectus on the Jaguars to a select group of wealthy individuals who reviewed the prospectus. That is when the two offers came about from two individuals who viewed the prospectus. The article goes on to talk about the fact that Jacksonville is the league's second-smallest market and has struggled to fill seats and has been vocal about the problems that low-revenue clubs face from rising player costs. It also talks about the fact that low-end franchises are worth at least $700 million and NFL franchises are rarely on the market so the cost could go up because the demand to buy a franchise is very high. The Jaguars lost money last year and are predicted to do the same this year as well. Weaver is 73 and might be considering selling but he has not said so publicly as of yet.
Monday, March 26, 2007 11:26:00 PM
Players on top teams can pile up gifts
Volume 9 Issue 44
Brent Baird
March 12-18
This article takes a look at the gifts that college basketball players receive for their participation in the basketball season tournaments. Most institutions give their athletes certain gifts and at the division I level there are specific dollar amounts that must be followed. At the tournament level some of the gifts can be pretty high tech toys, like I pods, LCD TVs, Mobile Play Stations, and MP3 players. Though these “toys” are quite in I think the gifts the NCAA is handing out might mean a bit more. The ring is something that the player can hold on to for ever, and the the chance to have a piece of the floor that the final four was played on could be a nice token that the players will remember for a long time. While the tech toys are in right now we all know that they will be replace with in a year of being given out and each player will move on to the next item. Instead of trying to out do each other the conferences might want to do something that will mean something and remind them of the memories that the athletes are making.
Monday, March 26, 2007 11:39:00 PM
"Most marketable, the money's on Tiger," Vol. 9, issue 45, page 8
Tiger Woods is a marketing machine.
His popularity and influence in the sports marketing world are undeniable, and his unique place in sport may be due to the numerous advantages that he has over other athletes. These advantages make him more identifiable and influential than most.
First, he plays a sport that is made up of individuals. It is easier to be a dominant and consistently winning player when the only one to rely on is yourself. Also, he is identifiable as himself, not as part of a team. When Tiger Woods wins a tournament, it is because of Tiger Woods. Therefore, when he wins, all the credit and glory and noterity go to him. He doesn't have to share the spotlight with anybody.
Next, he plays a sport in which it is easy to see his face and his chiseled physique. These things are impressive to see on television or in newspapers and magazines. A lot of people consider Tiger Woods to be a good-looking guy.
Next, he plays a sport which is considered something that high-class individuals participate in. Let's face it, golf is a somewhat expensive game to play in. Also, it comes with a lot of prestige, and there is an exclusive nature to it. This lends Tiger Woods to be marketable for high-end companies like American Express and Buick. People who buy Buick Rendevous are probably classy individuals, and I would not be surprised if they play golf, too. Therefore, Tiger is their perfect poster boy.
Finally, as mentioned in the article, Tiger transcends race, religion and nationality. His ethinicty is part Asian, part African American and his is relatively light-skinned. So he appeals to everyone. Not only that, he is a non-confrontational athlete who seems to be on his best behavior.
Tiger Woods is the reason I play golf. And a lot of other people feel the same way.
Monday, March 26, 2007 11:43:00 PM
"Most marketable, the money's on Tiger," Vol. 9, issue 45, pg. 8
If a sports product related company can select the most influential athletes to be its spokesperson, it can attract not only the fans of the athletes but also the enthusiastic athletes in their sports field to purchase the related products. Take Michael Jordan for example; every of his fans bought his shoes, basketball clothes, or even perfumes to show their loyalty and personal tastes. In addition, enthusiastic basketball players also purchased the products that Michael Jordan used in the advertising because they want to be as good as him.
Compared to Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods has more diverse supporters from the different industries. Through the advertising by NIKE, Tiger Woods is not only the best golf player in the world but also the person who achieves the accomplishment by continuously developing his skills. Therefore, consumers who bought his products wish to follow Tiger’s spirits or patience even though they are not golf players in the golf field.
Obviously, Tiger Woods brings NIKE or other related companies a big success on selling their products. Hence, companies ought to focus attention on the characteristics of the athletes rather than their skills only when they use athletes to stand for the products.
Monday, March 26, 2007 11:46:00 PM
“Chargers will sport new look” Vol.9 iss 45 page 10
It is a positive move by the Sand Diego Chargers to change their uniforms for next season. I agree that the team could receive better team following by changing their uniforms. It’s a positive move especially for team spirit by getting a slightly altered team look, especially when the team is performing better than in recent years. It’s a great marketing maneuver because the fans have to buy new shirts and jerseys. This change could boost interest and financial input for the Sand Diego Charger organization
Tuesday, March 27, 2007 12:59:00 AM
“Chargers will sport new look” Vol.9 iss 45 page 10
It is a positive move by the Sand Diego Chargers to change their uniforms for next season. I agree that the team could receive better team following by changing their uniforms. It’s a positive move especially for team spirit by getting a slightly altered team look, especially when the team is performing better than in recent years. It’s a great marketing maneuver because the fans have to buy new shirts and jerseys. This change could boost interest and financial input for the Sand Diego Charger organization
Tuesday, March 27, 2007 1:00:00 AM
"Mets take their marketing campaign into Yankee territory"
Volume 9 Issue 44 Page 5
In this article it talks about how the New York Mets are planning to start a $2 million marketing campaign for the 2007 season and it will heavily involve their star players and use some celebrity talent to try to generate more interest for the team. The new route that the Mets are taking is going against the grain of their old campaign that had a slogan of "Your Season Has Come" and even the name and logo as well as the color has changed. The new advertising features traditional team colors of orange and blue where the old had used black, and the new advertising as stated before will showcase key players and celebrities. The club is marketing this year around the concept of the ticket and they are projecting a year-end attendance of about 3.8 million, which would be a franchise record. The advertising will also expand to new spots. There will be first time applications on taxi roofs, billboards and Metropolitan Transportation Authority trains heading into New York's Westchester County and Connecticut, areas traditionally seen as strongholds of New York Yankees fandom. The campaign was developed in part by Ogilvy and Mather's New York office. The $2 million outlay is a combination of cash and trade and is a slight increase from last year's marketing effort and it is being used to really push the season-ticket business.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007 9:52:00 AM
"Ricky Carmichael sponsor Monster would jump from motorcycle to car deal."
Vol 9. Iss 45. Pg 11
Ginn racing is in the final stages of a deal that will put Ricky Carmichael's chief Supercross sponsor, Monster Energy Drink, on the car for his stock car races. Originally Monster had no idea that Carmichael would be making the jump from two wheels to four, but the move can broaden the audience for Monster, which is the No. 2 energy in sales behind Red Bull. Scott Sepkovic, president and CEO of Crown Athlete Management Group said that he likes that it takes one of our personalities over to the more mainstream corporate side of the world. Carmichael signed a three year contract with Ginn Racing and will begin his career in the Late Model series, which is the equivalent of Class A rookie ball. There are plans for him to jump to the NASCAR Truck series prior to the end of the season. Ginn racing is taking an a la carte approach to selling Carmichael's ride, since he is racing a limited schedule.
I feel that there is an upside and a downside to Monster's deal with Carmichael. The upside is that he has a loyal fanbase in Supercross and many of them will follow his journey to NASCAR's top level. Also, many fans of NASCAR will know who he is prior to his arrival on the Nextel Cup circut. The downside is that if Carmichael fails in his attempt to make the Cup series Monster may take the fall for sticking with an unproven stock car driver. They also must be able to withstand the increase in cost of sponsorship that will be placed in front of them when and if he reaches the top level in NASCAR.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007 3:21:00 PM
His card is American Expressm dude, v9 issue 44, pg 1 and 15
American Express has recently signed Shaun White as one of their primary endorsers. White is one of the youngest endorsers for American Express, but they feel he will do a great job at attracthing the younger population. The "My life My card" campaign has featured many athletes and White will be featured snowboarding and skateboarding..the two activities that has made him who he is today.
The total amount White receives in general is near 6$ million right now with all his endorsers. It is sick to see how much money an athlete makes...and you wonder where it all goes. Shaun is a young and viberant individual who will attract the younger population into the sports of his choice and his endorsers as well. They signed Shaun because he is young, he has accomplished so much at his age, and he is successful!
I think it was a smart move for American Express not only to sign white but their new "my life my card" slogan is very catchy and true
Wednesday, March 28, 2007 4:02:00 PM
"Chargers will sport new look" v9 i45 p10
The San Diego Chargers are changing their uniforms for the first time since almost two decades ago. They want a more distinct look in hopes of going to the Super Bowl in the next few years. Reebok agreed to this change, and it's going to cost the Chargers a six-figure sum because they also have to pay sponsors for changing their in-stadium signs. The changes include: putting their team name on the front of their jersey's below the NFL stitching, changing their helmets from navy to white, as well as going from a white lightning bolt to a gold lightning bolt, and the font change for the wording of the team. They also decided to go with a pale blue jersey for random occasions- the color which was worn in the 1960's.
These changes are minimal, and hardly recognizable, but if this is what the Chargers feel will help them have a better chance of the Super Bowl, then so-be-it. Also, a change that looks to be made according to comparing photos in this article, but isn't mentioned, would be the player number is no longer on the sleeves of the jersey. I like the number on the sleeves so that no matter how the player is standing, you can always see the number and what player it is.
Thursday, March 29, 2007 12:01:00 PM
New logos to brand Olympic Trials
March 19-25, Vol. 9, Issue. 45, p.7
The U.S. Olympic Committee creates the first new uniform logo to brand all U.S. Olympic Trials. This is because it wants to tie itself more closely to U.S. national governing bodies. In the past, national governing bodies have created their own logos for those events. Now, U.S. national governing bodies use a similar logo that combines with the USA five-ring mark. The 31 U.S. Olympic Trials can add their name and a pictogram to identify their sport. This idea will strengthen the brand by using a single loge for all the trials. The star will carry Olympic significance without suing the word Olympic or the five-ring mark. These are the property of the USOC.
I think this idea can also encourage each sport star. Each sport can add their name and own pictogram means they can have their own sport logo. The logo also has the words U.S.A. on it. The star will feel more responsible for U.S.A and their sports.
Saturday, March 31, 2007 2:26:00 AM
"Redesign might give students a free pass" vol. 9, iss. 46, pg. 1 by Lauren Fitzmorris
"The new setup for the Final Four will allow more people to attent the bug games, some of them stufents for the participating schools. Not only that, but students may very well get in for free." This is the conceptual look for now. But this concept has the potential to provide between 1,000 and 1,500 vouchers to the students at each Final Four school. The vouchers could be redeemed for game admittance to a student only area of the floor behind the basket.
Each of the Final Four schools now receive 3,750 seats each and the school decides on how they are distributed. And everyone knows that the students are the ones that probably get the shaft on that one.
The main reason for wanting to do this is to bring up the noise level of the games and to have to students in a location that will not block other spectators.
I think that this is a great idea, and I say bring on the NOISE!!!!
Saturday, March 31, 2007 6:51:00 PM
ESPN to pop a 5 pack of NBA playoff spots
vol. 9, i 46, pg. 7
This article talks about ESPN is featuring an advertising campaign with Washington Gilbert, Amare Stroudemire, Dirk Nowitzki, Tracy McGrady and LeBron James. The new advertising campaign is called "Will You Be Watching When" These 30 and 15 second ads are going to be in all black and white. The ads are going to consist of each player at practice then cut to a playoff daydream. This campaign is being released on April 9 and will be seen on ESPN and ABC only. Both ABC and ESPN are scheduled to broadcast the playoff games this year.
I think this new campaign is a good idea for both ESPN and ABC because they do broadcast the NBA playoff games. This new campaign might spark some interest in some people that don't normally watch the game to watch this year. Which will increase there ratings. They did mention in this article that ESPN's ratings did go up 20% from 2005. They are hoping that this campaign helps that number go up again this year during the playoffs. Which I think it will.
Sunday, April 01, 2007 4:15:00 PM
"Chargers will sport new look" v9, i 25 p.10
As time passes, everyteam, no matter what sport it may be, whether its football, basketball, baseball etc changes their uniforms and logo. Teams do this because they want to change their image. You mainly can find this when teams are doing great and they want their fans to associate winning with the new look. Now the chargers are going to change their look
The San Diego Chargers havent changed their look in nearly two decades. They will make a few changes such as putting their team name on the fron their jerseys, changing the helmets from navy to white, and change the white lighting bolt to gold. In order for these changes to take place, the Chargers will have to pay over 100,000, but the good news is that Reebok agreed to work with them in this deal.
I feel that this is a good deal for the Chargers and for Reebok. I feel that this change was due for them and now that they are known for success, maybe having a new look and logo can bring them to the top
Sunday, April 01, 2007 8:18:00 PM
NASCAR, Clarkson try 'swapping fan bases'
V-9, I-45, P-52
Kelly Clarkson is attaching herself to NASCAR in a big way. As the article states, "by the time her third album is released this summer, she will have performed at the Daytona 500, appeared in a NASCAR commercial and served as an ambassador for NASCAR day."
Both Clarkson and NASCAR are things I have zero interest in, which is exactly why I chose to gain some insight in reviewing this article.
This is a tremendous partnership for both parties, as Clarkson is one of music's hottest names right now and NASCAR has an insane following. The two will certainly gain new following from the other's fan base.
This just goes to show the importance of being an intelligent person/organization and having intelligent people around you. This is a win-win situation for both, whether they even knew anything about one another.
I believe fans of Clarkson will follow NASCAR more closely, trying to relate to the star further. On the same note, NASCAR fans who are not currently listening to Clarkson's music may take an interest in the star due to her numerous appearances over the past and future months.
Intelligent people = smart moves.
Sunday, April 01, 2007 10:14:00 PM
“Chargers will sport new look” V9 I45 P10
The defending AFC West division champions have unveiled new uniforms for 2007. This is the first time in twenty years that the franchise has decided to change their uniforms. The uniform change was eighteen months in the making and covers not just the jerseys and helmets; it also includes the team’s logo and team lettering. The Chargers and Reebok came together with the idea. San Diego now has three uniform options, navy blue, white and powder blue.
The new Charger uniforms give a look to their throwback uniforms of the 1960s. Whenever the Chargers play in their throwback uniforms it is very popular with fans and retailers who buy jerseys. Also with the teams recent success fans all over the country will flock to buy the new Tomlinson or Gates jersey to replace the old one that is in their closet.
Sunday, April 01, 2007 11:04:00 PM
Chargers will sport new look
Vol9 iss45
The San Diego Chargers are changing their uniforms next season for the first time in almost two decades. It’s going to cost them a good chunk of change, but they are in a deal with Reebok to get it done. The new ones will be pale blue with their name on the front, and white helmets with a gold lightning bolt, the look of their throwbacks we see from time to time.
Changing uniforms and designs can be good and bad in sports (I’d be upset if the Steelers changed their logo or jerseys). I think this is a good change for the Chargers because these uniforms seem to be more popular. Plus, people will flock to replace their old ones with these ones, giving the team and league more revenue. Also, they were arguably the best team throughout the regular season this past year and are hoping this change will spark the team enough to win a Super Bowl.
Monday, April 02, 2007 12:10:00 AM
L.A. expects to reach a “significant goal” Vol.9 iss 46 page 32
The signing of David Beckham forces the Galaxy to increases the sponsor revenues. They have worked hard and has all ready got more sponsors. The signing of Beckham made it easier for the Galaxy to close the deals with the sponsors because the sponsors understands that the Galaxy are going to have a lot more fans the future. The revenue increases that Galaxy gets through new sponsor and overseas trips to Asia forces other clubs to develop and try to match the Galaxy’s success.
Monday, April 02, 2007 3:59:00 PM
“Rebel yellow: Sprint Nextel color going on walls” Vo.9 iss 46 page 7
I agree that changing the colors of the retaining walls yellow could make the race feel more special. It could also attract more sponsors and so on. My only concern is if it matter anything for the drivers. Maybe it is more distracting for the drivers if the walls are yellow. It could make the drivers loose their concentration for just a second and that’s all its needs to have a bad crash. I think that if you are doing big changes like this you have to discuss it with the drivers. Nothing can interfere with their safety
Monday, April 02, 2007 3:59:00 PM
Battle still looms over extra innings
Volume 9, Issue 46, pg 23
This article is about MLB’s Extra Innings out-of-market package, this type of sports broadcasting has not long existed. They say that this key intersection in baseball’s relationship with its fans and congressional leaders, the fight for subscribers between cable and satellite, and the blurring of lines between TV and Internet. They also go into saying that the Senate Commerce Committee is holding a hearing in Washington to examine the MLB-DirecTV deal. Also there are other unknown elements in the out-of-market saga that impacts MLB Advanced Media’s corresponding product, MLB.TV.
This should show us all about the direction of the Internet/satellite TV. I am sure that all business minded people understand the impact in which we will be dealing with in our future in the field. Who would of thought that we would have to buy a service to watch out team on TV. Then we must also ask the next series of questions, such as how is this going to impact the relationship of the MLB and fans, what about those people who cannot afford these packages, is it going to diminish the game for families that are economically unstable?
The future will hold those questions and I am sure if we look at the average household watching games in the next few years they will go down, too many people will look at this a the MLB being money hungry, and in my opinion say the heck with our national pastime.
Monday, April 02, 2007 8:27:00 PM
"New logos to brand Olympic Trials" Volume 9, Issue 45, Page 7
The olympic is a great platform for our country to show up the sports and for those sponsors to advertise their brands.
In the past, the United States Olympic Committee lisensed out the right to run their Olympic trials, this action can let the USOC get more money for this lisense right. But it is not good for representing the whole U.S. national governing bodies. People is hard to put all different kinds of logos for those olympic trials together, so those different logos are hard to represent the U.S. olympic brand.
In 2008, the U.S. olympic committee make a good decision to sign a logo company to design a uniform logo to brand all U.S. Olympic Trials. In my point of view, this is called integrited brand logo. Although they get rid of the chance to get money from the lisense right, this uniform brand logo is good for representing the U.S. and also good for branding those sponsors.
Monday, April 02, 2007 9:03:00 PM
"SI relaunches golf.com with improved features, new partners"
Volume 9, Issue 45, pg 10
This article is about Sports illustrated's glof.com website. IT haas been relaunched after a much needed update. With new sponsers like Cobra Golf, Footjoy, and Titleist, sports illustrated launched a cross poromotional partnership with NBCSports.com. The two websites push viewers towards eachother for information. SI is exctied and anticipating a very big response to original video segments by CBS commentators, as well as news features, instructional videos, equipment research, courses and travel information and more.
I think that the website sounds amazing and will like it will cover all of your golf needs and more. It not only keeps you up to date on current golf information and new products, but it helps you work on your game too.
Monday, April 02, 2007 10:28:00 PM
“Mets take their marketing campaign into Yankee territory” v.9, i.44, p.5
The Mets have planned a $2 million marketing campaign to get more attendance rates at there games. Not only will they be using star players to help advertise but they will also be using celebrities such as Jon Stewart and Kelly Ripa. There slogan this year is “Your Season Has Come.” All of the theme for this year is based off of the ticket. Advertising will be expanded into taxi roofs, billboards, and trains. Some of these are traditionally where you would see Yankees advertising. On another note the Mets also brought back their true colors.
The Mets fans have had negative reactions to the newest slogan and want to see the return of “Ya Gotta Believe” but the Mets management has no desire to bring that back.
I think that it was a good time for the Mets to change their slogan, increase advertisement, and try and get more fans! There is nothing better for a city and it’s sports teams then having a stadium full of fans for the games. Hopefully the Mets have found away to do this in 2007.
Now that I said that…
GO MARINERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, April 02, 2007 10:57:00 PM
"Gillette races into TV" Vol. 9, issue 44, pg. 1
As a result of popularity of sport in the United States, many companies are using sports stars to help market their products. Through their performances in the sports industries, audiences will be willing to purchase the products guaranteed by these sports stars. The reputation of these celebrities will not only help raise the prestige of the supported competition but also help promote the products of the company.
Gillette made a wise decision regarding using the sports celebrities in the advertising to promote the prestige of the supported NASCAR races. The advertisement cast by these celebrities will definitely attract attentions from the audiences and deeply impress them. In the past, Gillette used to focus its marketing objects on the male users. In the present, however, the company has developed a series of female products and has also advertised these products by the female sports celebrities.
Monday, April 02, 2007 11:24:00 PM
"New logos to brand Olympic Trials"
Volume 9, Issue 45, Page 7
The U.S. Olympic Committee has created a new uniform logo to promote all U.S. Olympic Trials. The USOC thought that will be a new strategy to tie itself more closely to U.S. national governing bodies. In the past, national governing bodies had right to create their own logos for Olympic events, but now the NGBs will use a new similar logo which combines the USA five-ring mark and a pictogram of each event to identify their sport.
The USOC chief marketing officer said that they think it can help them injecting some value into the Olympic properties; and then they can create a stronger connection with NGBs. The most useful way they have to do is to create this common thread between all of the events. Dan price, CEO at Adrenalin, also said that it is a wonderful thing to create a sub-brand for the Olympics, and he thought that it is a great move. In my opinion, I think that create new logos to brand Olympic Trials is wonderful. Especially the new logos can attract younger audiences. It will strengthen the brand.
Monday, April 02, 2007 11:31:00 PM
“Mets take their marketing campaign into Yankee territory”
Volume 9 Issue 44 Page 5
The Mets have always seemed to play second fiddle in the Big Apple. The Yankees are the most commonly referred to as New Yorks team and have often played like big brother as well. The Mets though are taking a new approach this season in their advertising, capitalizing on last seasons deep playoff run and this years expectations of greatness.
The Yankees usually are the team that spends a lot of money on advertising in the city, monopolizing city cabs, billboards, local television spots, trains, and other advertising areas. The Mets have beaten them to the punch this past offseason by spending 2 million on a marketinf campaign that has helped them land celebrities such as Kelly Ripa and Jon Stewart (avid Mets fans) on the cheap to advertise their team.
As fans have reacted unfavorably to this new campaign, the Mets have actually used their recent winning as their main reason for the changes brining in the new slogan 'Your Season Has Come' instead of the retred 'Ya Gotta Believe'. The Mets have seemed to move forward with their team and have given fans a sense of a new era of Mets baseball instead of the naustalgia of teams slogans of glory years past. The change comes off the heals of their recent success which we have learned is the best time to make such changes (ie changing uniforms or logos while winning instead of when they lose so fans embrace them like the Chargers have just done with their uniforms).
With their increased advertisement budget and new slogan, the Mets are hoping to take New York by storm and become New York's team. While this may seem to be a tough task, it is an admirable goal. It's just too bad that they won't even win their division. GO PHILLIES!!!!
- The Phillies return for the 2007 season with MVP Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Cole Hamels and the smell of championship as their collective odor. -
Monday, April 02, 2007 11:36:00 PM
Less NFL access for Web sites?
Volume 9 Issue 45
Brent Baird
The NFL is looking at limiting the ability for other media outlets to post interviews and game day events into unregistered websites. They are also looking at limiting news out lets camera crews on the sidelines during games. Coming from a business view this is an area that would be obvious new source of income for the teams, but from a media standpoint it may look as yet another greedy step the big media and NFL is looking to squeeze out the little guy. I can see that the NFL is now noticing the increase in business possibilities and opportunities that web streaming is coming to maturity, and they see opportunity there, but there should be a point to where the NFL notices that the exposure by the little website companies will benefit them and will still focus the fans toward the more revenue generating outlets. They need to keep constant to when dealing with NBC, ESPN and others. As for the limiting of camera crews, there comes a point where business and media coverage goes hand and hand and there needs to be some sort of cooperation. If a team wants the local hometown media to cover events like players in community service they need to be sure access like sideline coverage is still open to these outlets.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007 12:00:00 AM
ESPN re-signs The Sports Guy, adds TV
Volume 9, Issue 47
Page 3
ESPN was looking to fill its editor-in-chief position and was facing competition from rival sites, so the decided to resign their most popular columnist Bill Simmons to a multiyear contract. It was a four year extension that will see him continue to write columns for ESPN.com and ESPN the magazine. He will also begin to develop programs for ESPN Original Entertainment. These will include documentaries, entertainment-oriented shows and programming centered on fantasy sports. Simmons wants to work more with sport documentaries and has no plans on working on scripted shows because of a conflict of interest between all the sports that ESPN covers. This move is big for ESPN since its editor-in-chief just stepped down and rival FoxSports.com registered more viewers than ESPN.com for the first time ever. Simmons columns have logged more than 16.5 million page views since the week of the Super Bowl. Simmons stated that he never thought of leaving. Simmons stated that he never would have went to SI.com because of a March 2006 article that treated him unfairly. While his new deal does not have him writing a set amount of columns, he does plan on writing more than one per week. He also plans on writing a second book.
ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine columnist Bill Simmons is a very good writer, whose internet columns I read often. ESPN did the right thing in resigning him to a deal that will keep him around through 2010. I hope that he gets the chance to film documentaries for ESPN because I think that is one thing that the network is missin. While I will still get my Sports Illustrated in the mail, I will continue to stop by ESPN.com and read Bill Simmons column.
Sorry Andy, no way the Phils win it this year. Pitching wins championships, not power hitting first basemen. The WS will be Mets vs. Angels. See me in October and let me know how my picks were.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007 3:18:00 PM
"Rebel yellow": Sprint Nextel color going on walls" v.9, i.46, p.7
The 2007 NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge will bring a bright new look to the race. To add a different feel and enhance the Lowe's MotorSpeedway they will be painting the retaining walls around the racetrack yellow. This will give the rack a new feeling and make it stand out over the traditional white wall. The race will also feature black and yellow checkered flags at the end of each segment. They are hoping that this will give the event a special feel.
I think that this is a great idea and will make the event stand out over other events. The fact that they are taking the time and spending the money for the one race and then changing it back to the traditional way means that they want to make the race that much better. I think that the yellow walls will catch people’s attention and help to create a different racing feel. A color like yellow will bring extra energy to the track.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007 8:30:00 PM
"Baseballs Big Problem"v.9, i.46, p.17-23
This article critique is going to be a little different than what I normally do! With a new baseball season just arriving this week , feelings of hopes and promise have arise for fans of every team(unless you are a Buccos fan, I know you are 3-0 but they were that in 2003 and once again missed the playoffs). However, with this new season a controversy for the ages has also shown its ugly head. This controversy surrounds the one only slugger and that slugger is chasing history.
Only 21 homeruns shy of passing Henry Aaron as the sports all time home run KING, Barry bonds and baseball are dealing with the talk about rather there should be a home run celebration when Barry breaks the home run mark. The talk around baseball is that there will be a celebration but some key major league officials will not be in attendance and will not show appreciation to the person that breaks the record due to is alleged use of steroids. Right now it sounds like crickets chirping in MLB about the homerun chase as no formal plans or sponsorships have been devised to proclaim this record and this gifted athlete.
Though it is hard to know when this record breaking homerun is going to be smacked over a right field fence I feel a plan should be devised like it is for any record breaking performance. I know the man in question has had his name smacked around just as much as he has smacked baseballs around and if his name gets associated with probably the most significant record in any sport that this will give major league baseball a bad rap. Well I got two things to say to that. Baseball has had a bad rap in the 70’s with the amphetamines use in its player and it will have a bad rap probably till the day I die. There are always ways to beat the system and as we speak right now there are players with needles in their buttocks getting away with it. As for the celebration, Has Barry Bonds ever tested positive for steroids? No!!! Just because a couple of sports writers right a name now in a book next thing you know we have a steroid user! I mean seriously he is innocent till proven guilty. And I hope baseball has class and shows it by throwing one of the best sporting celebration when bonds smacks number 756 and on!!
Bob Slydell: You see, what we're actually trying to do here is, we're trying to get a feel for how people spend their day at work... so, if you would, would you walk us through a typical day, for you?
Peter Gibbons: Yeah.
Bob Slydell: Great.
Peter Gibbons: Well, I generally come in at least fifteen minutes late, ah, I use the side door - that way Lumbergh can't see me, heh heh - and, uh, after that I just sorta space out for about an hour.
Bob Porter: Da-uh? Space out?
Peter Gibbons: Yeah, I just stare at my desk; but it looks like I'm working. I do that for probably another hour after lunch, too. I'd say in a given week I probably only do about fifteen minutes of real, actual, work.
Thursday, April 05, 2007 10:46:00 AM
The Final Four, center stage, v9 , p 1,8-9.
Greg Shaheen and his team took a tour of the "BasketBowl" at Detroit's Ford Field in Dec 2003 and saw something new! They had placed the court in the middle of the field..allowing for better seats, higher attendance rates, and an all around better experience. Players, coaches, administrators and fans who were at the Michigan State v Kentucky game all agreed this was a great idea.
So what does Shaheen want to do? Starting in 2009, Ford Field and every place after that hosting the final four will have the court in the middle of the field, raised 39 inches, standing room for students behind the courts, built in bleachers, and of course the stadium seating. This will increase revenue and attendance by at least 15,000.
Shaheen and his team talked to students and got their opinions and everyone was agreed it was a great idea! This will allow for more sponsorships in food and beverages, more places for sponsors to place their signs, and the town hosting the event will benefit greatly as well. Not only will the teams who are competeing get more tickets, but the town hosting the event will get more ticket sales and revenue. Overall, i think this is a great idea and I believe it will be very beneficial for the final four.
Thursday, April 05, 2007 11:02:00 AM
"The Final Four, Center Stage"
Volume 9 Issue 46 pp 1 & 8,9
Attendance at the Men's Division I NCAA basketball tournament had been pretty much constant for the last couple of decades. Then Greg Shaheen, the NCAA senior vice president of basketball and business strategies who also runs the NCAA's annual Division I men's basketball tournament and his staff tested a game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Michigan State Spartans. The goel of the event was to set the all-time attendance record for a basketball game. The game was played at Ford Field in Detroit. This is the field of the NFL Detroit Lions. The court was placed in the center of the football field so that all the seats in the stadium could be used. They called the game "Basketbowl". Sheaheen was at the game investigating whether the setup would work for future Final Four tournaments. At first Shaheen was wary and a little skeptical about having a basketball game played in such a large venue, however, after he walked around the stadium and talked to fans at every level and at all angles in different sections and found the feedback to be positive he was convinced to make this a mainstay for future tournaments. The attendance for the game also helped to make the decision. The game set the record for attendance with a mark of 78,129. The look and layout of the Final Four will be permanently changed with a new seating plan that will place the court in the middle of the playing field for all future championships. I think that this is huge for college basketball and will make the tournament even more exiting than it already is. The plan also is looking into adding more seating behind the baskets for the students of the schools that make it to the Final Four and the tickets will be free. This will bring more noise and excitment to the game and that is what the NCAA is looking to do.
Thursday, April 05, 2007 12:54:00 PM
Newest Competitor for Gatorade? It's on the tip of the tongue
Vol. 9, I 47, Cover Page
This article talks about how there is a new product on the market that might give Gatorade a run for their money. Gatorade is currently the leading selling sports drink. They have deals with the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and many colleges. This new product coming into the market is called Enlyten, it comes in a think strip that you put onto your tongue and it is absorbed five to six times faster then Gatorade. Enlyten just signed a deal with the Buffalo Bills. Enlyten isn't sold in stores yet but you can ordedr it onl ine for $9.99 a pack or 3 packs with 18 strips in each. I think although this product does claim to absorb faster then Gatorade, I don't think it will ever take over what Gatorade is in the world of sports. I also think people would rather drink Gatorade then stick something on their tongue. It might be a quick fix for energey, but people will still be thirsty so I think this product might do ok but Gatorade being a drink and their history, will still come out on top.
Friday, April 06, 2007 3:03:00 PM
“Gatorade renewal with NBA adds China, Korea and more” by John Lombardo
March 26-April 1, 2007, Vol. 9, Issue. 46, p. 3
Gatorade is a longtime sponsor for NBA. It has renewed its corporate sponsorship that includes new marketing rights in China, Korea, Taiwan and Australia. The senior vice president of marketing partnerships for the NBA said, “The framework for the U.S. deal had been established, and it was the Asia piece that we had to incorporate into the deal.” Gatorade’s Jeff Urban said, “The NBA is growing internationally, but it makes sense to do it together.” NBA had a relationship with Gatorade in Hong Kong five years age. This is the first time they have partnered with NBA in China.
I think going global is a good chance for Gatorade using NBA to expand its market share. Gatorade currently sells products in China and Taiwan but until now has never directly partnered with the NBA. The products that Gatorade sells in U.S.A. are different with the products in Taiwan. In Taiwan, it does not sell many kinds of flavors. It creates a new original flavor, because Asian people do not like too sweet drinks. In Taiwan, we have two major sports drink brands. They both sell one flavor sports drinks. The only advantage for Gatorade is many kinds of flavors’ sports drinks, such as oranges, mint and blueberry. Gatorade should add another flavor which is grape, because most Asian people like grape more than cherry and blueberry. Tropical fruits are much better than those “berries”.
Saturday, April 07, 2007 12:45:00 PM
“Newest competitor for Gatorade? It's on the tip of the tongue" Vol. 9, Issue. 47, p.1,8
This article is about Enlyten sportstrips. These new strips are designed to give athletes an electrolyte boost just like Gatorade, except Enlyten is ingested from an edible thin film strip. These sportstrips supposedly work faster than Gatorade does because the electrolytes are being absorbed through the gum and cheek. We have all seen the Gatordade comercials starring Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter, Peyton Manning and other big name athletes, Enlyten has already signed a contract with not only the Buffalo Bills, but with Jason Taylor of the Miami Dolphins, Brandi Chastain of the women's USA soccer team, marathoner Pete Gilmore, and others. Enlyten who is owned by Healthsport Inc., is selling the strips on the internet already, and hopes to have the strips in drug store chains, and sporting good stores soon.
Saturday, April 07, 2007 8:17:00 PM
ESPN re-signs The Sports Guy, adds TV
Volume 9 Issue 47
Brent Baird
ESPN locked up their writing staff while in the process of looking for a new editor in chief for ESPN.com. ESPN signed columnist Bill Simmons to a four year contract that will take him though 2010. Simmons writes the Page 2 column for ESPN.com and is very popular for his sports insights and edgy articles. ESPN will also allow Simmons to work on ideas for TV for the media outlet and look into other areas of expansion, Simmons thinks it is not right that they are being out done in the sports documentaries by HBO and would like to see that change.. ESPN for the first time took a back seat to FoxSportsnet in hits recently and is looking to regain its position. I think ESPN did the right thing in locking up Simmons, who despite rumors says he was not looking to leave, to keep a good thing going. If you have a writer that is popular and is full of ideas and able to develop them you need to keep that person in your company. To many time companies try to leverage their position and keep employees without effort. This contract shows ESPN’s determination to keep a good thing when the have it , and to show Simmons they truly want him there.
THANKS LAUREN!
Saturday, April 07, 2007 9:42:00 PM
“Gatorade renewal with NBA adds China, Korea and more”
Vol. 9, I.46, P.3
Since Ming ,Yao joined NBA and played the center position in Huston Rackets in 2002, NBA gradually became the most popular sport in China. Many of the NBA sponsors entered China either to expand their international business or to extend their products lines in the different geographical area. Following this basketball fever in China, Gatorade especially has a potential to share the sports beverage market because of its long term corporation with NBA.
2008 Beijing Olympics will be an important event for Gatorade to seize the market share in China. Through impressive advertising or actively participating in the Olympics activities, Gatorade may be able to rapidly enter the new market and effectively promote its products. However, Gatorade has to develop those present products to conform to the local tastes for the sports beverage. Some beverage flavors which are popular in the United States may not impress the new customers in the different markets.
Sunday, April 08, 2007 9:07:00 PM
Gatorade Renewal with NBA add China, Korea, and More. Vol.9, i.46, p.3
The NBA is big all around the world, Europe, South America, Africa, etc. Basketball was somewhat popular in Asia, as well but when Yao Ming joined the NBA he started a surge of popularity. With this in mind, and with the China's growing economy, gatorade wants to expand its business to China. Gatorade renewed their deal with the NBA, and wants to take its business to Asia.
This will be an excellent deal for China, and the NBA, but most importantly for gatorade. There are tremendous opportunities for gatorade to take advanatage, and with the Olympics coming to China in 2008, Gatorade can become a sponsor and make a lot of money. China will benefit from this deal also because a new product will be introduced to the market and because of the popularity of the NBA here, I think that the people of China will want to drink the official drink of the NBA.
Sunday, April 08, 2007 10:45:00 PM
“NFL hires consulting firm to offer advice on NFL Europa” Vol 9. Iss 47 page 6
Of course the NFL Europa has to do something because they can not accept losses as high as $40 million annually. I don’t think that the NFL Europa will ever make profits because I don’t think that there is a market that is big enough for the NFL. The NFL wants to make the NFL Europa a big sport in Europe and I don’t think that it will ever happened. I think that people in Europe would see the NFL Europa as an opponent to the European soccer and that would get NFL Europa interest conflict that they never could win. Soccer is so big and popular in Europe and the fact that they would get one other contestant from America would make NFL Europe very uninterested for the European people.
Sunday, April 08, 2007 11:33:00 PM
"ESPN re-signs The Sports Guy, adds TV"
Volume 9 Issue 47 Page 3
In what may be an under the radar signing by ESPN, Bill Simmons agreeing to a contract extension with the corporation, may prove to be the most important signing since Dan Patrick stayed on to be both Sports Center anchor and prime time radio show personailty. Simmons has been the most popular and widely viewed columnist that ESPN has ever had and helped make Page 2 (a site on ESPN.com) become to premier commentary sight in the sports internet era.
Simmons has the rare ability to reach all sorts of sports fans with his writing. He adds an edgy and satirical style to his columns that has allowed him to become to the most popular comunist at ESPN. He was recently named as one of the most influential:online sports personalities by Sports Business Journal (Issue 41 Volume 9 Page 17). He was ranked 12 out of 20. He is considered the first online columnist to merge sports and performing arts in a way that is widely mimicked and quoted while being considered a 'must read' writer in online sports.
ESPN was always considered the front runner to retain Simmons but with ESPN losing their fourth editor-in-chief in six years, it was a task that could have been made very difficult. Simmons has an extreme distaste for Sports Illustrated though and they were the only other .com that could have made a serious bid for him. By retaining Simmons, ESPN has allowed him to have more imput on their television scheduling and program development, including sports documentaries that have long been the staple of HBO Sports.
As an avid internet sports reader, I have always considered Simmons to be the best at his craft. There isn't a day that goes by that I do not check his website. With the recent departures of Ralph Wiley (he passed away but was the first widely credited member of Page 2) and Jason Whitlock (to Yahoo Sports) ESPN knew that they could not lose another columnist.
If you excuse me now, I have a Simmons article to read now. His running blogs happen to be a bit more interesting than ours. Here is a tidbit of what you might read on his running diaries:
Simmons - "You have to love DirecTV. They charge you nearly 200 bucks for the Extra Innings package, then they stick you with the opposing team's announcers for your favorite team's road games. Hence, I get to spend the next three hours with KC announcers Bob Davis and Paul Splittorff (combined age: 245 years old). Let's hope Bob doesn't have flashbacks to World War II when he's watching Dice pitch."
Monday, April 09, 2007 1:37:00 PM
"Gatorade renewal with NBA adds China, Korea and more"
Vol 9, Issue 46, Page 3,33
Gatorade is a famous brand of energy drink in the US. It has been the sponsor of NBA for a long time. And they came into China for several years, but they didn't do well in China. In china, people just think the Gatorade is one of the several different brands of energy drinks, nothing special.
Now, the Gatorade renewal with NBA adds China. They built up the marketing partnership with NBA in China and some other Asian area. From now, the Gatorade can come up with NBA logos, and can join in the NBA foreign activities to do the advertisement. Since then, the Gatorade never be a normal energy drink in the soft drink market in China. They will build up a NBA special energy drink version for Chinese people. Absolutly, they will increase the sells in China in the future.
The 2008 Beijing olympic will give them a great opertunity to cooperate with NBA. And also I think they can not only be with NBA, they can also build up the partnership with other different American Olympic teams. During the 2008, you will find that the Gatorade every where.
Monday, April 09, 2007 2:55:00 PM
"Fisher-Price race cars coming soon to a neighborhood near you" vol. 9 iss. 47 pg. 6 by:Lauren Fitzmorris
Fisher-Price is in the final stages of negotiations to acquire a NASCAR liscense to produce battery-operated race cars for children.
I really don't see why they are just now trying to do this. Fisher-Price has been making battery-operated cars and they should have already tried to tap into the NASCAR market.
The first cars that will be made are those to replicate cars driven by Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordan, Jimmie Johnson, and Tony Stewart which are all some of the most popular drivers out there with a large fan base.
I think that this idea is something that is far over due. With myself being a NASCAR fan, if I had children and they wanted something like this, I would diffently go out and get the famous #8 car!!!!
Monday, April 09, 2007 3:57:00 PM
"Leafs TV's transition to live games on Web as smooth as ice"
V-9, I-47, P-11
The Toronto Maples Leafs (of the National Hockey League) recently tested the waters, so to speak, in offering an online version of its digital TV subscription product. "Leafs TV Interactive" is essentially an online version of Leafs TV, a digital cable channel which broadcast 12 regular-season games, as well as 8 preseason games. The online version of Leafs TV offers additional features such as chat rooms, live blogs, fantasy elements, game scores, in-game photos and downloadable ring-tones and wallpapers.
Although the first game attracted only 325 purchases, followed by 600 for the second game, I believe this additional avenue will pan out for the organization. Hockey is slowly developing a wider and younger fan-base. With the emergence of young, outstanding players, the NHL is headed in the right direction. As a fan of this league, I am always looking for more info and more access into the organization - from the players and coaches to the special events in which they will be present. Personally, I will not subsribe to any service from the Toronto Maple Leafs, however I would absolutely pay a premium to have added features available (such as the ones offered by the Leafs) concerning the Pittsburgh Penguins. This would hold true for many fans, especially the computer-savvy individuals. Being able to check out in-game pics and discuss the latest deals with other die-hard fans would be a very attractive feature for many individuals.
Let's face it, not many fans are able to get out to all 82 regular-season games to cheer on their team. However, many fans do tune in religiously to view their team on TV. Even more fans are checking out the NHL website and the teams' personal website. Why not add another venue for the fans to gain insight and put more money into the pocket of the organization? I don't have any problem supporting the things I love, especially if I know it will make the organization more attractive. If this means paying a few extra dollars to gain some web content on the Pittsburgh Penguins, I only have one question... where do I sign-up?
Monday, April 09, 2007 7:47:00 PM
"The Final Four, Center Stage"
Volume 9, issue 46, p. 1
The Final Four is truly the premier sporting event in the country. And because of that it is one of the toughest tickets around. No matter what the cost, the Final Four gives a fan a return on an investment that is unlike a Super Bowl, World Series or NHL playoff game.
The reasons for that are simple. First, the Final Four offers three high-caliber games in one weekend.
The two semifinal games are followed up by Monday's title game.
This gives fans bang for their buck. Because after all, fans want to see games that matter and the more games the better.
Sure the Super Bowl has a now-or-never type feeling, but it is only one game and lasts only one day. The excitment of a Final Four can last all weekend. If your teams wins on Saturday at the Final Four, the excitement lasts well into Monday evening.
Not only that, the doubleheader aspect of semifinal Saturday is particularly attractive. It gives a fan two great games, back-to-back, in the same venue, at one time.
Monday, April 09, 2007 10:04:00 PM
“Race fans to vote for best pizza” V9 I47 P6
Dominos is putting their two pizza selections against each other in a contest for best pizza with voting being done by the consumers. The competitors are the Domino’s Brooklyn style pizza and the Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak pizza. The winner gets a free ride on David Reutimann’s number 00 car. A voting page is will be established at the dominos and NASCAR websites. In addition to its team sponsorship, Domino’s owns status as NASCAR’s official delivery through 2008.
It’s a good idea to get the customers of involved to decide the best style of pizza. It also plays on the whole Philadelphia and New York rivalry. With Domino’s being the official pizza delivery of NASCAR it is a good idea for them to try and a maintain a good relationship with NASCAR and its fans, but also attracted new Domino’s pizza customers and retain their own.
Monday, April 09, 2007 10:35:00 PM
“Race fans to vote for best pizza”
Vol 9, Issue 47, Page 6
The new promotion of Domino’s Pizza is planning to pit Brooklyn against Philadelphia, two popular flavors in Domino’s. Domino’s Brooklyn-style pizza and its Philly Cheesesteak pizza will lead their consumers to vote. The winner will get a free ride on David Reutimann’s No.00 car.
Domino’s will cooperate with Burger King, which is the co-sponsor of Michael Waltrip Racing car, to design this activity on April 29. The purpose of this promotion is to encourage consumers to vote for which style of pizza they prefer. Voting pages will not only be established at dominos.com but also at teamdominos.com. In addition, print advertising also will be used to support this promotion.
I think this is a good way to attract both lovers of pizza and NASCAR fans. As Domino’s chief marketing officer said that NASCAR fans are very competitive, it will become a fun way to engage them. I think this marketing strategy is mutually beneficial. When consumers doing the survey, Domino’s can know which flavor they prefer. If the consumer win this game, he/she can get the price.
Monday, April 09, 2007 10:52:00 PM
"Fisher-Price race cars coming soon to a neighborhood near you" v9 i47 p6
Fisher-Price has decided to expand their Power Wheels line by acquiring a NASCAR license to produce battery-operated race cars for children. Suggested retail price will run at about $220/each. It includes engine sound effects, two speeds [2.5 & 5 mph] and reverse. It includes a 12-volt battery charger and is suitable for children 3yrs and older. Replicas of NASCAR drivers will include Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr., and will be available at retail stores including WalMart, Kmart, Toys "R" Us and others.
I don't know how they didn't think of this idea sooner, being as NASCAR is the number one spectator sport. They've had versions of humvee's and barbie cars as well other versions and they were a big hit among buyers. This will work out good for NASCAR if the deal goes through because it will get children interested in driving their own "nascar" and hopefully someday wanting to grow up being a NASCAR enthusiast or even possibly a driver someday.
Monday, April 09, 2007 11:15:00 PM
Jayski creator sells to ESPN, stays with site
Issue 47, Volume 9, Page 3
This is a very cool article, it shows a kid doing a good job on a classroom project and making it his full time job. The job is a website for NASCAR, witch was created in 1996 and assimilates the bountiful supply of information. It shows what we can do ultimately as professions in this industry, and that is pretty much anything if your mind is into the hard work and dedication.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 10:50:00 AM
Another title, another special logo for Gator goods
Vol. 9 Issue 48, Pg 06
As we all know, the Florida Gators won their second basketball championship in a row just recently. They already had t-shirts on the shelf displaying the dual championships they obtained in football and basketball this past season, but now they intend to add on to that idea and market t-shirts depicting their back-to-back basketball championships and another stating “three in a row”. There has also been shirts that read “third time’s a charm”, aimed at Ohio State and their inability to beat Florida in either championship. No team has ever accomplished what Florida has done these past two years, and they are reaping the benefits through licensing revenues for these shirts. These licensees have to pay the BCA, NCAA, the Collegiate Licensing Co., and Florida University certain percentages to make these shirts. Many people, including myself, feel that there shirts will blow out of the stores. And why shouldn’t they? If I were a Gator fan there would be no doubt that I would have both of these t-shirts.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:37:00 PM
"Helmet maker wants a shot at NFL license"
Volume 9 Issue 48 Page 1 and 8
In the NFL there are four brands of footwear, five networks for television broadcasts, but there is only one brand when it comes to helmets. That brand is Riddell and now Schutt wants a shot at the NFL market. Schutt is putting pressure on the NFL to open its doors and allow a competitive market when it comes to helmet manufacturers. The company offered the NFL a five year deal worth $20 million to split the category with Riddell. The offer included a rights fee, royalty guarantees, marketing and advertising funds and even money for concussion research. Schutt also signed Reggie Bush as a spokesperson to help bring some celebrity endorsements to the table in the hopes that the NFL will sign. The Saints running back will have line of protective pads carrying his name and will repeat the Schutt message that 30 percent of NFL players wear the unbranded helmet and 75 percent wear the faceguards. Since Riddell supplies the NFL, players who wear Schutt must pay for the helmets and masks on their own. Schutt who has an AFL deal, also claims a 60 percent share of college players wearing the helmets.
I think it would be good for the NFL to bring helmet competition into the league. If anything the competition will cause Riddell and Schutt to manufacture a safer helmet to prove that theirs is better. Also with 30 percent of the NFL and 60 percent of college players wearing the Schutt helmet, many players may feel more comfortable with the Schutt helmet. As long as the athletes keep the team logo on the side of the helmet, I see no problem with allowing another manufacturer into the NFL's helmet market.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007 4:09:00 PM
"Another title, another special logo for Gator goods"
Vol. 9 Issue 48, Pg 06
So what do you think when I say that ONE university has won three major championship in 364 days? I would have said “unheard of, heroic, uncharted waters and astonishing!” Well, some other terms or phrases that Florida
officials are thinking are more money baby! With older products (Florida Gator apparel with two national championships) still on the shelf new Gator apparel will so be hitting the market with a new mark for yet another men’s basketball championship. Though a back-to back logo for Florida’s basketball was devised within in minutes of the second national championship a new theme is in the spotlight. This product would be Florida Gator apparel that celebrates all three titles (two basketball, one football). Though it remains vastly uncertain how much revenue Florida will realize form it two new titles this year, many Florida officials are expecting a increase over the 3 million dollars it generated from the one basketball title
Another interesting fact I found from this article was that the licensing agent of the Florida Gators (Collegiate Licensing Co.,) policed bootleggers of unlicensed products to use the term “three-peat” because is licensed through this person? Pat Riley, who trademarked the phrase when he was coaching the Lakers.
My opinion is though it is not technically correct to call this a Three-peat because it is not three championship in a row for one sport or three championships in a row for the university rather three championship in 364 day which is still unheard of !! However I do think is a great marketing ploy to put all three titles together. Also this article gives examples of what the shirt looks like and I have to admit that are very creative. With such headliners are Gator Slam or welcome to Titleville , Fla it shows the creative minds behind the advertising scene for the Florida Gators.
Story of my life: First of all to understand what happened to killer, you gotta understand who killer the dog was. Now killer was born to a three-legged bitch of a mother. He was always ashamed of this, man. And then right after that he's adopted by this man, Tito Liebowitz he's a small time gun runner and a rotweiler fight promoter. So he puts killer into training. They see killer's good. He is damn good. But then he had the fight of his life. They pit him against his brother nibbles. And killer said "no man that's my brother, I can't fight nibbles" but they made him fight anyway, and killer, he killed nibbles. Killer said "that's it!" he called off all his fights, and he started doing crack, and he freaked out. Then in a rage, he collapsed, and his heart no longer beat. wow.
Thursday, April 12, 2007 11:01:00 AM
"The Natural: Oriole Park at Camden Yards Turns 15"
Volume 9, Issue 48, Page 1 and 26
I was recently at this years AAHPERD Conference in Baltimore, Maryland and was invited to go on a tour of Camden Yards. I figured that the tour guide would give us the history of the ballpark (not stadium as it is sometimes referred to as) and show us the press box and private suites. The guides did much more than that though and even allowed us to sit in the dugout and look out onto the field. It was the most beautiful sports site I have ever seen. The stadium is a work of beauty.
As the ballpark turns 15 years in age, it is important to note that it has the feel of a park from the 1960s. Then again, that was the way it is supposed to feel. When Camden Yards was being designed, HOK and the mayor of Baltimore asked the public about the new park location. They settled on the downtown warehouse district which allowed the ballpark to reflect the community. These stadiums were being funded in part with sponsorship (ballpark naming rights) money, owner money, and city tax dollars. The fans flocked to the new stadiums and fell in love with the sport again. These stadiums were built to reflect older stadiums of the past.
Since its inception, Camden Yards has been the inspiration and model for many other ballparks that have been built since, including PNC Park in Pittsburgh and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. When historians look back at ballparks and stadiums that started trends and have become historical sports landmarks you can bet that Camden Yards will be among the first that is mentioned.
-Blogs: So easy, even a caveman can do it!
- "My mother's calling. I'll put it on speaker."
Thursday, April 12, 2007 12:32:00 PM
The Beckham Effect
vol. 9, I48, pg 16
THis article talks about how David Beckham is helping the Major League Soccer organization in a big way. Since his announcement that he is joining the Los Angeles Galaxy many of the teams that play the Galaxy have seen the benefits. Some examples are the Houston Dynamo, D.C. United and the New York Red Bull all have seen at least a 20% jump in ticket sales since last year. The New York Red Bulls are really taking advantage of Beckhams success and were selling a four game pack of tickets with one of those four games being when they play the galaxy with Beckham. The team that is def. benefiting the most from Beckham coming is his own the Los Angeles Galaxy they have gained more publicity, are selling more tickets and gaining more sponsors each day.
I think it was a great idea on the Los Angeles Galaxys behave when they got David Beckham. He is going to help the hole soccer league because people are willing to pay alot of money to see him and see him play. The only concern I would have if I was the Galaxys owner would be you payed all this money for one player what happens if he get hurt? Yes he would still be at the games but people are paying to see him play. Just something you would have to think about.
Thursday, April 12, 2007 8:00:00 PM
“Euro soccer keeps Nike tab on the rise” by Daniel Kaplan
April 9-15, Vol. 9, Issue 48, p.3
In order to take on Adidas in European soccer, Nike spends nearly $2.5 billion of endorsement and sponsorship costs on European soccer. After 2 and half years of little change, Nike notified a increase in its endorsement obligations. John Shanley, an analyst with Susquehanna Financial, said “They are definitely ramping up their deals with various European teams and players, and that’s where a substantial amount of the expenditures come from.” Adidas gained share in Europe mainly because of their sponsorship of the World Cup. However, the European Union and German government protects official World Cup sponsor Adidas.
Every company always thinks about how to gain more and more money. Unexceptional, Nike, as a large company, is still keep finding ways to expand market share.
Sunday, April 15, 2007 12:00:00 AM
“Euro soccer keeps Nike tab on the rise”
Vol.9,I 48,p.3
This article is about Nike and their sponsorship and endorsment deals with different European soccer clubs and players. Adidas who were the official sponsors of the World Cup last year have a lot of Deals with European teams already and are as usual, Nike's competition in the soccer market. The European government and the German government have both taken made huge moves to try and protect Adidas, but dispite theie efforts, Nike has uped their endorsment obligations to 2.49 billion dollars, from 1.64 billion which was their obligation just before last years World Cup. Nike already backs clubs and brands like Manchester United, and they are now going to be adding mor ebig name soccer clubs and athletes to their ever impressive list. I think that Nike is an amazing company, that is unstoppable as far as expanding and making more money. They just keep on going and going.
Sunday, April 15, 2007 12:56:00 PM
“Another title, another special logo for Gator goods” v.9, i.48, p.6
After the University of Florida Men’s basketball team won there second straight title they came out with a new logo for the Gator goods. This logo not only shows the past two consecutive championships for the men’s basketball team, but it also includes the football crown from January. The shirt will feature the theme of “3rd time’s a charm” and underneath will read “Titleville, Fla.” This shirt will also cost more to for licensees because they will have to pay 3% to the BCS, 3% to the NCAA, and the standard 12% as well. There is great hope for this shirt, even with the additional licensing costs. In 2005-2006 licensing revenue rose from $2.5 million to over $3 million, and it is excepted to increase even more this year.
This is a great idea for the Gators! Students and fans of University of Florida want to show off what they are proud of. The Gators won, and have kept winning in the two major sports. They are proud of their teams and want to show that off. I think that making a shirt with all three of their major wins in one year is a great idea. No other school has done this. Three major championships in a row is incredible and will sell shirts! Plus the old shirts with the two championships on it will go on sale soon if people want to show their school spirit but not spend as much.
Sunday, April 15, 2007 1:40:00 PM
“The Beckham effect” Vol.9 iss 48 page 16
Beckham will most definitely have a great effect in all areas for the MLS. Especially in this first year where he will be huge. Publicity, increase ticket sales, TV ratings and sponsorship will increase and so on. But I think that after this first year the excitement will drop a bit. Beckham is a great player but he is not an artist. He dose not do the spectacular goals and moves. He is a hard worker who does not make lots of mistakes. He sometimes scores some goals mostly from free kicks but he is not the player who catches the audience attention. I think the league should take advantage of the fact that he is here during his first year and try to close as many deal they possible can. After his first or second year in America his effect will dramatically fall.
Sunday, April 15, 2007 5:03:00 PM
"Another titl, another special logo for Gator goods" vol.9, iss. 48, pg. 6
I know that a couple of other people have written about this article, but I feel that if anyone gets to write about it, it's me.
Well the GATORS can say they are best, or at least the FIRST!!!! They are the only team to win three championships in 364 days. It has never happen before, and now the Gators have claimed that glory. The Gators won its second straight men's basketball title on April 2nd and conbined with its football crown from January, now owns three consecutive championships in the two major sports.
With this honor, now comes the chance to profit off of it. The Gators now can sell merchandise that has the marks from 2006 NCAA basketball tournament, 2006 BSC championship, and the 2007 NCAA basketball tournament. It remains uncertain how much revenue Florida will realize from its titles. Licensing revenue in 2005-06 rose from $2.5 million to more than $3 million, and it is expected to rise again this year on the strength of the school's last two titles.
I guess being #1 is pretty much all it is cracked up to be. And the GATORS are #1 in not one but two of the top sports.
BLUE....ORANGE.....BLUE....ORANGE!!
Sunday, April 15, 2007 7:39:00 PM
"Helmet maker wants a shot at NFL license"
V-9, I-48, P-8
With everyone and their brother trying to get advertisements out to the public, Schutt sports is now the latest in line to hit up the NFL for coverage. Schutt, one of the top 2 helmet makers in the sport of football, is looking to showcase it's brand on NFL fields.
Currently, Riddell owns the exclusive deal with the NFL. Riddell supplies not only helmets, but shoulder pads and other gear to the NFL teams as part of the agreement. Schutt is basically saying they want a level playing field, as the current setup is a monopoly held by Riddell.
In sports, I believe all legitimate products deserve the same shot. If you can prove your product is worth having, then athletes will believe in it and want to use it. With that being said, if you turn on the TV on a Sunday during football season, you will notice that 95% of all players are wearing a Riddell helmet. Schutt claims that 30% of NFL players are currently wearing Schutt helmets - this statement is completely false. Riddell offers the VSR-4 and the Revolution models, whereas Schutt offers the Pro and DNA models. There are currently only a handful of players, certainly not 30% that wear either of the Schutt models.
Riddell is tried and true, thus the reason the NFL has made a long-term committment with them. Schutt has had the chance to offer their helmets to collegiate programs and the end result is the same - when these players enter the NFL, they change over to the Riddell helmets.
Schutt is making this push and bringing in some heavy hitters with it, as they have signed Eli Manning and now Reggie Bush to wear the Schutt DNA helmet during next season. This will likely make some others follow, although I still believe Riddell will remain the choice of nearly the entire league.
I base all of this summation on the fact that Riddell is the top equipment supplier at the highest level. The only time we are seeing Schutt is when they offer to outfit an entire team for free for "research" such as Penn State University or when you see the helmet being used in bulk, as it is in the Arena football league (fake football).
As you can see, the only reason the Schutt brand is even recognizable is because of gimmicks and giveaways. The real choice of the professionals is and will remain to be Riddell, regardless of what data Schutt wants the league, and the readers o the SBJ to believe.
Sunday, April 15, 2007 9:39:00 PM
“The Beckham effect” Vol.9 I. 48 P. 16
In the past decades, Major League Soccer was not as popular as NFL, MLB, or NBA in the United States. However, soccer is the most popular sport which attracts most audiences in the recent global market. Lacking super stars in soccer fields was one of reasons brushing soccer games aside in the United States.
With Beckham’s join in the MLS, soccer is going to emerge from the predicament in the United States. His participation will attract potential audiences’ attention to the soccer fields, and immediately cause sports sponsors to invest more capitals in the soccer games. More and more soccer-related advertising will be broadcasted, and growing of the soccer advertising is expected to cause a great wave of soccer in this sports-enthusiastic country. Therefore, Beckham’s participation is a positive factor to wake MLS up in the United States.
Sunday, April 15, 2007 10:28:00 PM
“What to watch in MLS”
Volume 9, Issue 48, Page 18
This issue said a lot about the Major League Soccer. In my point of view, expect the MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL, the Soccer is one of the most popular sport in the future in US. I think the MLS is developing very fast and trying to attract every possible fan to come join the MLS.
The most important point for this coming season is the coming of David Beckham. I believe his coming can bring MLB a booming attendance. And he will let more and more casual sports fans to pay attention to the MLS. By having him to play in our MLS fields, American sports fans will see what the real soccer skills are and what the accurate soccer is. In the US, the football and baseball and some other professional sports are power sports. I think the MLS will build up an accurate sport image for American sports fans to enjoy.
Because the MLS is a very new league, I think it is very important for them to put eyes on the international wide business. It is valuable to hold the tournaments with Hispanic fans area teams to attract more Hispanic fans. And I believe it is also very important for them to keep cooperation with Asian teams and European teams to build up the good soccer environment in the US. At the same time, expanding the number of the teams is a good choice to boom the influence of the soccer in this country. But what I want to say in this point is that the commissioners should pay much more attention on the qualities of those teams to keep the MLS being an exiting professional sports league.
I think the MLS is also a very suitable platform for those small sponsors to join in the sponsorship. The Dick’s sporting goods stadium is a good example. They help the Colorado Rapids to build up a new beautiful stadium. The MLS has successfully attract a lot of small companies to join in the sponsorships to develop this future big soccer league.
Monday, April 16, 2007 4:46:00 PM
"The Beckham effect" Vol.9 I.48 P. 16
When MLS first began it wasn't really that popular, and it didn't have nearly as many fans as some of the bigger leagues such as the NFL, or the NBA. As time started to pass the MLS has started to grow bigger, and with time, teams were added to the MLS. Soccer was already starting to become popular bur now that Beckham has joined the MLS, fans from all over will watch MLS
I believe this is an excellent move and me being a soccer fan, I commend him for coming to play here. I believe that this will help gain more fans, maybe even more international players, but for now Beckham is enough. His presence alone will make MLS demand increase, which will increase ticket sales, tv time, fan base, many more people playing etc. With this transition, there is no telling what heights the MLS could reach. Maybe even one day, the MLS can be as big as the English Premier League, maybe evem bigger than that league.
Monday, April 16, 2007 7:00:00 PM
"MLS gets Visa, Dick's in the game" v9 i48 p10
Major League Soccer has marketed two new corporate partners, Visa, and Dick's Sporting Goods, and is going to renew with Burger King. MLS is up 20% this year in sponsorships than where they were at this time last year. Burger King has signed a 6-month, 7-figure agreement and they are trying to get that back for this year. Plans are still in the works for BK.
This is good for MLS to get three major sponsors to have contract agreements. It not only will advertise for MLS in each of these companies- but it'll work for these companies to be linked to the MLS and their promotions.
Monday, April 16, 2007 8:23:00 PM
"The Natural: Oriole Park at Camden Yards Turns 15"
Volume 9, Issue 48, Page 1 and 26
This article talks about the Baltimore Oriole Ball Park in Camden Yards and how it is going to be 15 years old. The ball park was built to attract more fans with the feel of old time baseball when the fans could feel like they were part of the game. This old time feel was before the inception of the multi-purpose stadiums that were used for football as well as baseball and even for events such as concerts. The fans were not as close to the action anymore because of the placement of the stands and this took on a stale kind of feeling. Now along with Camden Yards, a bunch of other teams around the league have followed suit. PNC Park is a Park that I am familiar with and it too has taken on a more fan friendly atmosphere. This has caused the attendance to rise in these ball parks and it makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.
Monday, April 16, 2007 9:58:00 PM
MLS gets Visa, Dick’s in the game
Volume 9 Issue 48, page 10
Brent Baird
Major League Soccer (MLS) took another step in its growth in the US by signing on some major sponsors. Visa and Dick’s Sporting Goods have signed on and Burger King is close to resigning for the upcoming season. However MLS has lost Radio Shack as a sponsor. The Radio Shack pull out seems to be more about financial troubles with the company than the relationship with MLS. These new agreement are under a new structure and do not give them team category exclusivity. That did not stop Dick’s from signing a 20 ear agreement for the naming right to the Colorado Field and getting involved with the league including sponsorship of the halftime repot on ESPN during MLS games. Visa another big sponsor and a partner with the World Cup is also a big catch for the young league. These sponsorship are all good things for the league, and it shows a growing interest for the companies, which only go after these deals when they think it will help business. With everything else going on in MLS anyone can see that the league is growing and should be making big steps in the years to come. However it still will remain in the shadows of the big four leagues.
Monday, April 16, 2007 9:59:00 PM
“A year of firsts in TV deals” V9 I48 P19
ESPN, Univision, Fox Soccer Channel and HD Net combined to pay Major League Soccer more than $20 million in TV rights fees. ESPN is planning to promote MLS under a branded night titled “MLS Primetime Thursday” that will air on ESPN2. Univision created “Sueno MLS” which allow 2000 contestants to try out for a roster spot with Chivas USA. Fox Soccer Channel plans to give more than three hours of soccer each Saturday. ESPN has a deal with MLS for eight years. Univision also has a TV deal in place with Major League Soccer for eight years. The Fox Soccer Channel has an eleven year deal with MLS. HDNet has a three year deal with the soccer league.
Soccer is still a second tier sport in the United States. Major League Soccer has to eventually breakout into a top notch league, and not somewhat be considered a minor league to European soccer leagues. If MLS can create a buzz for its sport in this country it is a possibility that soccer can become a big deal, and that could lead to the USA competing with the rest of the world in soccer.
Monday, April 16, 2007 10:12:00 PM
“Another title, another special logo for Gator goods”
v.9, i.48, p.6
This article talks about that Florida Gator was creating a special logo on products to feature its dual national championships in football and basketball.
The school won the second championships in men’s basketball on April 2 this year. If it combined with its football crown, now the school has three consecutive championships. It is the first that a school gets three championships in 364 days, and it never happened before.
The logo that licensees appear to be interested is a back-to-back-to-back theme for product. It puts the three major championships in a row, but highlights the football title. I think this kind of merchandise can attract students and its fans as well because no matter their basketball fans or football fans will buy it. From this article, it indicates that licensing revenue rose from $2.5 million to more than $3 million during 2005-2006 seasons. It is expected to raise a lot this year with the championships’ honor.
Monday, April 16, 2007 10:33:00 PM
NHL sales lukewarm for Versus
Issue 48, Volume 9, Page 4
This article states how the sales of NHL are doing these days. If this was the Superbowl, World Cup, World Series, Masters and a few more, we would not be talking about “living in an environment where clients and agencies continue to spend money closer and closer to the air date”, or “I don’t think anybody will be jumping up and down that we broke the bank”, side by Steve Margonsian. I believe we would be talking about the marketing power behind this largely awaited super event.
Unfortunately for some reason we do not see and have not seen this in the NHL, instead we here things like “If you’ve got hockey money, you’re going to get a good deal”, said by an add buyer. Why is this so and who is going to be the firm or organization to grab the demographics of the NHL and turn it into a super event.
Versus is the networking group that has taken over this entity sense the lockout, first contract lasting two years. They think that their ad sales within their advertisers are well concentrated while consideration the NHL demographics. Margosian says,”The upscale demos and young men are hard groups and advertisers to reach”, this is to reach in large young, male fans who use several different mediums.
They were able to write about the whos’ that are able to make this Stanly Cup a memorable one for the NHL yet many people will wonder if there is real success just yet that will come out of these series.
Monday, April 16, 2007 10:53:00 PM
WMG aligns with swimming, track, gymnastics NGBs
v9 iss 48 pg. 3
The wasserman media group will be announcing a programming and marketing partnership with the United States Alliance, which is a three powerful national governing body. The venture will extend into 2012 and will see USA Swimming, Track and Field, and Gymnastics license out their media, event and marketing rights to WMG. In return, this agency will create a stand alone web site for each group and handle all of their sponsorships sales.
This is the first time one agency will handle sales for three NGBs in the marketplace. One good idea coming from this group is that they will sell sponsorship packages for the NGBs for TV and digital media, events, hospitality and promotions. Sponsors will be able to sponsor all three or just individual groups.
The WMG will be responsible for meeting the number that was generated in the pervious year through sponsorships plus an additional 1 to 10%.
This will provide a better access to viewing these sports and will create an avenue to the sites for more information and viewing ability.
Monday, April 16, 2007 11:51:00 PM
“Two wins get you in when one’s the Masters” v.9, i.49, p.6
Three weeks ago if I would have asked you if you knew who Zach Johnson was you would probably look at me without a clue. That all changed on April 8th, when the 31 year-old Zach Johnson won the Masters. This was the first championship that Johnson has won, and the timing could have been any better, says his representative. His sponsorship contracts were up at the end of the season. Johnson’s 15 minutes of fame has lasted a lot longer than that. Johnson appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, Live with Regis and Kelly, and many more. He turned down just as many appearances as he attended.
For anyone winning the golf Masters is a big deal, but someone who isn’t too known and has a long shot of winning, must feel great about the accomplishment. I think that it is great that someone new won the Masters, and I think that he will gain a lot more fan support in the next season because of this win.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007 11:58:00 AM
"A Gatorade first for Crosby."
Volume 9, Issue 49, Page 9
Sidney Crosby may be tabbed as "The Next Great One", even though he has yet to top Wayne Gretzky's achievements, but he has become the first hockey player ever to be endorsed by Gatorade in the U.S. Both sides reached a multi-year deal a little over a month ago. Even though Crosby has a deal with Gatorade in Canada, this deal allows the company to promote Crosby in the U.S. alongside sportstars Kevin Garnett, Derek Jeter, Peyton Manning, and Mia Hamm. Crosby will be featured with these athletes on gatorade.com this week and will be appearing on ESPN.com. He will also be a candidate for the brand's new TV creatives which will be designed this summer. The deal comes as Gatorade wraps up its first year as the NHL's exclusive isotonic beverage. The relationship with Crosby will be used to promote the brand's first affiliation with the league since 1996.
To me this appears to be a great deal for Sidney Crosby, Gatorade, and the NHL. For years the NHL has failed in marketing its players and now their biggest superstar will be selling the most popular sport drink on the market today. This will allow people to see Sidney Crosby's image in commercials and may lead them to watch an NHL game on tv or head to their local hockey team's venue to catch a game. Gatorade is helped by adding another superstar to its lineup and also capitalzing on a market that has the potential to take off if managed properly. This will also help Crosby elevate his status as one of the top athletes in all of sports today.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007 2:24:00 PM
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