http://www.examiner.com/soccer-in-national/soccer-attendance-overtakes-nba-now-no-3-sport-usa
It seems that soccer is ready to take off in this country every time there is a World Cup, men's or women's. It started in 1994 when we hosted the World Cup and then the MLS was formed. I remember when the women won in '99 soccer had arrived, but it really hadn't. Then came the men's team run to the quarterfinals in 2002, and they almost knocked off Germany to reach the semis and the country was on fire, but yet the MLS continued to struggle. It seemed the country was more caught up in rooting for national pride than they were in the sport itself.
So can the MLS actually make it as a league and make soccer relevant on a national level. It seems that they finally are making serious strides. ESPN now has deals with the MLS to carry a game of the week. In a big surprise the MLS now averages more fans per game than the NBA, although to be fair stadiums are much larger. Seattle Sounders average nearly 40,000 fans per game, an unbelievable number for soccer in America. In fact, the MLS is actually in the top 10 soccer leagues around the world in terms of attendance.
The problem is that our best players usually leave to play in Europe. Two of our best national team players Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard both play in the EPL. In fact, almost our entire national team play in the premier leagues overseas. The one recognizable star who plays in the MLS is Landon Donovan. The amount of money and the competition in Europe is still too hard to pass up. MLS teams have to offer huge sums of money to get stars from other leagues. The Galaxy and Red Bull have managed to do this (both large market teams in LA and NY) by acquiring Beckham, Keane, Marquez, and Henry, but more teams will have to get in on the act. Somehow teams must offer a package attractive enough to keep our best players or to get young stars from other countries. The best starting point is to develop soccer fans across the nation at a young age, give them a watchable product in the MLS, and to fill stadiums every game. I think it can and will be done, and the MLS might just make it yet.
Kyle Hughes KIN 577
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
NHL Going Global
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/926152-nhl-hockey-broadcasts-go-global
Throughout my years of watching hockey, I have gotten to understand the business aspect of the sport. As we all know, hockey is still only the number four sport in America following football, baseball, and basketball. This view is expected just because it's not technically America's sport. However, I believe that the NHL does not mind being in this position.
This article is great because it discusses the expansion of the NHL being broadcasted throughout the world. Of course today, there are not many channels that carry hockey games unless we are watching such stations as Versus, Hockey Network, or have certain packages such as GameCenter. When I think about this aspect, I am curious as to if the NHL even makes money. Many times you hear about the NFL and MLB making great contracts with FOX or ABC. The NHL recently signed a new 10 year contract with NBC Universal, but how often are the games really seen? It's almost one of those, "believe it when you see it" issues.
This article discusses how the NHL is actually going to a new direction. The NHL has gone into Europe to expand their revenue. There is such a great demand today for hockey in Europe, so this looked to be the perfect way to respond. Especially, since the NHL started the season off in Europe. Promoting the sport worldwide is a fantastic idea. As we have seen, the support for hockey has rapidly grown in the United States. It could only get better from here on out if the NHL took to the global and got others interested as well! However, when the games are played may not be relevant for those who live in Europe. Game times are different so therefore there is no use watching. That is what highlights are for.
This topic is one that I could talk about for days. There are perks to expanding into Europe but there are also downfalls. Being a hockey fan, I want to see the NHL grow. But in order to grow, the deals that are put into place need to be seen. Also, many different carriers have dropped such channels are Versus, so some fans are unable to watch the games. The best advance that the NHL has made was creating the NHL GameCenter. From personal use, I have been nothing but happy with this because I can watch my home team play from Buffalo, NY all the way here in Long Beach, CA.
Sarah Ambrose
KIN 577
Throughout my years of watching hockey, I have gotten to understand the business aspect of the sport. As we all know, hockey is still only the number four sport in America following football, baseball, and basketball. This view is expected just because it's not technically America's sport. However, I believe that the NHL does not mind being in this position.
This article is great because it discusses the expansion of the NHL being broadcasted throughout the world. Of course today, there are not many channels that carry hockey games unless we are watching such stations as Versus, Hockey Network, or have certain packages such as GameCenter. When I think about this aspect, I am curious as to if the NHL even makes money. Many times you hear about the NFL and MLB making great contracts with FOX or ABC. The NHL recently signed a new 10 year contract with NBC Universal, but how often are the games really seen? It's almost one of those, "believe it when you see it" issues.
This article discusses how the NHL is actually going to a new direction. The NHL has gone into Europe to expand their revenue. There is such a great demand today for hockey in Europe, so this looked to be the perfect way to respond. Especially, since the NHL started the season off in Europe. Promoting the sport worldwide is a fantastic idea. As we have seen, the support for hockey has rapidly grown in the United States. It could only get better from here on out if the NHL took to the global and got others interested as well! However, when the games are played may not be relevant for those who live in Europe. Game times are different so therefore there is no use watching. That is what highlights are for.
This topic is one that I could talk about for days. There are perks to expanding into Europe but there are also downfalls. Being a hockey fan, I want to see the NHL grow. But in order to grow, the deals that are put into place need to be seen. Also, many different carriers have dropped such channels are Versus, so some fans are unable to watch the games. The best advance that the NHL has made was creating the NHL GameCenter. From personal use, I have been nothing but happy with this because I can watch my home team play from Buffalo, NY all the way here in Long Beach, CA.
Sarah Ambrose
KIN 577
DLD BLOG KIN 577- JOE PA SCANDAL
Twitter and other social media sites have escalated this entire situation much more quickly than it would have been ten years ago. Throughout my research it seems things are developing so quickly that this entire situation will be resolved in a matter of days. When everyone is weighing in on the matter the tradgedy of it becomes overwhelming. There were three themes that I picked up on when sifting through the abundance of information. The absolute heartbreak and what seems genuine sorrow of Paterno for not doing more when the situation first came to light. The other two being that the NCAA will suffer more poor press, and that for some fans, and sadly enough they're probably right, this is merely a minor disturbance in the PSU football dynasty.
The fact that Paterno didn't say more as well as the other officials is truly disturbing. I have no doubt that these men are suffering mentally more than I can imagine because they chose to ignore the matter, but it doesn't excuse what they did. The crucible of power and success in big time college football is more than many can handle, and it seems to always lead to poor choices. These men probably chose to act in a way that would preserve the integrity and status of their program by keeping the matter behind closed doors. They also may have been deceived into thinking they knew their friend well enough that he wouldn't do the things he's accused of doing. Not only this but the NCAA will once again look bad as they have done nothing to put the heat on PSU to have Paterno to step down immediately. A string of child molestation cases is something they choose not to get involved with, but the selling of a signed jersey or team memorabilia is deserving of their utmost attention. It just once again gives the NCAA a poor image.
Social media I think will be useful to those of us looking to start a sport management career. Sure, there are opinions across the board, many of them somewhat ridiculous but it will give us an idea of what the general public opinion is on hot button issues. As in the Penn State situation most seem to want Paterno to step down, some want him to finish, and a few are already worried about the next coach. It's somewhat mind blowing to see that people defend Paterno's actions because of his football success, or are talking about who the next coach might be as if this is merely a scandal that will be looked back upon as a minor nuiscance. The scary part is that it probably will be forgotten within a couple months, until it happens again.
There is no doubt without Twitter most of these opinions would not be seen on such a widespread level, and I'm not sure that punishment for those involved would be near as swift or just. Penn State will no doubt see public opinion swelling against them and I would be surprised if Paterno wasn't asked to step down immediately, not after the season. I believe that in this way social media is a monster that can be used in a positive way, but those in control still need to make a logical decision based on facts that most outsiders don't have. Decisions made on emotions, which many tweets are fueled by, are usually never good ones. These are things I would be wise to remember once I have a management position.
Kyle Hughes KIN 577
The fact that Paterno didn't say more as well as the other officials is truly disturbing. I have no doubt that these men are suffering mentally more than I can imagine because they chose to ignore the matter, but it doesn't excuse what they did. The crucible of power and success in big time college football is more than many can handle, and it seems to always lead to poor choices. These men probably chose to act in a way that would preserve the integrity and status of their program by keeping the matter behind closed doors. They also may have been deceived into thinking they knew their friend well enough that he wouldn't do the things he's accused of doing. Not only this but the NCAA will once again look bad as they have done nothing to put the heat on PSU to have Paterno to step down immediately. A string of child molestation cases is something they choose not to get involved with, but the selling of a signed jersey or team memorabilia is deserving of their utmost attention. It just once again gives the NCAA a poor image.
Social media I think will be useful to those of us looking to start a sport management career. Sure, there are opinions across the board, many of them somewhat ridiculous but it will give us an idea of what the general public opinion is on hot button issues. As in the Penn State situation most seem to want Paterno to step down, some want him to finish, and a few are already worried about the next coach. It's somewhat mind blowing to see that people defend Paterno's actions because of his football success, or are talking about who the next coach might be as if this is merely a scandal that will be looked back upon as a minor nuiscance. The scary part is that it probably will be forgotten within a couple months, until it happens again.
There is no doubt without Twitter most of these opinions would not be seen on such a widespread level, and I'm not sure that punishment for those involved would be near as swift or just. Penn State will no doubt see public opinion swelling against them and I would be surprised if Paterno wasn't asked to step down immediately, not after the season. I believe that in this way social media is a monster that can be used in a positive way, but those in control still need to make a logical decision based on facts that most outsiders don't have. Decisions made on emotions, which many tweets are fueled by, are usually never good ones. These are things I would be wise to remember once I have a management position.
Kyle Hughes KIN 577
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Chewing Tobacco and Baseball
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/brennan/story/2011-10-19/mlb-tobacco-ban/50831090/1
Chewing Tobacco has been part of professional baseball for a long time and it has been involved with the image of the game. It is now normal for players to use it on the field even though most serve as role models to young children. Congress is proposing banning chewing tobacco in baseball do to its harmful side effects. The article discusses the want for Congress to ban the product. Congress is once again getting involved with the business of professional baseball just like it did a few years back with the performance enhancing drug controversy. However, Congress might have difficulty banning chewing tobacco due largely because it is a legal product in society and because tobacco itself has been related to baseball for a long time. There is no question that many of these professional baseball players serve as role models to young children across the world. Given that tobacco leads to serious health risks like cancers and death, it is not a bad idea banning chewing tobacco in baseball. Banning chewing tobacco in baseball will help clean up the image of the game, protect players from future diseases and will eliminate the bad influence it gives young children across the world.
Rogelio Ruelas
KIN 577
Chewing Tobacco has been part of professional baseball for a long time and it has been involved with the image of the game. It is now normal for players to use it on the field even though most serve as role models to young children. Congress is proposing banning chewing tobacco in baseball do to its harmful side effects. The article discusses the want for Congress to ban the product. Congress is once again getting involved with the business of professional baseball just like it did a few years back with the performance enhancing drug controversy. However, Congress might have difficulty banning chewing tobacco due largely because it is a legal product in society and because tobacco itself has been related to baseball for a long time. There is no question that many of these professional baseball players serve as role models to young children across the world. Given that tobacco leads to serious health risks like cancers and death, it is not a bad idea banning chewing tobacco in baseball. Banning chewing tobacco in baseball will help clean up the image of the game, protect players from future diseases and will eliminate the bad influence it gives young children across the world.
Rogelio Ruelas
KIN 577
Give us a Season!!!
http://indiana.sbnation.com/indiana-pacers/2011/11/6/2541789/nba-lockout-weekend-negotiations-end-no-deal-ultimatum-david-stern
For the last two weeks there has been a lot of hope that there is going to be a NBA season this year. Yet meeting after meeting we are left disappointed as the two sides leave, going their separate ways, both figuratively and in reality. I believe I can speak on behalf of all NBA fans when I ask the question, "When will we have a season?!" It appears that David Stern has come to the rescue as he gave the players an ultimatum, take the 51% of BRI or the next offer will drop to 47% and a "flex cap". Now this may be less then the players were expecting and requesting, however it is nice as a fan knowing the the season should be right around the corner.
O wait....the players don't want the new plan you say? Now as a fan interested in the negations I have been following the progress of the meetings and I would have to side slightly with the players in that I believe they deserve somewhere around 53%, however at this point, the players need to take the deal on the table. Each percentage point of the BRI approximately represents $40 million and there are about 450 players in the league. So in essence the players are fighting for about $1084 a game and the average player makes somewhere around $61,000 per game. Now I am no genius, but this makes zero sense. The players need to agree to this new deal on the table because now that more games are at risk the players are losing a lot more money per game then there is to gain from this contract. For what? Pride? Is pride really worth the loss of $61,000 per game? From the NBA players point of view I guess so...somebody please get these guys an accountant or at the very least a middle school math teacher.
Michael Hudak
KIN 577
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20110919/NEWS/109190311/Mental-preparation-key-child-competitors
This article comes from my hometown. It discusses the psychology of sport of children in my area, and in the end, refers to a bit of the societal influence as well. Touching on the differences in the various areas of the country backed up some experiences I have encountered in my transition from the Midwest to Southern California. This article provides many areas to which I can directly relate, and explains the differences between sports in youth. I grew up playing soccer and this article explains how some sports (football, basketball, baseball) begin to teach children on a more technical level at younger ages. The author accredited this to the fact that most parents played these sports or at least know the basics. Sports like soccer and volleyball wait until the participants are much older until the instruction from coaches becomes more technical. The article also refers to pressure on athletes from parents and others, and eludes to the financial strain sports may put on parents, which we discussed in class.
Adams
KIN577
This article comes from my hometown. It discusses the psychology of sport of children in my area, and in the end, refers to a bit of the societal influence as well. Touching on the differences in the various areas of the country backed up some experiences I have encountered in my transition from the Midwest to Southern California. This article provides many areas to which I can directly relate, and explains the differences between sports in youth. I grew up playing soccer and this article explains how some sports (football, basketball, baseball) begin to teach children on a more technical level at younger ages. The author accredited this to the fact that most parents played these sports or at least know the basics. Sports like soccer and volleyball wait until the participants are much older until the instruction from coaches becomes more technical. The article also refers to pressure on athletes from parents and others, and eludes to the financial strain sports may put on parents, which we discussed in class.
Adams
KIN577
The Silver Lining of the NBA Lockout
There is something to be said about turning disadvantages into advantages. With the looming NBA lockout upon us, it is easy to discuss the disadvantages; players losing money, owners losing money, local businesses losing money, fans losing a favorite pastime. However, the advantages of a lockout often go unnoticed. Colleges and universities stand to gain a lot from a lockout. Higher television ratings and mentorships are just some of the ways they benefit. Fans also get more up close interaction with players and the players themselves can begin to carve out a future after basketball with all this extra time on their hands.
With no NBA to watch, fans of basketball often turn to college basketball to quench their thirst for the sport. When the NBA experienced a lockout in 1998-99, college basketball rating significantly increased. With the current season in jeopardy, many rookies are returning to their respective universities to finish out their degrees. This provides valuable on campus examples for current college players of the importance of a college education. Exhibitions such as the Drew League vs. Goodman League and the All-Stars vs. Villains charity game provide fans with up close views of their favorite players that they would not have witnessed otherwise. Many NBA players are also assuming assistant coaching positions and other such jobs that will provide them with important experience in future careers.
Every cloud has a silver lining, even the dark cloud of the NBA lockout.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1191747/index.htm
Kristin Kelly
KIN 577
With no NBA to watch, fans of basketball often turn to college basketball to quench their thirst for the sport. When the NBA experienced a lockout in 1998-99, college basketball rating significantly increased. With the current season in jeopardy, many rookies are returning to their respective universities to finish out their degrees. This provides valuable on campus examples for current college players of the importance of a college education. Exhibitions such as the Drew League vs. Goodman League and the All-Stars vs. Villains charity game provide fans with up close views of their favorite players that they would not have witnessed otherwise. Many NBA players are also assuming assistant coaching positions and other such jobs that will provide them with important experience in future careers.
Every cloud has a silver lining, even the dark cloud of the NBA lockout.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1191747/index.htm
Kristin Kelly
KIN 577
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