The NBA Is Back and Ready For Action

image from basketballwallpapers.com

It’s back!  Wait, was it missing?  With the end of the MLB season and winter meetings, mayhem of the NFL, and always exciting college sports, I barely had time to really miss it. But yes, if you are a basketball fan, you most definitely noticed that the NBA season just hasn’t been the same.  Well, more like it has been nonexistent.  Never fear, the NBA players and owners finally came to an agreement ending what seemed like a never-ending lockout.

Now, with training camps underway, trade rumors flying, and the preseason set to go the countdown is on as the first day of the NBA season approaches.  Only fourteen days until the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks tip-off noon Christmas Day at Madison Square Gardens, the perfect gift for anyone that may have actually missed watching the sport. 

Unlike the NFL lockout, basketball fans didn’t seem as committed to the cause of either side of the argument.  Evan Bretzman’s article on The Sport Hole explains the difference between the NFL and NBA lockouts in humorous terms that anyone who has dated can relate to.  While fans of the NFL “would have been crushed if the NFL had decided to cancel the season”, many of the same fans though they enjoy watching the NBA, were indifferent about the season or lack there of. 

Bretzman compares football to “a long-term girlfriend that you’ve shared some great times with, matured with, and learned to love…It’s the girl you take to Thanksgiving dinner.”  Losing that relationship is like losing a family member or best friend.  “The NBA, on the other hand, is more like the girl you see out sometimes and hook up with but have no intention of actually dating.” 

Regardless of your relationship with sports, basketball is here and ready to take back it’s fans.  With a shortened 66 game season and grueling schedule, it will prove to be interesting to see if the quality of play holds up to what fans have come to expect from the NBA.  Personally, I hope the upcoming season brings some much needed promise to a city plagued by the “Factory of Sadness” otherwise known as the Cleveland Browns. 

Related Links:

http://www.nba.com/

http://espn.go.com/nba/

http://thesporthole.com/explaining-the-nfl-and-nba-lockouts-in-relationship-terms/

The Cleveland Indians Snow Days "Snopening" Soon

Image from ClevelandIndians.mlb.com

The leaves are gone, temperatures have turned cold, and snow has fallen which means it’s time again for the Cleveland Indians to transform Progressive Field from “baseball park to winter playground” (Grayshock).  After a mere four weeks of hard work, this MLB team is bringing much needed life to a city that tends to go dark during the rough winter months. 

The Indians Snow Days is a winter festival for friends and families to enjoy the off-season and make memories in a unique way. Last year it was reported that just over 50,000 fans attended the 2010 Snow Days event.  Experiencing the success they were anticipating, the Indians are hoping for even better results in their second year.  Returning will be The Batterhorn, a 200 foot, 8-lane tubing hill, The Frozen Mile, “an ice skating track around the outfield and the first non-symmetrical ice skating path in the United States” (Indians.com), and The Rookie Rink,, a smaller rink for beginner skaters to practice in center field.

New this year will be The Frozen Diamond, a regulation sized ice skating rink covering the infield.  For baseball fans this may be hard to swallow but three main events are already planned to draw in a different breed of fans.  “The Frozen Diamond Face-Off” includes a High School Hockey Tournament spanning three days in December, a January 5^th competition between local high school rivals, St. Edward and St. Ignatius, and a January 15^th faceoff between Ohio State and Michigan Universities. 

For those not wanting to brave the elements, not to worry, there is an indoor Kidsland and “Warming Area” featuring arts and crafts, baseball and holiday activities, video games, televisions showing movies and sporting events, and visits from “Santa Slider”, the beloved Indians mascot.

“Snoepening” day is Friday, November 25 and runs until January 16.  Tickets range from $5.00 for those just coming to watch the fun to $100 for a family pack (2 Adults, 2 Children).  Group tickets and private buyout days are also available.

http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/fan_forum/snowdays.jsp#home

http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2011/11/indians_snow_days_opens_this_f.html

http://www.cleveland.com/wfny/index.ssf/2011/01/indians_close_doors_on_first_e.html

Sponsorship and Fund Raising In Your Community

Picture From:  www.dojiggy.com

Over the last couple of months I’ve been working a great deal with fundraising for our school and community youth leagues.  The economy has made it even more difficult to not only maintain the costs of operating these education and youth sports programs but also continue to see positive results in fund raising.  While we have seen an increase in profits, most organizations in our region have not.  Much of our success can be attributed to the support of our community and the hard work and dedication of our volunteers but that can only carry an organization so far.  Realizing this, we have been attempting to find new, creative opportunities with more options and diversity in our fund raising.

While many of the education and youth leagues are still only considering sales from catalogs to sub sandwiches as fund raising methods, many forget the idea of looking to local business to help support their cause as sponsors.  Yes, we see names of businesses on the back of t-shirts or signs in the outfield of summer youth leagues, but what about the rest of the year and what are the businesses getting out of sponsorship?  In an interview with Full Sail University, Kathy Kopacz, sports marketing consultant in the sports industry for more than 20 years, gave these recommendations for obtaining successful sponsorship: Make sure that the goals and objectives of your organization is in line with your potential sponsor, look at the sponsorship as a partnership, and follow-up and deliver results.  Although this may be more directed to the larger sports industry, some points can be taken away to help in smaller organizations as well. 

For example, because sponsors of community organizations will most likely be on the local level, it may not be as important to show statistics or financial results from sponsorship but appeal to the business’s sense of pride in supporting something bigger.  Local businesses are usually aware of the benefits of sponsoring the communities they provide services to.  If the business is supporting a youth sports team, give them a game schedule with a special invitation to attend and send pictures and updates of the team’s season highlights.  For school events, have students write thank you letters or make a poster to sign.  Many times, all that is needed to gain and retain sponsorship is the simple acknowledgement of appreciation.

As the economy continues to hit families, organizations, and businesses hard, it will become even more important to ensure that the investment being made by sponsors is found to be worthwhile.  The question is, is your organization looking for unique, creative, and different ideas to present to your community and potential sponsors?

How To Get Sponsors For Your Event

Dicks Sporting Goods Sponsorship Request

How to Get Sponsors to Support A Walk-A-Thon or Other Fundraising Event

Cheerleading: From Youth Sport to Professional Marketing Strategy

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The topic of whether cheerleading should be considered a sport has been debated for years and there is still no clear winner.  However, there is no arguing the influence cheerleaders have on their peers and their ability to bring in revenue from youth to professional levels. 

I began cheerleading when I entered Junior High and I admit, initially it was the typical stereotype of girls jumping around, waving pom-poms and wearing pleated skirts.  That all changed as I entered High School and a group of professional cheerleading coaches and choreographers were hired to work with our squads and get us competition ready.  All of a sudden we were doing more than standing on the sidelines cheering.  We were becoming athletes as opposed to “Barbie dolls”.  We were running laps, building muscles, learning how to tumble, doing stunts, practicing for hours everyday and gaining respect and popularity.  Cheerleading now required year-round dedication because of our support in many sports and competitions as well as acting as a continuous role model and maintaining academic performance.

As cheerleaders transform into athletes, their ability to set trends among their peers becomes a greater asset to companies who want to market to girls, especially ages 7 to 17.  According to a 2007 study done by Active Marketing Group, 3.3 million Americans will participate in cheerleading, 1.3 million will cheer more than 60 days, and Pop Warner has seen a 20% increase in cheer participation.  In addition, the 5,400 cheerleading and dance squads make up 45% of total participation in the organization. (Active Network) These statistics are only in the Pee Wee through High School age range and do not include the major influence cheerleading has on colleges and universities of all sizes nationwide.  While colleges may not see as big a revenue from their cheerleading programs as youth or professional, they are stirring the biggest controversy with the attempt at making cheerleading a Title IV sport.

On the professional level, the role of a cheerleader is much different than in youth and college.  Cheerleaders are primarily a marketing tool for professional sports teams and an additional source of publicity and revenue.  The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders are just as recognizable as the football team they represent.  Appearances for the top professional cheerleaders ranges from $100-$500 per hour per cheerleader and they work closely with marketing and community relations teams to attract fans and new sponsorship. Although professional teams are reluctant to put a specific number on the value that cheerleading brings to their organization, it is obviously enough to keep the program running. 

Regardless of if you consider cheerleading a sport, it is undeniable that it is “big business”.  From youth to professional levels, the marketing opportunities for companies targeting girls and tweens to football and basketball teams appealing to men and women, the possibilities are endless.

http://www.activenetworkrewards.com/Assets/AMG+2009/Cheerleading.pdf

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=drehs/040316

http://www.cnbc.com/id/41291516/The_NFL_s_10_Best_Cheerleading_Squads

Women in Sports Media: We've Come A Long Way

Picture from:  womeninsports.weebly.com

The topic of women in sports has been debated over the years and though progressing slowly, gender equality in sports media has come a long way.  Earlier this year National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (NSSA) held its first Women in Sports Media Issues Forum discussing issues women in media dealt with in the past and are sometimes experiencing in the present.  Among the panelists were Lesley Visser (CBS Sports), Katy Brown (KATU-TV, Portland, OR), Jenni Carlson (Daily Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, OK), and Mary Jo Perino (WLEX-TV, Lexington, KY). 

As Ms. Visser explained, she has been in the sports industry for 35 years and believes that compared to the past, “we have taken great strides”.  She began as the Boston Globe’s first woman to cover the NFL.  The credentials given by the NFL specifically stated no women or children in the press box.  She described it as “already being defeated.  You have the assignment but you don’t have the right to do the job.”  Today, women receive equal access as their male counterparts and while “you have to earn respect” (Visser), it is a different era where the “new generation of players are used to girls and sports coexisting” (Perino).

While there are definitely still obstacles to overcome, it can be said that this is only because as Ms. Brown describes, “we are different… Going to practice and there are 20 reporters and you are the only woman, obviously you stand out and over time coaches and players know who you are”.  And if you can overcome the obstacle of being different, then there are often great rewards and opportunities as a result.

There is no doubt that the members on this panel have paved the way for generations of women aspiring for a career in sports media.  While issues may still exist and there will always be skeptics, women have taken great strides in gaining respect and proving their ability to be leaders in the sports industry.

Watch the full discussion at:

http://nssafame.com/2011/06/03/women-in-sports-media-issues-forum/

http://sportsjournalism.org/sports-media-news/panel-women-sports-journalists-still-face-many-challenges/

http://www.sportstvjobs.com/resources/fa-women-in-sports-tv-female-sportscasters.html

Sports Unions 2011: The Year of the Lock-Outs

Picture Courtsey of Creative Unions.org

“Professional sports have always been big business. And just as in many other industries throughout history, athletes' labor unions came about as a quest for fair treatment from owners who wanted to retain as much control as possible”  (Daidone).  Since the formation of the first players’ association, the sports industry has evolved tremendously.  From the increase of media and corporate sponsorship to the unbelievable rise in players’ salaries, the question is often raised is it getting out of control?

2011 began with the question of whether the NFL Superbowl would be the last game we would see this year and is headed for an ending of uncertainty in the NBA.   The last NFL strikes were in 1987 and 1982 as players fought for revenue sharing for TV and better free agency rights.  The 2011 conflict raised issues of revenue and salaries, game schedule, rookie wage scale, and benefits for retired players.  After 127-days team owners agreed to end the 2011 lockout and approve a 10-year-deal.  The NFL was able to salvage their season with little impact on the preseason, surrounding economy, and reputation in the eyes of their fans.

The NBA, however, is facing a different challenge.  As we approach the four-month mark of the NBA lockout, they risk losing more than the preseason or regular season.  As fans grow more and more impatient with the unresolved conflict, they are becoming less forgiving especially in an economy where job loss is still a looming threat for everyone.  Were we in a booming economy, fans may be more apt to stand by the players or owners but as it stands, it is hard to be sympathetic to millionaires who on the surface don’t seem to be making the same sacrifices of the people buying tickets. 

Now, as the 2011 World Series approaches and the MLB season comes to an end, their collective bargaining agreement is on the table as well.  Although little media attention has been drawn, as of yet, it appears that the MLB wants to keep things quiet.  With no salary cap in place, the MLB has the highest payroll in professional sports and it is continuing to rise.  According to baseball commissioner, Bud Selig, “discussions on a new collective bargaining agreement have been very constructive and he sees no timetable for getting a deal done” (Associated Press).

The fact of the matter is, regardless of which sport we are looking at, the 2011 season has been a true test to fans.  They are after all, the ones paying the price as economy and jobs are threatened with the loss of games, ticket prices soar, and the rewards for fans appear to be dwindling.  While regardless of the sport there will always be the die hard football, basketball, or baseball fan, many have already begun to question when enough is enough.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7086176/bud-selig-no-timetable-mlb-labor-agreement

http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/10/nba-lockout-fans.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/23/nba-lockout-2011-training-camp-preseason_n_978329.html

Player Likeness and Intellectual Property Rights

The Electronic Arts (EA) Company is no stranger to lawsuits filed by both college and professional athletes claiming the use of their likeness without permission.  The EA Sports label produces games such as Madden NFL, NCAA Football, and NCAA Basketball.  EA claims that their games are expressive works of art and it is within their first amendment rights to create players with similar characteristics as celebrity athletes while the opposing side argues that “When doing a venture strictly for commercial profit, that’s not the First Amendment.  That’s just taking a guy’s basic identity and using it to make a profit” (Radd).

Court rulings appear to be inconsistent in their support of EA’s argument that the use of players based on appearance and stats without use of their names is a right of free expression.  The latest lawsuit filed by Ryan Hart accusing EA of using his likeness in their NCAA Football game was dismissed in favor of EA although a previous case filed by Nebraska quarterback, Samuel Keller resulted in favor of Keller.  “A range of U.S. states have devised legislation aimed at preventing unauthorized commercial use of an individual’s name or likeness giving that person an exclusive right to license the use of the identity for commercial purposes” (Caslon).  What complicates the matter with college athletes is the fact that they sign-off on their commercial rights when permitting the NCAA to use their images to promote the organization.  The questions that may be argued are whether EA’s agreement with the NCAA resulting in promotion or profit, and is the use of their likeness defendable under intellectual property rights?  On the opposing side, does the First Amendment protect EA’s use of their identity as a matter of creative expression?

“Intellectual property is intangible property that is the result of creativity, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights” (Williams).  One of the biggest issues facing an athlete is protecting their image.  Athletes, whether professional or amateur, should be careful in signing-off on rights for use of their image.  While the use of their likeness are protected under various intellectual property laws, such as trademarks or branding, once they sign a contract, it becomes more difficult to defend.  In the case of the NCAA and EA, it is clear that both organizations are making a profit at the expense of the athlete.  If the athletes are signing a contract with the NCAA to use images strictly for promotional purposes, the right thing would be to compensate them in some way.

The Supreme Court’s ruling in the June 2011 case, Brown, Governor or California vs. Entertainment Merchants Association, supports EA’s argument that video games are a form of creative expression.  Regardless, any sports fan who plays an EA Sports game can identify players with or without the use of their names, so at what point does the claim of creative expression become nothing more than a way to hide behind the First Amendment?  It appears at this point, the decision is still up to a divided court system to make the decision if EA’s protection under the First Amendment overrules the rights of athletes to control and protect the use of their image.

EA Has A First Amendment Right To Depict Real College Football Players, Judge Rules

Intellectual Property for Athletes

Caslon Analytics Intellectual Property

Lawsuit could bring NCAA financials to light

Electronic Arts Denied Request for Dismissal in Player Likeness Lawsuit

Madden Lawsuit From Jim Brown Dismissed

One NCAA Player Likeness Lawsuit Ends in EA’s Favor

Society’s Pressure: How It Affects Sports Biggest Stories

Image From:  quiltville.blogspot.com

Over the past decade, the sports industry has seen its fair share of memorable stories, which makes naming just one as being the “biggest” story in sports seem impossible.  From 53 of the 120 universities in the NCAA committing major violations to the record-setting salary deals and prize winnings of athletes such as Alex Rodriguez and Tiger Woods, no sport, professional or amateur was immune to controversy.  With the end of baseball’s regular season coming near, the steroids era of Major League Baseball when players were believed to be using performance-enhancing drugs is also brought to mind. 

Maybe the story that will forever remain unchanged in the sports industry is society’s increasing pressure and competition for athletes, teams, and leagues to provide bigger and better results and entertainment than in the past.  Alex Rodriguez, for example, denied using performance-enhancing drugs in his 2007, 60 Minutes interview, but later admitted to using steroids while playing for the Texas Rangers.  His reasoning was the increased pressure to perform.  Is this an acceptable excuse for breaking the rules? Of course not, but at what point do we as a society also take responsibility?  Let’s face it. Fans want to see their team win. They want to know that the athletes being paid these enormous salaries are earning it, and owners want to know that there will be packed houses and return on investment.  But, is the pressure to hit harder, throw faster, jump higher, and perform better so strong that athletes need that extra boost to excite the crowds?  Have we created an industry where it is no longer about natural talent?  Has the desire to break records, win medals, or be the best over-taken the youthful desire to just be a part of the game and made it impossible to meet expectations?

President George W. Bush once said, “Steroids are bad for sports, they’re bad for players, they’re bad for young people who hold athletes up as role models.”  From high school, college, Olympic, and professional athletes, the use of performance-enhancing drugs has plagued the U.S. sports history. As long as there is pressure whether it is to reach a personal goal or to meet the pressures of one of the most competitive industries, there will be new drugs and new challenges to face.  The question is, will the biggest stories of the next decade be the controversial, rule-breaking scandals, or will society finally say enough and change their expectations to one of non-acceptance.  Will we say it doesn’t matter how great an athlete you are, how many games you win, records you break, or medals you earn there are no second chances, no suspensions, you simply lose?

Related Videos and Links:

Biggest Plays in Sports Biz

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/02/07/ncaa_punishes_almost_half_of_members_of_football_bowl_subdivision_for_major_rules_violations

http://espn.go.com/mlb/topics/_/page/the-steroids-era

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/02/07/alex-rodriguez-steroids/

http://reliableanswers.com/med/sports_drugs.asp