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.
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