And The Point Of It All…
I am reminded of Anthony Hamilton’s soulful ballad titled, “And The Point of It All,” when I think of the recent brouhaha surrounding LeBron James’ free agency circus. Hamilton artfully croons his message of love to his babe regardless of the dark days of time spent away from one another or major hurdles that may come their way. This expression of love in a direct, quick, and easy way seems light years away from the drama surrounding James’ announcement to sign his next NBA contract with the Miami Heat. The point of it all appears to be that a Black man’s decision to exercise his freedom within a capitalistic society and commercialized sport business can lead to unnecessary mudslinging and hostility.
The points:
1. The economic engine of America is capitalism. This system is the framework in which individuals can dream, plan, and hopefully execute their strategy to achieve financial success. The profit that one optimistically makes can be reinvested in the venture or given away as a charitable act to serve those in need or less fortunate. Many argue that this system is what makes the USA great. Others deem the system to be a mere tool for those in power to keep the power and continue the “have versus have-not” politic of control and influence. Regardless of one’s opinion, one should not confuse Dan Gilbert’s ranting about LeBron’s departure as anything but a man’s anger in losing his wallet. It is very disturbing to see the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers show such a childish attitude regarding a man who earned him and the city of Cleveland money, recognition, and respect. His idiotic comments about LeBron’s alleged betrayal and lack of fortitude only reflect how his own self-interest had become bigger than LeBron’s quest for independence and victory. Shame on you Dan!
2. Free agency in professional sports runs on the economic principle of
efficiency. In the economic system, the owners seek to get the most out of limited resources. There is a finite number of megastar basketball players. According to Dr. Patrick Rishe, an economics professor at Webster University, the Cavaliers franchise is at least $60 million more valuable with King James ruling their court…and more likely $100 million more valuable. (This study is based on a review of attendance and fan cost indices for the Cleveland Cavaliers in both the 7 years pre-LeBron and 7 years with LeBron, as well as a review of recent NBA ‘revenue-to-franchise value’ ratios and Consumer Price Index data.) And of course, with the addition of the calculation of sponsorship, media, and branding revenues of The Witness certainly laid the foundation for a heated battle for someone who could affect this efficiency model. Dan Gilbert and other owners must identify tradeoffs in the context of constraints. Seven years ago LeBron was the draft pick that turned this seemingly cursed franchise into one of the most profitable professional basketball franchises. In 2005 Gilbert purchased the team for $375 million hoping that his key star player would continue to stimulate interest, wins, and most importantly profit for himself. LeBron clearly interrupted his plans of efficiency and profit-maximization. Instead of betting the entire hand on one player’s desire to stay and play at home, Gilbert and company should have worked smarter over the years to provide LeBron with a real point guard to reduce the pressure on this young superstar. Gilbert simply placed his chip on a big victory in free agency and lost.
3. Black men are often times attacked when they seek to control their own destiny. When Curt Flood, the Black all-star baseball player who paved the way for this current free agency opportunity, challenged Major League Baseball in 1970 he could not have imagined that a decision to choose his own destiny would shake the foundation of professional sports in America. At the time, the reserve clause was that part of the standard player’s contract which bound the player, one year at a time, in perpetuity to the club owning his contract. Flood had no interest in moving to Philadelphia, a city he had always viewed as racist, but more importantly, he objected to being treated as a piece of property and to the restriction of freedom embedded in the reserve clause. His courage to stand up to owners and the system eventually cost him his career but opened the minds for future players to legally confront the player restriction regulation and win. Now, let’s fast forward to the NBA off-season and the LeBron saga. LeBron was born and raised in Cleveland. He chose to stay at home for his first job and hired his friends to help him maneuver the manipulations of mega-stardom. He worked hard to bring prominence to a basketball franchise that more years than not, struggled in attendance, profitability, and victories. LeBron turned the Cleveland mystique around and made it cool to wear the # 23 again, headbands, and the ever-changing franchise colors of wine, gold and blue. His dunks opened up SportsCenter shows, his charming smile graced numerous magazine covers, and made the country giddy over this young prodigy. His life off the court was scandal-free and he kindly represented the USA in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. However, his leadership, the playoff run and record-setting wins for the Cavs didn’t matter to many of the self-absorbed Cleveland fans and in particular, their owner. They wanted more of LeBron – another contract, continued pressure of being the savior, and control of James’ own desires to explore new territory and dreams. Does this story sound familiar? To many Blacks – an emphatic yes! When White men control the system or plantation and the slave wants his freedom or “40 acres and a mule,” there is little, if any, understanding of the necessity to leave the seemingly great environment. How dare you LeBron? Cleveland gave you everything you could possible want or need!
4. The commercialization of sport can generate ugly consequences. However, a good outcome can be made with careful planning. With all the various sport media and in particular, ESPN distribution outlets in print, video, online, and television serving up 24/7 reports on our athletes, can one even wonder why LeBron would choose NOT to accept the idea of creating a show about his free agency decision? The one-hour special was only sad in that 7% of the nation tuned in for this made-for-television spectacle. We have created a monster in many of our entertainment and sport stars and then we are surprised when they use the system to feed their own interests. Or more sadly, we can’t even accept when the monster uses the opportunity for good. Nielsen reported that the show peaked with a 9.6 rating from 9:15-9:30 p.m. when the program shifted to when LeBron officially made the announcement. That rating marked the highest non-NFL rating on ESPN this year – including their exclusive apology interview with Tiger Woods in March and A-Rod’s admission of guilt of using performance-enhancing drugs interview in February 2009. LeBron and company simply leveraged the mechanisms of capitalism to partner with ESPN to provide a platform to give back to those less fortunate. ESPN created the storyline of LeBron free agency and then offered up the final cha-ching to crystallize the drama. Sounds like an Emmy for original score, casting and production to me! The station donated the block of time and LeBron negotiated the ad revenue for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. In the end, the ESPN decision show generated $6 million in ad revenue and the eight sponsors featured in the show received $2.9 million in equivalent ad time. Sounds like a win-win in the midst of the madness. Many have enjoyed watching LeBron in Cleveland over the past seven years.
Although I am not a LeBron fan, I can include myself in that group of those cheering for a franchise that took on the burden of the entire city. As much I hoped that he would stay at home to build on his Cavalier legacy, his decision to go play for the Miami Heat and to “grow up and away” from his childhood home is admirable. Clearly, there was a struggle to find the right solution to make everyone happy. He soon came to realize that his answer must and could only make sense for himself. He owes no one, especially Cleveland, more time, commitment or energy. His only mistake, if there were one, was in the delivery of the decision. Perhaps he should have worked to provide more advanced notice to Gilbert. However, we don’t know the behind-the-scenes dynamics, which may have prevented such action. If Gilbert’s vitriolic comments are any indication of the misguided passion behind this owner’s sentiments towards LeBron, perhaps we received the best delivery of the news that he could offer at such a sensitive time. Life moves on and we can now happily get back to a much more broad coverage of sports. Quite simply, LeBron alone has to live with his free agency decision and the increased expectations focused in South Beach. And that is the final point of it all.
The Two Worlds of Tiger Collide: Do You Believe in Second Chances?
On this past Friday at 11:00 a.m. EST most of America stood still. Not for health care reform, terrorist declarations or even the death of a dignitary. Tiger Woods spoke directly to us as he took the microphone for the first time since his car accident on Thanksgiving and we listened. Although most Americans appear to have heard an authentic man at his lowest point requesting our help, there are some who still question the motives and heart of the world’s #1 golfer. As someone who attempts to put my faith into action, I have ceased the Tiger analysis and will do this one thing that the man who has changed the face of golf (and the sport industry) asked – to try to believe in him again.
Jonathan Bernstein, a respected public relations expert, states that “during a crisis, effective spokespersons must, primarily through their non-verbal cues, leave their audiences with the impression that they are: confident, competent, and compassionate. Leaving the commentary of the facial and body analysis experts aside, Tiger’s written words were heartfelt and delivered with sincerity. Can you truly imagine having committed the most sex-related “irresponsible and selfish behavior” against someone you love and then having to face your closest friends and colleagues (and the world) to ask for their forgiveness? Tiger just can’t win in this regard. If he appears confident and secure in his message by reading his statement, then one can interpret him as being arrogant and cocky. If he expresses a clear understanding of his wrongdoings and their implications, then he can be viewed as a proud man, fearless of advice and guidance. Lastly, the compassion-less Tiger who won’t shed a tear or breakdown is only putting on a show to impress his fans and sponsors. The apology becomes a cloak for his need to keep million dollar contracts intact. Why didn’t you go impromptu with just bullet points? Why didn’t you cry?
So why even bother at all Tiger? You don’t need any more money or applause. You can go chase majors without standing in front of a podium knowing very well that the media vultures want to make your life theirs. In fact, you would play the game of your youth for free without a foursome. You have close friends and family who will stand by your side regardless of your golf acumen and proficiency. Why come before the world to risk more attacks, innuendos, and gossip? Tiger took the risk because he can no longer separate Tiger the man from Tiger the brand.
Tiger the man, not unlike most high-powered celebrities, has tried to keep his personal life away from the public persona. In his press conference he stated that he “always tried to be a private person.” He loves to practice and play golf. He has youthful interests and loves working with children. He only trusts a small circle of friends. Tiger the brand invaded Tiger the man’s controlling and secretive lifestyle though. This boldness and egotism designed by external forces for life outside of the greens finally caught up with him and he had no choice but to face his wife and explain the trail of transgressions. Tiger the brand was probably not created by this private Tiger. Tiger the man spent too many hours on the golf course mastering his swing to invent this fun-loving, gregarious, fashion-conscious, and hot ladies’ man. His father, the media, and the sponsors needed a role model and idol – someone that could change America.
Tiger the brand was developed with much thought in corporate laboratories to inspire all people, regardless of race, religion, age or gender to get fit, play golf, and indulge in the numerous product offerings affiliated with Tiger. Tiger the brand is money. This brand was designed and manufactured to help sport economics by creating jobs in sport journalism, television, golf equipment, golf apparel, and business services. The more we see of Tiger the brand, the more dollars pass through the economy. Tiger the brand became such a major asset to the sport world that this talent became influential in politics and money matters. (Note: Pres. Obama’s request for his appearance while campaigning and at the Inauguration. Also, the Nielson ratings drop over 50% when Tiger does not play in a televised tournament.) When the tabloids announced the brewing scandal and further scrutiny proved true, Tiger the man met Tiger the brand. His personal pain became ours.
Many fans are disappointed by Tiger’s humanness. This sentiment makes sense and is very valid. Tiger the brand invaded our homes as he pitched products that we believe represent wholesomeness, integrity, good health, and quality. We didn’t see Tiger the man every day at the golf course. We saw Tiger the brand, the idol. We purchased Tiger the brand golf clubs, watches, hats, shirts, and even drank his sport drink. However, when the idol fell, we collectively gasped and castigated Tiger the man. No longer did we see a man that had lost his father and quite possibly his way. We didn’t ask him how his religion influenced his golf play. Truth be told, we didn’t notice or really care that he had actually lost his faith and was now serving false gods. We didn’t ask Tiger the man about his associates and in particular, two seemingly close relationships with older former NBA stars that have a public track record of womanizing. We didn’t ask Tiger about the pressures that all young couples experience coupled with his demanding profession. And most importantly, we didn’t care how an only child born of a mixed marriage was processing race in America and its effects on his billion-dollar empire. We didn’t ask because Tiger the brand was impenetrable and in control. The two worlds have now collided and Tiger the man has asked us to be patient and wait for Tiger the brand to make a comeback.
We need no more explanations and apologies. Tiger the man has told us that he has let us down. He stated that he is sorry. He says he knows that he needs help. His strength of recovery lies in his family, golf clubs, and will. His earnest plea is for his fans, and his fans alone, to “find room in your hearts to one day believe in me again.” For all that we have learned over the nearly past three months, surely we can take a break from the Tiger news and let him heal. Let’s be real Americans and support the underdog. We can cheer on Tiger the man, his marriage, and his revival. His track record to overcome and beat the odds is very favorable. This situation is new territory for Tiger the man, but I will not count him out. The PGA desperately needs this golf prodigy to pay bills and keep our attention, and we need his smile and impact. Yes, much will change when Tiger the brand comes back to the golf world. Sure, he will win majors and secure sponsorships. However, the one welcome change will be the transparent golf star. This time around, Tiger the man will know, manage, and define Tiger the brand.
Tiger Acting Like a Black Athlete Now?
Tiger Woods has a problem and now so do I. I was naïve to think that I could survive this holiday season of Tigervision with its seemingly minute-by-minute reports of his self-described transgressions. Every media outlet needs a story to remain viable in this world of at-your-touch news and Tiger’s naughtiness provides the perfect scoop. This tale probably has no beginning and quite possibly no end. However, my nerves became frayed and I saw the immediate end of my sideline observer role when I changed the channel and popped in on the Joy Behar Show. As they discussed the latest Tiger escapade, Ms. Behar cleverly asked for insight on how the African-American community might possibly feel about his sins. Her query was directed to a female African-American guest, Karith Foster, who calmly stated that Tiger was finally acting like a black athlete. Pump your brakes!
Although Ms. Foster’s listed occupation is comedian, she made her bold statement sans smile or giggle. She was very serious and obviously hurt by his choice of women in this scandal. She went on to describe how the black athlete needs a white woman – a trophy wife – to be successful. Ms. Foster’s understanding of the black male athlete is a stereotype and confusion-filled. Shame on her and the media for supporting the racist mindset that promulgates a representation of the black male athlete as a superhuman man that seeks sexual pleasure from every white female that worships his athletic prowess. Surely we in 2009 know better, right? Yes, the ESPNification of our sports world has created larger than life entertainment figures. Money, power and women. That’s the ticket out of a poor situation – mentally and physically. It is no longer satisfactory to score a touchdown and hand the ball to the referee or dunk the basketball and hustle back to play defense. Instead we see many of our athletes (and more likely a black man) showboating, drawing attention to themselves, and discounting the teamwork necessary to achieve such success. We as fans are drawn to the television waiting to see the clownish antics instead of running to the restroom or going back for more chips.
What has happened to sport? Or is that the very issue? It is no longer a game but rather an entertaining sitcom. Has our drive for personalities created this monster that we can no longer applaud? And to fan the flames even more, that black male athlete is then pictured at courtside, leaving the nightclub or the Hollywood awards show with a blonde haired, blue-eyed dame at his side. The racists cry out in disgust as their claims of the animalistic behavior of the black man requires the conquest of the virgin white woman. Thus, they must protect their defenseless and pure woman from the sexually charged black beast. The idealists see no color but only the expression of pure love between consenting adults. The rest of us pause, take note, and move on since there are much more pressing issues in our lives such as our ability to pay our mortgage or change the temperature in our office.
And now we have commentary to suggest that Tiger’s African genes are emerging from dormancy. So, he goes on a rampage to subjugate women. Hog wash! Most black male athletes are not chasing or keeping a harem of white women. They may not be married. They may not live the all-american lifestyle of a wife, house, and two kids either. Black male athletes are human and they are faced with pressures that are unimaginable for most. The exorbitant salaries they earn may appear to be a nice band-aid for all they are subjected to each and everyday, but didn’t we learn a long time ago that money couldn’t buy you happiness or manners?
Yes, I am a biased Tiger fan. I believe that he is not consciously excluding himself from blacks. Oftentimes our environment dictates our circle of friends and associates. Look at the demographics of the golf industry. How many black females attend golf tournaments or get invited to events whereby they could be introduced to Tiger-types? Not that it is required to be defined as a black man, but it is my understanding that he had a black girlfriend while attending Stanford. In addition, he certainly pays homage to the black golf greats through his writings and as a golfer. If one knows anything about the history of the media and its positive portrayal of African-Americans, one cannot expect an accurate picture of Tiger’s outreach to the black caddies and minority youth. It’s just not going to hit the front-page folks. And don’t think for a moment that the red and black outfit he wears on Sundays is not a strategic move either. Tiger is black. Tiger is Thai. Tiger is an athlete who made a mistake. He has a history of comebacks and success. I am confident that he will seek forgiveness from God and his wife. The former will grant that request and I hope that his marriage can survive. The black community also has a history of forgiveness for our lost and wayward members. We all cheered his victories and dominance in the white man’s game and now we should just as eagerly and earnestly pray for him. Certainly the executives of the PGA are praying since Tiger’s appearances and wins pays most of their bills. Tiger’s errant actions are no more typical of a black athlete as is his ability to hit his driver over 350 yards. He has motivated many of us to get fit, try the game of golf for the first time, and a new club or technique to improve our scores. Tiger is a motivator. Now let’s all get off the sidelines again to use this circumstance as inspiration to be critical thinkers in the midst of the media firestorm, to find sanity, and to apply our own personal life lesson.
A Comment on the USA Today Article “Michael Vick reaches endorsement deal with Nike”
“Vick signing a new contract with Nike is an example of how great America can be. A man who made a tragic mistake is now given the opportunity to showcase his athletic and altruistic nature by donning the foremost athletic marketing brand in the world again. Nike is known for its boldness and creativity. With this move, they have undoubtedly and strategically swooshed their way to the front of the headlines and to another bump in increased market share. Vick states that he wants to make amends and now he has the platform and added media attention to make that happen. Folks can’t complain here. We live in a capitalistic society that thrives on the free market, profit motive, and second chances. Regardless of the financial compensation, if any, for this new Vick contract, the Nike leaders are practicing forgiveness. And that’s a good thing. For those who just can’t seem to get over Vick’s transgressions, try expending your energy on more important issues like healthcare and education reform. Indeed, the train has left the platform. Thank you Nike for leading the way!”
Higher Education: A Right or Privilege for Intercollegiate Student-Athletes?
Get Real! That’s my kind response to the critics of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) recent academic reform policy that eliminates the minimum SAT and ACT scores for admission. This well-thought out and crafted course of action finally gives colleges the academic freedom and independence to do what they do best – make decisions as to which students they want on their particular campus. Not the NCAA, the athletic leagues, or any other sport-related governing body has the right to tell an academic institution who is most deserving of the opportunity to sit in their classrooms and learn. Although our country promotes a spirit of education for all, the reality is that higher education is for the privileged. And those with the financial resources receive more access and resources. With a wink and a nod though, the student-athlete can oftentimes bypass this necessity if one possesses the talent to throw a tight spiral or shoot a silky-smooth jumper.
Historically, most universities have had the proud mission of educating citizens so that one could gain additional skills for the workforce to improve society. Unfortunately, an ivory tower mentality soon emerged across many campuses, which fostered an attitude of “you are not worthy.” This “education for the elite” thinking seemingly created a haven of knowledge mongers. Naaa-Na-Na-Na-Na! I have something you want and I am going to make it hard as heck for you to get it! Helping those less fortunate – no money, no access — became someone else’s issue. This separatism has now come to the forefront as these elite state and private institutions, which purport to focus on research and teaching young minds, are now confronted with freeing up space (at someone else’s expense) to educate a poorly prepared student-athlete. Now everyone wants to win the big games, get media exposure, and improve fundraising to build the next library and add technological advances on campus. They need superb student-athletes to make that happen. The production from the gifted pianist, sculptor, and newspaper editor just won’t pay the bills. With highly competitive admission standards, many of these institutions have now had to construct various exception policies to provide admission to those whose standardized test scores would mean an almost automatic denial. With the removal of test scores as a major factor for admission, the universities now have the mandate to admit whomever they want to join their academic fellowship. I have no problem with their attempt to create and advance diversity on campus. In fact, I applaud these institutions for giving the student-athlete a chance. Welcome to the real world.
However, I do take issue with these same institutions and academics sneering their noses at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) or other centers of higher education that have mandates or specific missions to serve those less-fortunate and less-prepared for higher education. This altruistic concern can be misconstrued and ridiculed by the Academic Progress Rate (APR) bean counters and ivory tower hecklers though. The APR was instituted by the NCAA to monitor how effectively athletic departments are focusing on the scholastic development of its student-athletes by monitoring eligibility. Those who sit on high forget the objective of these schools to admit those academically challenged students and often judge and compare these colleges to their own peer group. If you can look down on others, then you can make yourself feel real good. Commonly, these student-athletes who attend HBCUs come from low-income homes, one-parent families and marginal high schools. The odds are stacked against them, but they choose to seek the benefits that higher education can afford them.
Now all universities should not be allowed to get off the hook with academic clustering though. Requiring or directing student-athletes to majors that fit best with sport practices and competition versus their own interest and competency is immoral. (It should be of no surprise that student-athletes would want to study sport-related subjects if they spend at least 20 hours a week and most of their life focusing on their body and its performance. Hello!) Gerald Gurney, president-elect of the more than 1,000-member National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics and senior associate athletics director at the University of Oklahoma, has stated that the rule change will only create an environment for colleges to further enroll ill-equipped student-athletes. If the marginal student-athlete is admitted for whatever reason, it is important that the university have a proper support structure in place that best provides a winning-platform to achieve on and off the playing field. This support should include consistent communication between the family, coaches, administrators, and faculty. Some would argue that the big-time schools fail in this regard because the coaches have too much power and influence. Hogwash! I believe that “applied knowledge is power” so the coaches need not back up or off, but rather the families, administrators, and faculty need to step up. They should familiarize themselves with the real keys to the game of life and become a part of the solution. Having the courage to confront seems to be missing on many of these campuses with miserable graduation rates and academic scandals. Falling through the cracks should not be an option for a student-athlete under the university’s care. The emphasis on student-athlete leadership training is super, but it is imperative to add student-athlete transition counseling to help them adjust to life after their career. The attraction of intercollegiate athletics is not going away. The marketing and administration of intercollegiate sport is a multimillion-dollar industry that requires new blood each and every year.
It is no wonder that most student-athletes seek higher education. The chance of a significant professional financial contract is highly unlikely, most still want to grow up with their peers who are moving on to college, they enjoy working out and developing their skills against better competition, and they want to learn more to prepare them for their life after competition. Their ability to perform and showcase their gift should not be held against them. Student-athletes offer college campuses a unique perspective and exciting entertainment, which enhances the diversity of the community, and quite possibly its financial coffers as well. Their overall graduation rate is higher than the general student body, which speaks to the student-athlete’s discipline and ability to focus when the pressure is on. Yes, higher education is a privilege. However, open admission or enrollment is a step in the right direction to take the pressure off of using standardized tests that only predict first-year performance and not graduation. The institutions that cheat are still going to cheat. Giving universities more control over their admissions is not going to increase or decrease that fact. The change is only a positive and long-overdue admission rule to respect reality and assist institutions in their most-noble purpose of serving all in our society through research, service and teaching.
WNBA:Half empty or half full?
As the 13 year-old WNBA kicks off this weekend, many supporters and critics are taking close notice of the various factors that define success for this professional women’s basketball league. Will this league survive the recession and find significant profitability to exist five years from now? The WNBA is the premier women’s professional sport in America and based on its historical attendance numbers there is supporting evidence to the notion that our society may still not be ready to accept women competing in sport. Why else would men and women not find enjoyment in watching tremendous athletes play America’s favorite pastime (sorry baseball fans — reality bites)? Or maybe we do appreciate Naismith’s game being played at its most fundamental level, without the commercialism, air-time above the rim and showboating of the male professional counterpart, but are just not willing to pay for the experience?
Critics need only point to the numerous cost-cutting measures implemented by the league itself to argue that the curtain is closing on the WNBA. The original business model of league ownership has now evolved into individual ownership in certain cities. Anybody want a pro team on their balance sheet? Also, the rosters have been reduced from 13 to 11,an assistant coach position has been eliminated from the staff and the once popular and championship Houston franchise folded. Top players move from franchise to franchise each year and it is difficult for fans to keep up with the transactions. How does a Tina Thompson end up playing with archrival Lisa Leslie in L.A.? Lindsay Harding and Alana Beard in the same backcourt in Washington? Unique sponsorships have emerged such as Phoenix and L.A.’s contracts with corporations desiring their logos on the front of jerseys. That’s just not your typical sponsorship negotiation for professional basketball. The cup is half empty.
Supporters would ask one to consider the popularity of the game at all levels. Girls are practicing year-round and we now see a similar challenge faced by boys concerning loyalty: should one commit the development and guidance to the high school or the AAU club coach? Attendance and website tracking numbers are up. The WNBA identifies the family as one of the key target markets; fathers accompanied by their daughters are very visible in arenas. Stars from collegiate programs are entering the league with their own fan base and help create new WNBA fans each year. What true basketball fan (men’s or women’s) doesn’t know about Candace Parker and the numerous players that come from premier programs like UConn and Tennessee? And lastly and most importantly, the WNBA was able to secure an eight-year television broadcast contract with ESPN/ABC that will help to pay the bills. Ticket sales and broadcast sponsorships define the success of professional sports. Period. The cup is half full.
Professional women’s basketball is exciting and can be a profitable asset. The right marketing mix and presentation of the sport product require intensive research, pilot studies, implementation of new media (i.e., e-marketing) and the willingness to take risks. Founding president Val Ackerman set the stage by providing the foundation for opportunity and national exposure. President Orender must continue to seek innovative marketing and funding strategies that will unfortunately and inevitably attract naysayers. Perspective is personal. Little time should be spent on those who lack the vision to see the benefits of women’s professional basketball in American society. Embrace those “who get it” and raise that half full cup in celebration!
Sports Unchained
So you clicked on Athletics, huh? You must be an athlete or wanna-be — it’s all good. Check out the selections here and let me know how I can assist you.
