Sports and the Economy

When the economy goes south, what happens to sports marketing and advertising budgets? They decrease!



This recession proof industry, or so it claims, hasn't seen a recession like this in the modern sports era. Financial institutions, apparel giants, media conglomerates, and every imaginable industry are cutting back. So what makes sport immune to our economic meltdown?

Well, nothing! Modern sports venues are sponsored by the likes of Gillette, Lucas Oil, Citizens Bank, Wachovia, Target, McDonalds, and Staples to name just a few. But as these company's profits and shares of stock plummet, will they continue to sponsor sports arenas when money can be spent on driving consumers to purchase products?


I believe company's are going to be taking a long, hard look at where they are spending money. Is it worth forking over cash indescrimantly? And, who will have to pay for the losses in revenue that the owner sees. Will it be the fans, the players, or the entertainment experience? The sports industry thinks its recession proof, right? Well, who has taken a hit so far from this meltdown? The housing industry, financials, reatailers, consumers, the automobile industry have all taken blow after blow to the abdomen. Well, guess what there may be a trickle down affect.

I hope I am wrong!

NFL Outlook

Going into the season most fans thought we'd see Indianapolis and New England battle it out for the AFC championship. The NFC with all its star power looked as if the Cowboys were going to the super bowl.








When Tom Brady's knee crumbled in the first game of the season as he was throwing the ball so did New England's chances of winning the AFC. Even with mastermind coach Bill Belichick calling the shots, star running back Laurency Maroney and dirtiest, hardest hitting safety Rodney Harrison are hobbled by injuries. It looks like all the coaching in the world can't get you to the Superbowl.

For the Idianapolis Colts, the whole season (to this point) has been a mediocre. With superstar quarterback Peyton Manning having trouble with his knee and the defense not playing well, Colts fans must be scratching their heads.



















So who is the AFC's Frontrunner? Well it's not the Chargers, Colts, Jaguars, Broncos, Steelers (well maybe) or any other usual suspects. Which team is undeafeated and winning games the old fashioned way; with great defense and few mistakes. That's right the only undefeated team in the NFL is that "Music City Miracle Team" with that same coach.

Now, the NFC looks like an easy call to me. Can you say repeat? The Giants defense is dominating, their running back is a freight train, the quarterback is accurate and has great wideouts. And, is their a great coach in New York? I don't think so....

Conclusion: While one league is struggling with its identity, the other has a clear cut favorite and it is talent that is winning out. Or, is it coaching?

BCS System Works: That's Right!

Ok, I get it!

No one is happy about this BCS National Championship System. After all, wasn't it our president to be who said if he could change anything about sports, he would create a 8 team playoff system.














But, hearing this from such a smart, intelligent, speaker made me realize just how much the BCS works. While most college football pundits agree that the BCS System should be abandoned, they all know that in order for that to occur fans would have to stop watching the game and cheering for their team.

And, if you are a BCS school, conference president, or television station, it's a cash cow that has no end in sight. Why would television stations, BCS schools, sports writers and conferences want to change such a hush....hush (profitable system) from lining their wallets with greenbacks.

Columnist Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times says, "Even those longtime BCS critics like myself have to finally admit that the imperfect system has perfectly transformed the sport from a Saturday afternoon cookout to a national obsession."

Not only is the BCS a national obsession, but it gets free press; and free promotion is every company's dream. Every team plays every game like it may be their last best hope to be champions. The BCS keeps fans on the edge of their seat for the entire season.

The Bowl Chapionship Series is pure gold, and a sports marketers dream.