By Gregory Crawford----COO of Kiyokawa Sports Management---- on twitter @kesportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz @wchoops
During this past winter, UAB, Univeristiy of Alabama--Birmingham dropped football, bowling and rifle from its athletic programs. Many were outraged and the event took on a life of its own. Now, it appears those three sports will be back at UAB, as the school will easily exceed the fundraising goal of $22.5 million to bring them back. Interesting to say the least.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For May 30th, 2015
By Gregory Crawford---- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz @wchoops
At the recent SEC spring meetings, each SEC athletic director was given a check for $31.2 million from the league office. In 2014, that check was $20.9 million. The obvious jump in league revenue can only be attributed to one thing, the SEC TV Network which went on the air August 12th, 2014. It is a certainty, all SEC teams will be upgrading their facilities in many ways, with the enormous amount of revenue they receive.
At the recent SEC spring meetings, each SEC athletic director was given a check for $31.2 million from the league office. In 2014, that check was $20.9 million. The obvious jump in league revenue can only be attributed to one thing, the SEC TV Network which went on the air August 12th, 2014. It is a certainty, all SEC teams will be upgrading their facilities in many ways, with the enormous amount of revenue they receive.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For May 26th, 2015
By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @kcsportsmgmt @wchoops @crawssportsbiz
Interesting stats here. The New York Yankees account for 2.5 percent of all wages paid out in the Bronx. The average wage in the Bronx is $47,000 per year and the famous New York City Borough has 252,000 workers who receive a salary each month. In comparison to Bronx, the average wage in Manhattan is $102,000.
Interesting stats here. The New York Yankees account for 2.5 percent of all wages paid out in the Bronx. The average wage in the Bronx is $47,000 per year and the famous New York City Borough has 252,000 workers who receive a salary each month. In comparison to Bronx, the average wage in Manhattan is $102,000.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For May 25th, 2014
Good news and thanks for all the comments. As of today, Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds is back, 7 days a week and we offer only one guarantee, you can read it in 59 seconds or less. In addition, after a long hiatus, well not that long, little over a month, Crawford's Sports Biz and Golf Combo, is back, which will be published every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Enjoy please.
The majority owner of the Golden State Warriors, bought the team for $450 million in 2010. Today, the Warriors are worth $810 million, that will go even higher with an NBA title, which just might happen in June.
Gregory Crawford is the editor of Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds and Crawfords Sports Biz and Golf Combo. He is also the COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management.
The majority owner of the Golden State Warriors, bought the team for $450 million in 2010. Today, the Warriors are worth $810 million, that will go even higher with an NBA title, which just might happen in June.
Gregory Crawford is the editor of Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds and Crawfords Sports Biz and Golf Combo. He is also the COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management.
Monday, April 20, 2015
Crawford's Sports Biz and Golf Combo
By Gregory Crawford----COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---- on twitter @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz @wchoops
The Big 9 Influencers----For the last month, @crawssportsbiz has worked to develop the a list of the Top 9 influential people or groups in Oregon sports. Please excuse a little provincialism here, as Oregon is my home state and where I live. The list is powerful and unique. I would love comments, criticism and your own list.
9. Steve Brandon--- Not many people know Steve, but you should. He is the original sports editor of the Portland Tribune, which produced its first edition in February of 2001. I heard many people at the time say this paper would never last, but guess what it has and it has a great sports section which is led by Brandon.
8. Danny Miles----Miles is into his 45th year as the head men's basketball coach at Oregon Tech in Klamath Falls, Oregon. One of three college basketball coaches in the country that has won over 1,000 games. But what you never hear much of, people seek out Miles all the time, not only for advice on basketball, but on life. As one colleague said recently, " A no-brainer to make the Naismith basketball hall of fame very soon.
7. Jon Spoelstra----Jon has had tremendous success running sports franchises, also an accomplished author, with most like his most successful book, "Marketing Outrageously, Redux." Despite working around the world, since the 1980s Jon has never left Portland. His advice to this day on sports biz is sought after by some sports' most powerful people and will continue to be. His latest venture, www.theultimatetoolkit.com
6. Vin Lananna--- The title of associate athletic director at University of Oregon does not do him justice. He has brought so many track and field events to Oregon, it is tough to keep track, including the Olympic Trials. Without question Lananna is one of the most powerful people in track and field and is not only influential in the state of Oregon, but around the world.
5. Dwight Jaynes----- Even after over 30 years in sports writing, when Jaynes writes something, it moves the needle. He has sustained his ability to stir the emotions of sports fans, while being with the Oregon Journal, the Oregonian and Comcast SportsNet. Jaynes has parlayed his writing talents to TV, where he brings a history of Oregon sports that is unmatched to the picture.
4. Timbers' Army----In my opinion, the Timbers' Army is not only the most powerful sports group ever in this state, but perhaps the most powerful organized group ever. The get things done, they have the ear of people and they give back to the community. All of soccer, that means around the world knows about the Timbers' Army.
3. Paul Allen----The Portland Trail Blazers probably would not be here if were not for Paul Allen. He owns a team that is beloved in the community and say what you want, but he cares about basketball and beyond. The only flaw here, people would love to hear more from him, as he is always a great interview, but he gives them sparingly.
2. Phil Knight----Founding partner of Nike is all you need to say. Nike dominates the world market in the apparel industry and footwear business and will for many years to come. A true Oregonian, whose roots have never left here after he graduated from Cleveland High School in SE Portland.
1. Mike Keiser----You never see Keiser on too many sports lists, but the man who brought us Bandon Dunes is a sports business genius. Bandon Dunes is without question the number one golf resort in the world and it is as such because of the creative genius of Keiser. Bandon Dunes also does so much for the economy of Oregon, as people come from all over the world everyday to play its many and awesome golf courses.
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
The Big 9 Influencers----For the last month, @crawssportsbiz has worked to develop the a list of the Top 9 influential people or groups in Oregon sports. Please excuse a little provincialism here, as Oregon is my home state and where I live. The list is powerful and unique. I would love comments, criticism and your own list.
9. Steve Brandon--- Not many people know Steve, but you should. He is the original sports editor of the Portland Tribune, which produced its first edition in February of 2001. I heard many people at the time say this paper would never last, but guess what it has and it has a great sports section which is led by Brandon.
8. Danny Miles----Miles is into his 45th year as the head men's basketball coach at Oregon Tech in Klamath Falls, Oregon. One of three college basketball coaches in the country that has won over 1,000 games. But what you never hear much of, people seek out Miles all the time, not only for advice on basketball, but on life. As one colleague said recently, " A no-brainer to make the Naismith basketball hall of fame very soon.
7. Jon Spoelstra----Jon has had tremendous success running sports franchises, also an accomplished author, with most like his most successful book, "Marketing Outrageously, Redux." Despite working around the world, since the 1980s Jon has never left Portland. His advice to this day on sports biz is sought after by some sports' most powerful people and will continue to be. His latest venture, www.theultimatetoolkit.com
6. Vin Lananna--- The title of associate athletic director at University of Oregon does not do him justice. He has brought so many track and field events to Oregon, it is tough to keep track, including the Olympic Trials. Without question Lananna is one of the most powerful people in track and field and is not only influential in the state of Oregon, but around the world.
5. Dwight Jaynes----- Even after over 30 years in sports writing, when Jaynes writes something, it moves the needle. He has sustained his ability to stir the emotions of sports fans, while being with the Oregon Journal, the Oregonian and Comcast SportsNet. Jaynes has parlayed his writing talents to TV, where he brings a history of Oregon sports that is unmatched to the picture.
4. Timbers' Army----In my opinion, the Timbers' Army is not only the most powerful sports group ever in this state, but perhaps the most powerful organized group ever. The get things done, they have the ear of people and they give back to the community. All of soccer, that means around the world knows about the Timbers' Army.
3. Paul Allen----The Portland Trail Blazers probably would not be here if were not for Paul Allen. He owns a team that is beloved in the community and say what you want, but he cares about basketball and beyond. The only flaw here, people would love to hear more from him, as he is always a great interview, but he gives them sparingly.
2. Phil Knight----Founding partner of Nike is all you need to say. Nike dominates the world market in the apparel industry and footwear business and will for many years to come. A true Oregonian, whose roots have never left here after he graduated from Cleveland High School in SE Portland.
1. Mike Keiser----You never see Keiser on too many sports lists, but the man who brought us Bandon Dunes is a sports business genius. Bandon Dunes is without question the number one golf resort in the world and it is as such because of the creative genius of Keiser. Bandon Dunes also does so much for the economy of Oregon, as people come from all over the world everyday to play its many and awesome golf courses.
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Crawford's Sports Biz and Golf Combo, For April 18th, 2015
By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz @wchoops
Jordan Spieth---- A little wrap up on one of the most dominating performances in the history of golf, the win by Jordan Spieth at the Masters.
We all know Spieth can putt, but hitting 39 of 56 fairways at Augusta over the four days was pretty terrific. Spieth was the first wire to wire winner of the Masters since Raymond Floyd did it in 1976. When you break it down, 28 birdies over four days is equally special, averaging 7 birdies per round, who does that on any golf course let alone in one of golf's majors.
With the win by Spieth, he moved to number 2 in the world golf rankings, behind Rory and it is the first time ever both 1 and 2 have been under the age of 25.
No one talked about this, but Spieth's win also gave a big shot in the arm to the Masters. Yes, always popular, but not nearly as popular in the past few years with the demise of Tiger, Spieth gave Augusta a huge boost.
CBS---- Interesting to note that this was the first year in memory, that there virtually were no stories about Gary McCord not being on the CBS coverage at the Masters. Of course McCord was banished from the braodcasts at Augusta when he made the some comments that the powers that be did not think were appropriate. Watch for McCord to be back someday, perhaps in the next 3 years.
Under Armour----In January of this year, Under Armour tore up the contract of Jordan Spieth and gave him a new deal which runs until 2025. Wall Street estimates are that UA's golf business in the next 2 years is expected to double from $200 million to $400 million. At present, Under Armour's golf business only exists in the apparel side, unlike other golf companies in the equipment business.
The other golf big name that represents Under Armour is Hunter Mahan. Biggest Under Armour athlete endorser at present is Tom Brady and its biggest college team is Notre Dame.
NBA----Speaking of Under Armour, they were in a minor battle with Nike to win the new deal with the NBA for apparel rights. Nike has won and starting in 2017-18 season, they will take over for Adidas who had an 11 year run of being in the position for the owning the apparel rights..
Nike is a natural fit for the NBA, as they dominate the United State athletic shoe business with a 90 perecent market share and the fact 75 percent of NBA players wear Nike shoes.
NFL---- The battle to put a team or teams in the Los Angeles market is heating up. At present two different proposals have come forward. The Chargers and Raiders want to build a shared $1.7 billion stadium in Carson, if new stadium deals in their respective cities of Oakland and San Diego do not come to fruition.
Stan Kroenke, owner of the St. Louis Rams wants to build an 80,000 seat stadium on a former landfill and move his team to Los Angeles.
While the prospects here are interesting, it is not that easy to relocate a team in the NFL as it might seem. The next time any team can file for relocation is January of 2016 and to relocate, 24 of 32 teams need to approve a move.
The last time the NFL was in Los Angeles was 1994 and obviously the league has done really well over that time period to present, even without a team in the L.A market.
Basketball Courts---The Oregon Ducks started it all in 2010, by creating a basketball court that is not your normal looking court. Now Oakland University is getting into the act with their new asphalt looking court, which is getting rave reviews. Good looking or not, you make the call, but you can't argue with the fact doing something unique with your basketball court does get you plenty of publicity. Most people have never heard of Oakland University, despite the fact they are a D-1 basketball team.
Urban Meyer--- The rewards of winning a national championship are plentiful for a college football coach.
Urban Meyer has a new $6.5 million contract which runs through 2020. His previous deal at Ohio State paid him $4.5 million. The big news here is Meyer's contract gets him into the top 5 of highest paid football coaches, something Gene Smith, Ohio State AD said needed to happen and also more important to many in Ohio, it moves him ahead of Michigan's new coach Jim Harbaugh on the pay scale, as Harbaugh is at $5 million.
All this for a guy who five years past left Florida, hinting he might not coach again and was hinting big time burnout with some health issues.
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
Jordan Spieth---- A little wrap up on one of the most dominating performances in the history of golf, the win by Jordan Spieth at the Masters.
We all know Spieth can putt, but hitting 39 of 56 fairways at Augusta over the four days was pretty terrific. Spieth was the first wire to wire winner of the Masters since Raymond Floyd did it in 1976. When you break it down, 28 birdies over four days is equally special, averaging 7 birdies per round, who does that on any golf course let alone in one of golf's majors.
With the win by Spieth, he moved to number 2 in the world golf rankings, behind Rory and it is the first time ever both 1 and 2 have been under the age of 25.
No one talked about this, but Spieth's win also gave a big shot in the arm to the Masters. Yes, always popular, but not nearly as popular in the past few years with the demise of Tiger, Spieth gave Augusta a huge boost.
CBS---- Interesting to note that this was the first year in memory, that there virtually were no stories about Gary McCord not being on the CBS coverage at the Masters. Of course McCord was banished from the braodcasts at Augusta when he made the some comments that the powers that be did not think were appropriate. Watch for McCord to be back someday, perhaps in the next 3 years.
Under Armour----In January of this year, Under Armour tore up the contract of Jordan Spieth and gave him a new deal which runs until 2025. Wall Street estimates are that UA's golf business in the next 2 years is expected to double from $200 million to $400 million. At present, Under Armour's golf business only exists in the apparel side, unlike other golf companies in the equipment business.
The other golf big name that represents Under Armour is Hunter Mahan. Biggest Under Armour athlete endorser at present is Tom Brady and its biggest college team is Notre Dame.
NBA----Speaking of Under Armour, they were in a minor battle with Nike to win the new deal with the NBA for apparel rights. Nike has won and starting in 2017-18 season, they will take over for Adidas who had an 11 year run of being in the position for the owning the apparel rights..
Nike is a natural fit for the NBA, as they dominate the United State athletic shoe business with a 90 perecent market share and the fact 75 percent of NBA players wear Nike shoes.
NFL---- The battle to put a team or teams in the Los Angeles market is heating up. At present two different proposals have come forward. The Chargers and Raiders want to build a shared $1.7 billion stadium in Carson, if new stadium deals in their respective cities of Oakland and San Diego do not come to fruition.
Stan Kroenke, owner of the St. Louis Rams wants to build an 80,000 seat stadium on a former landfill and move his team to Los Angeles.
While the prospects here are interesting, it is not that easy to relocate a team in the NFL as it might seem. The next time any team can file for relocation is January of 2016 and to relocate, 24 of 32 teams need to approve a move.
The last time the NFL was in Los Angeles was 1994 and obviously the league has done really well over that time period to present, even without a team in the L.A market.
Basketball Courts---The Oregon Ducks started it all in 2010, by creating a basketball court that is not your normal looking court. Now Oakland University is getting into the act with their new asphalt looking court, which is getting rave reviews. Good looking or not, you make the call, but you can't argue with the fact doing something unique with your basketball court does get you plenty of publicity. Most people have never heard of Oakland University, despite the fact they are a D-1 basketball team.
Urban Meyer--- The rewards of winning a national championship are plentiful for a college football coach.
Urban Meyer has a new $6.5 million contract which runs through 2020. His previous deal at Ohio State paid him $4.5 million. The big news here is Meyer's contract gets him into the top 5 of highest paid football coaches, something Gene Smith, Ohio State AD said needed to happen and also more important to many in Ohio, it moves him ahead of Michigan's new coach Jim Harbaugh on the pay scale, as Harbaugh is at $5 million.
All this for a guy who five years past left Florida, hinting he might not coach again and was hinting big time burnout with some health issues.
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Crawford's Golf and Sports Biz Combo, For April 12th, 2015
By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt @wchoops
Future Of Golf---- There is no question that Jordan Spieth is a great Masters champion, humble, but golf next big super star. He played great to win and deserved to win.
As Jim Nantz and Nick Faldo went on and on, about how great the future of golf is with Spieth and other young stars, I had to jump out of my chair.
Jordan Spieth, Rory, Patrick Reed, Kevin Na, Billy Horschel and all the young stars are certainly great for golf on TV. But are they really good for the game of golf? Will they bring more players to the game, which is sorely needed.
Quick history tells us as great as Tiger was for TV golf, bringing many viewers who never played the game before and many who only would watch becasue Tiger was playing, he never in reality brought more players to the great game.
If Spieth can bring more players, more power to him, but what it takes is less expensive golf and clubs, more places to learn the game and much better marketing plans for the game.
Masters---- The people at Augusta National Golf Club hold their cards pretty close to the vest. So we watch every year and enjoy, but just how much do we know about the economics of the greatest golf tournament there ever has been and will be.
Some pretty good sources we have tell me a few things about the economics. The revenue for the 2014 tournament, 2015 still to be determined, was right around $115 million. That amounted to a profit of $28 million. Revenue included merchandise $48 million, ticket revenue $34 million, International TV rights $25 million and concessions $ 8 million.
Just think how much the Masters would really make if they sold the United States TV rights, which they do not. This years was the 60th consecutive year of telecasting by CBS, on a one year contract, in which neither they or Augusta National make any money off of. In 2013, Fox Sports signed a 15 year deal with the USGA, which starts this year and gives the USGA $93 million per year, for Fox's rights to televise 6 USGA events per year.
Baseball--- As new commissioner of baseball, one of the agenda items for Rob Manfred was to hopefully speed up the game. Last year, the average time for a major leage baseball game was 3 hrs 2 minutes. It is way early, but so far this year's average time has been reduced by 10 minutes.
Golf Earnings----Jordan Spieth took home $1.62 million for winning this year's Masters. In 2014 Arnold Palmer never made a dime on any Tour, but his off course dealings brought "The King" $40 million. Same for Jack Nicklaus, no Tour checks, but off course endorsements, $22 million.
Over his 20 year career, Tiger on the course has won $156 mllion in prize money, off course earnings amount over that period add up to $1.2 billion.
One great exception in 2014, was Fed-EX Cup champion Bill Horschel, who won $15.2 miilion in prize money and earned $2.2 million from endorsements.
Future Of Golf---- There is no question that Jordan Spieth is a great Masters champion, humble, but golf next big super star. He played great to win and deserved to win.
As Jim Nantz and Nick Faldo went on and on, about how great the future of golf is with Spieth and other young stars, I had to jump out of my chair.
Jordan Spieth, Rory, Patrick Reed, Kevin Na, Billy Horschel and all the young stars are certainly great for golf on TV. But are they really good for the game of golf? Will they bring more players to the game, which is sorely needed.
Quick history tells us as great as Tiger was for TV golf, bringing many viewers who never played the game before and many who only would watch becasue Tiger was playing, he never in reality brought more players to the great game.
If Spieth can bring more players, more power to him, but what it takes is less expensive golf and clubs, more places to learn the game and much better marketing plans for the game.
Masters---- The people at Augusta National Golf Club hold their cards pretty close to the vest. So we watch every year and enjoy, but just how much do we know about the economics of the greatest golf tournament there ever has been and will be.
Some pretty good sources we have tell me a few things about the economics. The revenue for the 2014 tournament, 2015 still to be determined, was right around $115 million. That amounted to a profit of $28 million. Revenue included merchandise $48 million, ticket revenue $34 million, International TV rights $25 million and concessions $ 8 million.
Just think how much the Masters would really make if they sold the United States TV rights, which they do not. This years was the 60th consecutive year of telecasting by CBS, on a one year contract, in which neither they or Augusta National make any money off of. In 2013, Fox Sports signed a 15 year deal with the USGA, which starts this year and gives the USGA $93 million per year, for Fox's rights to televise 6 USGA events per year.
Baseball--- As new commissioner of baseball, one of the agenda items for Rob Manfred was to hopefully speed up the game. Last year, the average time for a major leage baseball game was 3 hrs 2 minutes. It is way early, but so far this year's average time has been reduced by 10 minutes.
Golf Earnings----Jordan Spieth took home $1.62 million for winning this year's Masters. In 2014 Arnold Palmer never made a dime on any Tour, but his off course dealings brought "The King" $40 million. Same for Jack Nicklaus, no Tour checks, but off course endorsements, $22 million.
Over his 20 year career, Tiger on the course has won $156 mllion in prize money, off course earnings amount over that period add up to $1.2 billion.
One great exception in 2014, was Fed-EX Cup champion Bill Horschel, who won $15.2 miilion in prize money and earned $2.2 million from endorsements.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Crawford's Sports Biz and Golf Combo, For April 4th, 2015
By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt @wchoops
Tiger Woods---With the announcement yesterday that Tiger Woods will play in the Masters, it was a big win for everyone, including ESPN. ESPN of course has the rights to televise the first two rounds of the Masters, as well as the annual Par-3 contest on Wednesday.
Even if Tiger Woods shoots 85 on Thursday, the day is expected to be the biggest weekday TV audience for any golf tournament ever and perhaps the biggest audience for any golf even ever period. Woods of course has always moved the needle, the but intrigue as to what will happen is a draw like none other in golf at present.
Masters Tickets--- It has always been one of the toughest tickets to get in all of sports, this year will be no different for people seeking Masters tickets. On the secondary market, tickets for Thursday are going on average of around $1,800.00.
If you want to go to the practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday, you can get in on average on the secondary market for around $520.00. That figure rises on Wednesday to close to $1,100.00
Montreal--- The city of Montreal is making a strong case for baseball to come back to the Canadian city on a permanent basis.
In 2014 for a two game series over 96.000 attended for the Blue Jays/Mets. This year for a two game series which will end today, over 90,000 will attend during the two days to see the Blue Jays/Reds.
It is factual to say Major League Baseball is impressed by those figures for games that actually are meaningless.
NBA Attendance--- It continues to amaze many that Atlanta and Memphis, having wonderful years on the floor, continue to struggle at the gate. Respectively, Memphis and Atlanta rank 17th and 18th in NBA attendance. Memphis (17,309 fans per game, which is 95 percent of capacity) and Atlanta (17,290, which is only 92 percent of capacity.)
The biggest draw on the road in the NBA as might be expected is the Cleveland Cavs at 19,032, followed surprisingly by the Washington Wizards 18,366 and Chicago Bulls at 18,355 per game.
As to who is last in home attendance. The Philadelphia 76ers play before on average 14,049 which is 69.2 percent of capacity.
Final Four---- We do know that sports in general are a boon to any local economy. We should also know there is a cost to hosting major sporting events. The final figures are not in for 2015 in Indianapolis, but in 2014, the cost to taxpayers to host the Final Four in Dallas added up to $10.8 million in local and state tax monies.
Just an example of what some of those costs went for:
Shot Clock Operator----$320.00
Cancellation Insurance---- $29.031.00
Police Overtime---- $76,636.00
Indianapolis Baseball--- Not far from Lucas Oil Stadium site of the Final Four is Victory Field, home of the Triple A Indianapolis Indians, a farm team of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Interesting to note, the Indianapolis Indians have made a profit every year since 1973, showing basketball is not the only sport of interest in Indiana.
Victory Field has 12,200 permanent seats, 2,000 lawn suites and 28 luxury boxes. A family of four can easily attend a game for under $70.00 which includes parking and food.
Tiger Woods---With the announcement yesterday that Tiger Woods will play in the Masters, it was a big win for everyone, including ESPN. ESPN of course has the rights to televise the first two rounds of the Masters, as well as the annual Par-3 contest on Wednesday.
Even if Tiger Woods shoots 85 on Thursday, the day is expected to be the biggest weekday TV audience for any golf tournament ever and perhaps the biggest audience for any golf even ever period. Woods of course has always moved the needle, the but intrigue as to what will happen is a draw like none other in golf at present.
Masters Tickets--- It has always been one of the toughest tickets to get in all of sports, this year will be no different for people seeking Masters tickets. On the secondary market, tickets for Thursday are going on average of around $1,800.00.
If you want to go to the practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday, you can get in on average on the secondary market for around $520.00. That figure rises on Wednesday to close to $1,100.00
Montreal--- The city of Montreal is making a strong case for baseball to come back to the Canadian city on a permanent basis.
In 2014 for a two game series over 96.000 attended for the Blue Jays/Mets. This year for a two game series which will end today, over 90,000 will attend during the two days to see the Blue Jays/Reds.
It is factual to say Major League Baseball is impressed by those figures for games that actually are meaningless.
NBA Attendance--- It continues to amaze many that Atlanta and Memphis, having wonderful years on the floor, continue to struggle at the gate. Respectively, Memphis and Atlanta rank 17th and 18th in NBA attendance. Memphis (17,309 fans per game, which is 95 percent of capacity) and Atlanta (17,290, which is only 92 percent of capacity.)
The biggest draw on the road in the NBA as might be expected is the Cleveland Cavs at 19,032, followed surprisingly by the Washington Wizards 18,366 and Chicago Bulls at 18,355 per game.
As to who is last in home attendance. The Philadelphia 76ers play before on average 14,049 which is 69.2 percent of capacity.
Final Four---- We do know that sports in general are a boon to any local economy. We should also know there is a cost to hosting major sporting events. The final figures are not in for 2015 in Indianapolis, but in 2014, the cost to taxpayers to host the Final Four in Dallas added up to $10.8 million in local and state tax monies.
Just an example of what some of those costs went for:
Shot Clock Operator----$320.00
Cancellation Insurance---- $29.031.00
Police Overtime---- $76,636.00
Indianapolis Baseball--- Not far from Lucas Oil Stadium site of the Final Four is Victory Field, home of the Triple A Indianapolis Indians, a farm team of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Interesting to note, the Indianapolis Indians have made a profit every year since 1973, showing basketball is not the only sport of interest in Indiana.
Victory Field has 12,200 permanent seats, 2,000 lawn suites and 28 luxury boxes. A family of four can easily attend a game for under $70.00 which includes parking and food.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Crawford's Sports Biz and Golf Combo, For March 29th, 2015
By Gregory Crawford---- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz @wchoops
NFL Blackout Rules---- Many have been asking this week, "what took so long", when it was announced that the NFL owners voted to do away with all TV blackouts for NFL games. Blackout of games in the NFL on TV, first took place in the 50s with no regulations.
Then in 1973, Congress dictated that the NFL could only blackout games within a 75 mile radius of the home team, if the game was not sold out 72 hours in advance. That rule continued until last week, now we probably will never see any more TV blackouts of games in the NFL, with its tremendous popularity of the game and the huge TV contracts that are involved. Good move on the part of the NFL owners in eliminating the blackout of games.
Texas Golf----There is no state in the United States that has a greater history of golf than Texas. Not only the players that have come out of Texas, but the terrific golf courses that dot the entire state.
It is only fitting that the two best United States golfers, Jimmy Walker and Jordan Spieth, will battle it out today for the Valero Texas Open, the sixth oldest event on the PGA Tour. With Walker leading by four strokes starting the day, he will be almost impossible to beat, as he has proven to be the greatest front runner on the PGA Tour.
Tiger Woods----There will be so much drama in the next few days about whether Tiger Woods will play in the upcoming Masters in two weeks.
My take, Tiger will play in the Masters, no matter what it takes.
Hockey---- In less than two weeks the National Hockey League playoffs will begin the quest for the Stanley Cup.
The Detroit Red Wings last missed the playoffs in 1990 and they will not be missing them this year. Does complacency set in when you are always good? Out of those 24 straight playoff appearances, the Red Wings have won four Stanley Cups during that time. Yet, as of today, the cheapest ticket price for the opening round of the playoffs on the secondary market belongs to the Red Wings at an average of $164.00.
That compares to two teams that hardly ever make the NHL playoffs, but are in this year. Average first round price on the secondary market for Nashville is $249.00 and for Calgary a whopping $586.00.
NCAA Regionals--- Out of the four cities that hosted NCAA regionals this weekend, Los Angeles, Houston, Cleveland and Syracuse, it is interesting to note that Cleveland got the best draw for fans wanting to drive to the games.
The average driving distance for fans from the four regional team in Cleveland from their home base was 286 miles. The average driving distance for the four teams in L.A. from their home base was 1,800 miles.
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com
NFL Blackout Rules---- Many have been asking this week, "what took so long", when it was announced that the NFL owners voted to do away with all TV blackouts for NFL games. Blackout of games in the NFL on TV, first took place in the 50s with no regulations.
Then in 1973, Congress dictated that the NFL could only blackout games within a 75 mile radius of the home team, if the game was not sold out 72 hours in advance. That rule continued until last week, now we probably will never see any more TV blackouts of games in the NFL, with its tremendous popularity of the game and the huge TV contracts that are involved. Good move on the part of the NFL owners in eliminating the blackout of games.
Texas Golf----There is no state in the United States that has a greater history of golf than Texas. Not only the players that have come out of Texas, but the terrific golf courses that dot the entire state.
It is only fitting that the two best United States golfers, Jimmy Walker and Jordan Spieth, will battle it out today for the Valero Texas Open, the sixth oldest event on the PGA Tour. With Walker leading by four strokes starting the day, he will be almost impossible to beat, as he has proven to be the greatest front runner on the PGA Tour.
Tiger Woods----There will be so much drama in the next few days about whether Tiger Woods will play in the upcoming Masters in two weeks.
My take, Tiger will play in the Masters, no matter what it takes.
Hockey---- In less than two weeks the National Hockey League playoffs will begin the quest for the Stanley Cup.
The Detroit Red Wings last missed the playoffs in 1990 and they will not be missing them this year. Does complacency set in when you are always good? Out of those 24 straight playoff appearances, the Red Wings have won four Stanley Cups during that time. Yet, as of today, the cheapest ticket price for the opening round of the playoffs on the secondary market belongs to the Red Wings at an average of $164.00.
That compares to two teams that hardly ever make the NHL playoffs, but are in this year. Average first round price on the secondary market for Nashville is $249.00 and for Calgary a whopping $586.00.
NCAA Regionals--- Out of the four cities that hosted NCAA regionals this weekend, Los Angeles, Houston, Cleveland and Syracuse, it is interesting to note that Cleveland got the best draw for fans wanting to drive to the games.
The average driving distance for fans from the four regional team in Cleveland from their home base was 286 miles. The average driving distance for the four teams in L.A. from their home base was 1,800 miles.
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Crawford's Sports Biz and Golf Combo, For March 28th, 2015
By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz
NFL----The NFL continues to march on at a high level from the business side. What might the future bring?
1. The NFL has continually committed to having a team permanently in London by 2022.
2. Regular season games are on track to be played in both Mexico City and Germany in 2017.
3. The three biggest target markets for the NFL after the United States are Mexico, China and Canada.
For the moment there seems to be no stopping the NFL, the game is popular as ever and the business model seems to be sound.
Mark King----Mark King has been in his position for nearly a year as President of Adidas North America, coming over from Taylor Made after a great career there as CEO.
King has laid out a big and coordinated plan for Adidas to once again become a power in the footwear and apparel market in the Untied States, after Adidas dropped to 3rd in the United State market behind Nike and Under Armour.
Recently Adidas moved 80 employees from Germany to the its North American headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Worldwide, Adidas ranks second in sales, with 2014 figures coming in at $15.8 billion, with Nike leading the way at $22.8 billion.
Adidas plans to work more closely with individual athletes to promote their products, less with leagues, evidenced by their decision recently to end their association with the NBA in 2 years.
Golf Rankings---Golfweek in a terrific publication with a long history of great work. In their recent rankings of America's Top 100 golf courses, it is interesting to see once again the dominance of Bandon Dunes.
The number one overall ranking went to Sand Hills, followed at number 2 Pacific Dunes. Also in the top 25 were three other Bandon Dunes courses. Old Macdonald (6), Bandon Dunes (8) and Bandon Trails (21).
For the record, Chambers Bay, the site of this year's U.S. Open is ranked 29th, down five places from Golfweek's 2014 rankings.
One mistake in my estimation in Golfweek's top 100 is to leave Pumkin Ridge's Ghost Creek course out. Probably the toughest front nine in the Pacific Northwest, Ghost Creek is a real treasure as a golf course.
Outisde of that, Golfweek's rankings are terrific and well worth a look, they obviously put a lot of effort into their work always.
Big Dance Finances----CBS and Turner Sports are expected to exceed $1.1 billon of sponsorship sales for March Madness in 2015.
The cost of a 30 second commercial on championship night is $1.1 million. In 2014, the three biggest sponsors for March Madness were General Motors at $83 million, AT&T at 62 million and Coco Cola $43 million.
Even though many are not official sponsors, worldwide over 1,000 companies tie some type of commercials or promotions related to March Madness.
more of Gregory's blogs---- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
NFL----The NFL continues to march on at a high level from the business side. What might the future bring?
1. The NFL has continually committed to having a team permanently in London by 2022.
2. Regular season games are on track to be played in both Mexico City and Germany in 2017.
3. The three biggest target markets for the NFL after the United States are Mexico, China and Canada.
For the moment there seems to be no stopping the NFL, the game is popular as ever and the business model seems to be sound.
Mark King----Mark King has been in his position for nearly a year as President of Adidas North America, coming over from Taylor Made after a great career there as CEO.
King has laid out a big and coordinated plan for Adidas to once again become a power in the footwear and apparel market in the Untied States, after Adidas dropped to 3rd in the United State market behind Nike and Under Armour.
Recently Adidas moved 80 employees from Germany to the its North American headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Worldwide, Adidas ranks second in sales, with 2014 figures coming in at $15.8 billion, with Nike leading the way at $22.8 billion.
Adidas plans to work more closely with individual athletes to promote their products, less with leagues, evidenced by their decision recently to end their association with the NBA in 2 years.
Golf Rankings---Golfweek in a terrific publication with a long history of great work. In their recent rankings of America's Top 100 golf courses, it is interesting to see once again the dominance of Bandon Dunes.
The number one overall ranking went to Sand Hills, followed at number 2 Pacific Dunes. Also in the top 25 were three other Bandon Dunes courses. Old Macdonald (6), Bandon Dunes (8) and Bandon Trails (21).
For the record, Chambers Bay, the site of this year's U.S. Open is ranked 29th, down five places from Golfweek's 2014 rankings.
One mistake in my estimation in Golfweek's top 100 is to leave Pumkin Ridge's Ghost Creek course out. Probably the toughest front nine in the Pacific Northwest, Ghost Creek is a real treasure as a golf course.
Outisde of that, Golfweek's rankings are terrific and well worth a look, they obviously put a lot of effort into their work always.
Big Dance Finances----CBS and Turner Sports are expected to exceed $1.1 billon of sponsorship sales for March Madness in 2015.
The cost of a 30 second commercial on championship night is $1.1 million. In 2014, the three biggest sponsors for March Madness were General Motors at $83 million, AT&T at 62 million and Coco Cola $43 million.
Even though many are not official sponsors, worldwide over 1,000 companies tie some type of commercials or promotions related to March Madness.
more of Gregory's blogs---- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Crawford's Golf and Sports Biz Combo, For March 22nd, 2015
By Gregory Crawford----COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz @wchoops
Paperless Tickets---- Of the 15 opening round NCCA basketball tournament sites, only 33 percent of the sites do not allow paperless tickets. As technology continues to expand, paperless tickets will be the norm at all arenas.
Interesting as the tournament moves on next week to the Sweet 16, only two host sites will allow paperless tickets. That being Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland and Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Chris Borland---- The biggest news last week in the NFL was obviously star linebacker Chris Borland retiring from the 49ers, to avoid any potential concussion injuries in the future. The economics for Borland was that in 2014 he signed a four year contract for $2.9 million, in addition signing a $617.000 signing bonus, of which Borland per his contract has now returned 3/4 of that.
Bottom line here: For playing one season in the NFL, Borland will walk away with $575.000. If you factor out how good Borland is as a player and the average wage of an NFL linebacker, he probably walked away from upwards of $20 million, giving much new meaning to "you health is your wealth."
New York City FC--- The newest addition to Major League Soccer, New York City FC is off to a fast start in the MLS, leading the Eastern Conference heading into this week's games.
For now NYCFC will share the $2.5 billon Yankee Stadium with the iconic baseball team. In 2013 the Yankees and Manchester United partnered to own NYCFC, paying a record expansion fee of $100 million to the MLS.
In 2018, NYCFC will move into their own stadium, adjacent to Yankee Stadium. The soccer club has averaged 40,000 so far in their 2 home games.
Oakland--- Last Friday, the Oakland City Council approved a plan by New City Development to build a new football stadium, baseball stadium and new arena for the Golden State Warriors, to be completed by 2018 at best. The total cost would be $1.5 billion and would be located between Oracle Arena and the Oakland Coliseum.
The new complexes would also include alongside, 1,500 residential units and several business development complexes.
The city of San Francisco is also wooing the Warriors to come back to their original home, after moving to SF during the early 60s from Philadelphia.
Stadium issues are always fluid, especially when it comes to the As and Raiders, so standby.
NCAA--- This is a situation to watch in the very near future. We just might be headed to two NCAAs, with schools choosing which one to join. Obviously, one would be much more powerful than the other and the big issue as it always is, how to split up the TV money.
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
Paperless Tickets---- Of the 15 opening round NCCA basketball tournament sites, only 33 percent of the sites do not allow paperless tickets. As technology continues to expand, paperless tickets will be the norm at all arenas.
Interesting as the tournament moves on next week to the Sweet 16, only two host sites will allow paperless tickets. That being Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland and Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Chris Borland---- The biggest news last week in the NFL was obviously star linebacker Chris Borland retiring from the 49ers, to avoid any potential concussion injuries in the future. The economics for Borland was that in 2014 he signed a four year contract for $2.9 million, in addition signing a $617.000 signing bonus, of which Borland per his contract has now returned 3/4 of that.
Bottom line here: For playing one season in the NFL, Borland will walk away with $575.000. If you factor out how good Borland is as a player and the average wage of an NFL linebacker, he probably walked away from upwards of $20 million, giving much new meaning to "you health is your wealth."
New York City FC--- The newest addition to Major League Soccer, New York City FC is off to a fast start in the MLS, leading the Eastern Conference heading into this week's games.
For now NYCFC will share the $2.5 billon Yankee Stadium with the iconic baseball team. In 2013 the Yankees and Manchester United partnered to own NYCFC, paying a record expansion fee of $100 million to the MLS.
In 2018, NYCFC will move into their own stadium, adjacent to Yankee Stadium. The soccer club has averaged 40,000 so far in their 2 home games.
Oakland--- Last Friday, the Oakland City Council approved a plan by New City Development to build a new football stadium, baseball stadium and new arena for the Golden State Warriors, to be completed by 2018 at best. The total cost would be $1.5 billion and would be located between Oracle Arena and the Oakland Coliseum.
The new complexes would also include alongside, 1,500 residential units and several business development complexes.
The city of San Francisco is also wooing the Warriors to come back to their original home, after moving to SF during the early 60s from Philadelphia.
Stadium issues are always fluid, especially when it comes to the As and Raiders, so standby.
NCAA--- This is a situation to watch in the very near future. We just might be headed to two NCAAs, with schools choosing which one to join. Obviously, one would be much more powerful than the other and the big issue as it always is, how to split up the TV money.
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Crawford's Golf and Sports Biz Combo, For March 15th, 2015
By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz @wchoops
NFL--- The facts are the facts. While many people thought that the National Football League would have a down year in 2014, because of so many highly publicized off-field horrible incidents, the league actually had the best year ever financially.
Revenues were up for all teams, the NFL did not lose one single sponsor, 45 of the 50 most watched TV programs in the fall were NFL games and the Super Bowl was the most watch ever in its history.
More good news on the business side came this week for the NFL, when VISA, the highest valued sponsor of the NFL up for renewal, just renewed for 5 more years, with a big increase in payment to the NFL.
Growing Golf---- You are going to hear a lot in here from me about growing the game of golf. If I am the last man standing, I am not going to let the game die. Here are nine, pretty easy things to do to grow the game.
1. Courses need to reward golfers for playing fast.
2. The game needs a whole new marketing plan, not led by the major golf organizations, but by top flight marketing people who know how to think outside the box.
3. The price of clubs, golf balls and rounds of golf, need to be reduced. Volume always wins out.
4. Just one PGA Tour winner or LPGA winner needs to say during the trophy presentation, "Hey I won this cause I just got out and played the game of golf, now you out there in TV land need to do the same."
5. There needs to be more driving ranges, who does not want to just get out and hit some golf balls and it brings them to the course.
6. There needs to be more places to learn the game, short courses, where people can feel free of pressure to learn the game.
7. Politicians need to promote the game much more, the economic value of golf and jobs it creates are really underrated.
8. The game needs to be marketed to women on a much higher level. Women who play the game love it.
9. Anyone teaching the game needs to emphasize to players, just go out and have fun, instead of worrying about your score. Having fun, will lower your score.
Note: For people who own or run golf courses, please feel free to get ahold of us at Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management, on how we can increase your golf revenue stream. email--- kiyokawacrawford@gmail.com
NCAA Tournament---- A great sports business fact is that since 1995, every school that has been to the Final Four has seen a spike in their overall fundraising the following year, not just for athletics, but academics as well. Sports count.
Fred Hoiberg---- Yesterday, Iowa State won the Big 12 championship, allowing them to go to the NCAA tournament for the fourth straight year.
By doing so, per his contract, head coach Fred Hoiberg picked up another $50,000 bonus for making the NCAA Tournament. The average wage each year for Americans is just over $42,000.
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
NFL--- The facts are the facts. While many people thought that the National Football League would have a down year in 2014, because of so many highly publicized off-field horrible incidents, the league actually had the best year ever financially.
Revenues were up for all teams, the NFL did not lose one single sponsor, 45 of the 50 most watched TV programs in the fall were NFL games and the Super Bowl was the most watch ever in its history.
More good news on the business side came this week for the NFL, when VISA, the highest valued sponsor of the NFL up for renewal, just renewed for 5 more years, with a big increase in payment to the NFL.
Growing Golf---- You are going to hear a lot in here from me about growing the game of golf. If I am the last man standing, I am not going to let the game die. Here are nine, pretty easy things to do to grow the game.
1. Courses need to reward golfers for playing fast.
2. The game needs a whole new marketing plan, not led by the major golf organizations, but by top flight marketing people who know how to think outside the box.
3. The price of clubs, golf balls and rounds of golf, need to be reduced. Volume always wins out.
4. Just one PGA Tour winner or LPGA winner needs to say during the trophy presentation, "Hey I won this cause I just got out and played the game of golf, now you out there in TV land need to do the same."
5. There needs to be more driving ranges, who does not want to just get out and hit some golf balls and it brings them to the course.
6. There needs to be more places to learn the game, short courses, where people can feel free of pressure to learn the game.
7. Politicians need to promote the game much more, the economic value of golf and jobs it creates are really underrated.
8. The game needs to be marketed to women on a much higher level. Women who play the game love it.
9. Anyone teaching the game needs to emphasize to players, just go out and have fun, instead of worrying about your score. Having fun, will lower your score.
Note: For people who own or run golf courses, please feel free to get ahold of us at Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management, on how we can increase your golf revenue stream. email--- kiyokawacrawford@gmail.com
NCAA Tournament---- A great sports business fact is that since 1995, every school that has been to the Final Four has seen a spike in their overall fundraising the following year, not just for athletics, but academics as well. Sports count.
Fred Hoiberg---- Yesterday, Iowa State won the Big 12 championship, allowing them to go to the NCAA tournament for the fourth straight year.
By doing so, per his contract, head coach Fred Hoiberg picked up another $50,000 bonus for making the NCAA Tournament. The average wage each year for Americans is just over $42,000.
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Crawford's Sports Biz and Golf Combo, For March 14th, 2015
By Gregory Crawford, COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz @wchoops
NOTE: My apologies for not writing for a few days, but we had to straighten out some technical difficulties, which are now totally solved and this column will be out everyday from now on except, Thursdays. Once again a combo of sports business and golf.
L.A. Dodgers--- I will never forget in 2012, standing next to sports marketing icon Jon Spoelstra and we heard that the Dodgers had been sold for $2 billion and Jon saying, "they probably got in cheap".
Of course shortly after it was announced that the Dodgers had signed a regional TV deal with Time Warner of $8.4 billion over 25 years.
Now today we have learned that a South Korean investment group is attempting to purchase 20 percent of the team and the present total valuation of the Dodgers is just over $3 billion. Yes, they did "get in cheap".
Golf---- So many people want to write about the demise of golf, put in in the grave, dance on the grave and glad it is gone.
Well, I have news for those people. If it is just me alone, I will never let the great game of golf die. It means too much to me, it has been one of the biggest parts of my life since 8 years old and at least 70 percent of my friends have been formed through golf.
Golf will make a major comeback and in just a few years it will be the popular sports it once was and the decline will stop. More and more brilliant people are getting involved in the marketing of the game, which is great and will pay big dividends in the end.
Speaking of golf, there is not a better month for TV golf than March. with the Florida swing on the PGA Tour. Different type golf courses, great weather and so many talented players competing each week.
WrestleMania----The WWE's biggest event of the year is shaping up to be its greatest business wise. The event will take place at Levi's Stadium, home of the 49ers and a sellout crowd of 75.000 is expected.
Ticket prices on the secondary market are also going for the highest amount ever, at $429.00 average. Professional wrestling is not dead by any means.
Final Four----Tickets prices for the Final Four in Indianapolis, are averaging just under $1,400 and for all the NCAA tournament games across the country the average price on the secondary market is $344.00.
Under Armour--- Under Armour continues to be a player in the college sports market. This week, they signed a five year deal with Old Dominion, to be their attire supplier for all sports teams for $400,000 per year.
Significant part of this deal is that it replaces the old deal, Old Dominion had with Nike at $61.000 per year. The deal can be cancelled immediately if either men's or women's basketball programs go on probation, or if anyone associated with the athletic department is caught making dispariging remarks about Under Armour.
Nike is still the huge leader in this area, but Under Armour has shown strides of growth, with their leading school being Notre Dame and being able to spend some big bucks with other schools.
Big Dance---March Madness is here, even though the name needs to change, cause the Final Four is now played each year in April. One thing that never changes is the interest the public has in March Madness in the United States. It is estimated there will be over 70 million brackets filled out and $9 billion will be bet on the games. Ouch.
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
emails---- crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com and gregcrawfordbasketball@gmail.com
NOTE: My apologies for not writing for a few days, but we had to straighten out some technical difficulties, which are now totally solved and this column will be out everyday from now on except, Thursdays. Once again a combo of sports business and golf.
L.A. Dodgers--- I will never forget in 2012, standing next to sports marketing icon Jon Spoelstra and we heard that the Dodgers had been sold for $2 billion and Jon saying, "they probably got in cheap".
Of course shortly after it was announced that the Dodgers had signed a regional TV deal with Time Warner of $8.4 billion over 25 years.
Now today we have learned that a South Korean investment group is attempting to purchase 20 percent of the team and the present total valuation of the Dodgers is just over $3 billion. Yes, they did "get in cheap".
Golf---- So many people want to write about the demise of golf, put in in the grave, dance on the grave and glad it is gone.
Well, I have news for those people. If it is just me alone, I will never let the great game of golf die. It means too much to me, it has been one of the biggest parts of my life since 8 years old and at least 70 percent of my friends have been formed through golf.
Golf will make a major comeback and in just a few years it will be the popular sports it once was and the decline will stop. More and more brilliant people are getting involved in the marketing of the game, which is great and will pay big dividends in the end.
Speaking of golf, there is not a better month for TV golf than March. with the Florida swing on the PGA Tour. Different type golf courses, great weather and so many talented players competing each week.
WrestleMania----The WWE's biggest event of the year is shaping up to be its greatest business wise. The event will take place at Levi's Stadium, home of the 49ers and a sellout crowd of 75.000 is expected.
Ticket prices on the secondary market are also going for the highest amount ever, at $429.00 average. Professional wrestling is not dead by any means.
Final Four----Tickets prices for the Final Four in Indianapolis, are averaging just under $1,400 and for all the NCAA tournament games across the country the average price on the secondary market is $344.00.
Under Armour--- Under Armour continues to be a player in the college sports market. This week, they signed a five year deal with Old Dominion, to be their attire supplier for all sports teams for $400,000 per year.
Significant part of this deal is that it replaces the old deal, Old Dominion had with Nike at $61.000 per year. The deal can be cancelled immediately if either men's or women's basketball programs go on probation, or if anyone associated with the athletic department is caught making dispariging remarks about Under Armour.
Nike is still the huge leader in this area, but Under Armour has shown strides of growth, with their leading school being Notre Dame and being able to spend some big bucks with other schools.
Big Dance---March Madness is here, even though the name needs to change, cause the Final Four is now played each year in April. One thing that never changes is the interest the public has in March Madness in the United States. It is estimated there will be over 70 million brackets filled out and $9 billion will be bet on the games. Ouch.
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
emails---- crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com and gregcrawfordbasketball@gmail.com
Monday, March 2, 2015
Crawford's Sports Biz and Golf Combo, For March 2nd, 2015
By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt @wchoops
NFL Salary Cap---- As expected the NFL raised the salary cap today for each team to $143 million, that is a $10 million increase from 2014 and $20 million from 2013, if anyone is counting. NFL teams can carryover to the next year, any unused salary cap money, which many have been able to do.
Honda Classic--- The Honda Classic which finished today after weather delays has a good winner in Padraig Harrington, nice guy and popular with everyone.
At one point yesterday Ian Poulter for short time has a four shot lead in the third round, having a 3 shot lead for several holes. Poulter who has won only one time on the PGA Tour, as we know him best for his great Ryder Cup showings, would have been even a better champion than Harrington.
Poulter is a character, but a good character, because he promotes the game as much as he can and he is a fun guy, which for sure golf needs more of at this time and has for a long time.
Brooklyn Nets--- Majority owner of the Nets, Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov wants to sell his team and also the Barclays Center, home of the Nets---- along with many other great sporting and entertainment events.
Crawford's Sports Biz thinks that in just a sale for the Nets, a final bid might come in close to $1.8 billion. The Barclays Center, by some estimates is worth $1.2 billion.
The NBA would love to see both the Nets and their home arena sold to same buyer, which might be tough at those prices.
At this time, interest in the Nets has come from Chinese conglomerate Fosun, Qatari's Government Investment Fund and music mogul David Geffen, who wanted to buy the Clippers at one time.
Fosun is also interested in purchasing the Atlanta Hawks, which at present has a value of right around, $850 million.
Orlando City---- The newest edition to Major League Soccer has sold out the Citrus Bowl , for its league opener on March 6th. 60,000 tickets have been sold. The MLS record for league opener of an expanison team was the L.A. Galaxy in 1996, at 69,000.
Warren Buffett--- When LeBron James asked Warren Buffett on national TV today, what he should invest in, Buffett's answer was direct and to the point. "Be conservative, keep plenty in reserve and invest in American companies."
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com (published everyday but Monday.)
NFL Salary Cap---- As expected the NFL raised the salary cap today for each team to $143 million, that is a $10 million increase from 2014 and $20 million from 2013, if anyone is counting. NFL teams can carryover to the next year, any unused salary cap money, which many have been able to do.
Honda Classic--- The Honda Classic which finished today after weather delays has a good winner in Padraig Harrington, nice guy and popular with everyone.
At one point yesterday Ian Poulter for short time has a four shot lead in the third round, having a 3 shot lead for several holes. Poulter who has won only one time on the PGA Tour, as we know him best for his great Ryder Cup showings, would have been even a better champion than Harrington.
Poulter is a character, but a good character, because he promotes the game as much as he can and he is a fun guy, which for sure golf needs more of at this time and has for a long time.
Brooklyn Nets--- Majority owner of the Nets, Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov wants to sell his team and also the Barclays Center, home of the Nets---- along with many other great sporting and entertainment events.
Crawford's Sports Biz thinks that in just a sale for the Nets, a final bid might come in close to $1.8 billion. The Barclays Center, by some estimates is worth $1.2 billion.
The NBA would love to see both the Nets and their home arena sold to same buyer, which might be tough at those prices.
At this time, interest in the Nets has come from Chinese conglomerate Fosun, Qatari's Government Investment Fund and music mogul David Geffen, who wanted to buy the Clippers at one time.
Fosun is also interested in purchasing the Atlanta Hawks, which at present has a value of right around, $850 million.
Orlando City---- The newest edition to Major League Soccer has sold out the Citrus Bowl , for its league opener on March 6th. 60,000 tickets have been sold. The MLS record for league opener of an expanison team was the L.A. Galaxy in 1996, at 69,000.
Warren Buffett--- When LeBron James asked Warren Buffett on national TV today, what he should invest in, Buffett's answer was direct and to the point. "Be conservative, keep plenty in reserve and invest in American companies."
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com (published everyday but Monday.)
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Crawford's Sports Biz and Golf Combo, For March 1st, 2015
By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @kcsportsmgt @wchoops @crawssportsbiz
Note: Today starts a new chapter for this blog, hopefully one you will see for long time. As great readers, you keep asking me for even more sports business news and more golf. So starting today and produced everyday but Thursday, it will be Crawford's Sports Biz and Golf Combo. Lots of sports business, golf and even a few comments about sports in the media. We will also continue with Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds each day, in a separate post. Thank you readers for pushing this forward and contacting me on what you want to see.
Jack Nicklaus--- Jack Nicklaus likes ice cream, so much he now has his own brand, which will be in selected stores across the country this month. Nicklaus has teamed up with the Schwan Company, to produce the big treat. The suggested retail price for the pint of ice cream will be a $1.99 and in typical Nicklaus fashion part of the proceeds will go to charity.
Rob Manfred---- The new commissioner of baseball is obviously off to a fast start. He wants to speed up the game, with less time between innings and less ways for players to delay the game, when it is going on.
The average major league game last year took 3 hours 2 minutes, which with today's demand for speed in everything we do, does not settle well with most people and sports fans.
Manfred is also speaking out frequently about the fact baseball needs to become a bigger business. At present it is a $9 billion per year business, Manfred wants to move that figure to $15 billion in the next few years. Is it possible, you make the call.
Boxing On TV---- It is has been many years since we have seen prime time boxing on free TV, well I guess TV really is not free these days in most cases----- but boxing in prime time is about to change.
Starting this Saturday night, NBC Sports will show boxing in prime time, starting at 8:30 EST and 5:30 on the west coast. They have lined up a "heavyweight" team of announcers for the show with Al Michaels, Marv Albert, Laila Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard.
I think this will be a huge success, but you make the call.
NBC Golf--- Speaking of NBC, golf has returned to NBC this past week, with the Honda Classic and the annual Florida swing on the PGA Tour, of which NBC has traditionally televised.
No one does golf bad, but NBC is leader in golf coverage, both with its announce team and production. It will be real interesting to see how Fox Sports does with golf coverage, starting this year, as the network of record for all USGA TV events. They will open up with the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, a tough place to televise for any network. Even more important, how much will the USGA allow lead analyst Greg Norman, who will team with Jack Buck, to really tell us what he thinks. Norman to his credit can be pretty blunt, I hope he does not get boxed in too much.
Rivals.com---- Rivals.com, is expanding, amongst some controversy. The website who does a great job of tracking high school football players and recruiting of those players, has now gotten involved in telling us about middle school football players, very few I might add, but enough to get people thinking about how young is young.
Daryl Morey----Morey is not only the general manager of the Houston Rockets, but he is also is the founder of the MIT Sloan Sports Analytic Conference, which was just completed.
Morey feels the next big frontier for sports analytics will be in soccer, now that it is used heavily in baseball and basketball.
Yes, we all know, that Morey checks with Charles Barkley on all of this, since Barkley has taken a few jabs at Morey and thinks analytics is a big joke.
You make the call, but for sure analytics in sports is not going away by any means and more teams are using them all the time, effectively or not.
email--- crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com
more of Gregory blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
Note: Today starts a new chapter for this blog, hopefully one you will see for long time. As great readers, you keep asking me for even more sports business news and more golf. So starting today and produced everyday but Thursday, it will be Crawford's Sports Biz and Golf Combo. Lots of sports business, golf and even a few comments about sports in the media. We will also continue with Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds each day, in a separate post. Thank you readers for pushing this forward and contacting me on what you want to see.
Jack Nicklaus--- Jack Nicklaus likes ice cream, so much he now has his own brand, which will be in selected stores across the country this month. Nicklaus has teamed up with the Schwan Company, to produce the big treat. The suggested retail price for the pint of ice cream will be a $1.99 and in typical Nicklaus fashion part of the proceeds will go to charity.
Rob Manfred---- The new commissioner of baseball is obviously off to a fast start. He wants to speed up the game, with less time between innings and less ways for players to delay the game, when it is going on.
The average major league game last year took 3 hours 2 minutes, which with today's demand for speed in everything we do, does not settle well with most people and sports fans.
Manfred is also speaking out frequently about the fact baseball needs to become a bigger business. At present it is a $9 billion per year business, Manfred wants to move that figure to $15 billion in the next few years. Is it possible, you make the call.
Boxing On TV---- It is has been many years since we have seen prime time boxing on free TV, well I guess TV really is not free these days in most cases----- but boxing in prime time is about to change.
Starting this Saturday night, NBC Sports will show boxing in prime time, starting at 8:30 EST and 5:30 on the west coast. They have lined up a "heavyweight" team of announcers for the show with Al Michaels, Marv Albert, Laila Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard.
I think this will be a huge success, but you make the call.
NBC Golf--- Speaking of NBC, golf has returned to NBC this past week, with the Honda Classic and the annual Florida swing on the PGA Tour, of which NBC has traditionally televised.
No one does golf bad, but NBC is leader in golf coverage, both with its announce team and production. It will be real interesting to see how Fox Sports does with golf coverage, starting this year, as the network of record for all USGA TV events. They will open up with the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, a tough place to televise for any network. Even more important, how much will the USGA allow lead analyst Greg Norman, who will team with Jack Buck, to really tell us what he thinks. Norman to his credit can be pretty blunt, I hope he does not get boxed in too much.
Rivals.com---- Rivals.com, is expanding, amongst some controversy. The website who does a great job of tracking high school football players and recruiting of those players, has now gotten involved in telling us about middle school football players, very few I might add, but enough to get people thinking about how young is young.
Daryl Morey----Morey is not only the general manager of the Houston Rockets, but he is also is the founder of the MIT Sloan Sports Analytic Conference, which was just completed.
Morey feels the next big frontier for sports analytics will be in soccer, now that it is used heavily in baseball and basketball.
Yes, we all know, that Morey checks with Charles Barkley on all of this, since Barkley has taken a few jabs at Morey and thinks analytics is a big joke.
You make the call, but for sure analytics in sports is not going away by any means and more teams are using them all the time, effectively or not.
email--- crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com
more of Gregory blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Greg Crawford Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For February 25th, 2015
By Gregory Crawford---- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssortsbiz @kcsportsmgmt @wchoops
Remember a few years back when it was thought the entire NHL was in trouble. Fast forward to today and the mayor of Toronto, Rob Tory, says he would strongly be in favor of a second NHL team in Toronto.
I am sure the Maples Leafs would love it, not really, but just the talk of it, is a statement of a strong NHL.
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
Remember a few years back when it was thought the entire NHL was in trouble. Fast forward to today and the mayor of Toronto, Rob Tory, says he would strongly be in favor of a second NHL team in Toronto.
I am sure the Maples Leafs would love it, not really, but just the talk of it, is a statement of a strong NHL.
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For February 25th, 2015
By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt @wchoops
When Title 9 was first passed in 1972, just over 90 percent of women's sports teams were coached by women. In 2015, just under 40 percent of women's teams are coached by women. There appears to be no solid reason for the drop.
more of Gregory's blogs---- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
When Title 9 was first passed in 1972, just over 90 percent of women's sports teams were coached by women. In 2015, just under 40 percent of women's teams are coached by women. There appears to be no solid reason for the drop.
more of Gregory's blogs---- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Crawford's Sports Biz 5 mins, 59 seconds, For February 24th, 2015
By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt
Philadelphia 76ers---- The 76ers are one of the many interesting sports business studies in the NBA. On the floor, the team seems destined to be in a constant rebuilding mode, with constant trades, first round picks that do not work out and some bad hiring decisions.
For billionaire owner Josh Harris, he probably can be a little patient. In 2011, Harris bought Philadelphia for $280 million, peanuts for today's market values, four years later. As we know, the Kings and Bucks in the last 2 years have sold for over $500 million and the Clippers for $2 billion.
Despite getting into the NBA "cheap", Harris is sharp enough to know at some point, especially in Philadelphia, to maximize his investment, the team needs to win.
NFL Combine----Just for having fast times and wearing Adidas cleats, cornerback Trae Waynes and wide receivers Phil Dorsett and Kevin White have picked up $100,000 each from Adidas. Waynes in the 40 yard dash had a time of 4.31 seconds, Dorsett 4.33 and White 4.35.
The fastest time at the combine was run by J.J. Nelson, at 4.28, he was also wearing Adidas cleats, but unlike the other three $100,000 recipients he did not sign an endorsement agreement with Adidas prior to the combine starting.
Last year Adidas started out wanting to give the three fastest players wearing their cleats a Porsche 911, but that was vetoed by the NFL, on the basis of their long time sponsorship with General Motors.
The fastest time last year in the 2014 NFL combine was turned in by Brandin Cooks. who got the $100,000 from Adidas, but shortly after signed an endorsement deal with Nike, thus prompting the pre combine contract deals for all players who wanted money from Adidas.
NAIA--- The NAIA has long been in the shadow of the NCAA. They have always needed to think outside the box to survive, but for me, this is a great idea that has been floated out by some people. All NAIA student/athletes would get five years of eligibility.
It is a good idea, cause less than 50 percent of all college/university students in the United State graduate in four years or less.
Hockey To Vegas--- A drive to bring hockey to Las Vegas by billionaire Bill Foley, is still going on, but has slowed some. The goal is to get commitments for 10,000 season tickets. The drive started on February 10th, in the first two days 5,000 people committed, since then a little over 2,000, so 3,000 more to go, with no real deadline.
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
Philadelphia 76ers---- The 76ers are one of the many interesting sports business studies in the NBA. On the floor, the team seems destined to be in a constant rebuilding mode, with constant trades, first round picks that do not work out and some bad hiring decisions.
For billionaire owner Josh Harris, he probably can be a little patient. In 2011, Harris bought Philadelphia for $280 million, peanuts for today's market values, four years later. As we know, the Kings and Bucks in the last 2 years have sold for over $500 million and the Clippers for $2 billion.
Despite getting into the NBA "cheap", Harris is sharp enough to know at some point, especially in Philadelphia, to maximize his investment, the team needs to win.
NFL Combine----Just for having fast times and wearing Adidas cleats, cornerback Trae Waynes and wide receivers Phil Dorsett and Kevin White have picked up $100,000 each from Adidas. Waynes in the 40 yard dash had a time of 4.31 seconds, Dorsett 4.33 and White 4.35.
The fastest time at the combine was run by J.J. Nelson, at 4.28, he was also wearing Adidas cleats, but unlike the other three $100,000 recipients he did not sign an endorsement agreement with Adidas prior to the combine starting.
Last year Adidas started out wanting to give the three fastest players wearing their cleats a Porsche 911, but that was vetoed by the NFL, on the basis of their long time sponsorship with General Motors.
The fastest time last year in the 2014 NFL combine was turned in by Brandin Cooks. who got the $100,000 from Adidas, but shortly after signed an endorsement deal with Nike, thus prompting the pre combine contract deals for all players who wanted money from Adidas.
NAIA--- The NAIA has long been in the shadow of the NCAA. They have always needed to think outside the box to survive, but for me, this is a great idea that has been floated out by some people. All NAIA student/athletes would get five years of eligibility.
It is a good idea, cause less than 50 percent of all college/university students in the United State graduate in four years or less.
Hockey To Vegas--- A drive to bring hockey to Las Vegas by billionaire Bill Foley, is still going on, but has slowed some. The goal is to get commitments for 10,000 season tickets. The drive started on February 10th, in the first two days 5,000 people committed, since then a little over 2,000, so 3,000 more to go, with no real deadline.
more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
Monday, February 23, 2015
Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For February 23rd, 2015
By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt @wchoops
Fanstasy Sports and Leagues is a $800 million a year business and in 2014, over 41 million people played fantasy sports in some form. In the United States, the debate rages over whether fantasy sports is gambling, which brings in the government, who would like to take more control. As a person who has never played fantasy sports, let me know your thoughts please.
email----crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com
more Gregory's blogs----http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
Fanstasy Sports and Leagues is a $800 million a year business and in 2014, over 41 million people played fantasy sports in some form. In the United States, the debate rages over whether fantasy sports is gambling, which brings in the government, who would like to take more control. As a person who has never played fantasy sports, let me know your thoughts please.
email----crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com
more Gregory's blogs----http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Crawford's Sports Biz 5 mins, 59 seconds, For February 22nd, 2015
By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---- on twitter @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz @wchoops
NFL To Los Angeles---- Is it really going to happen? St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke started the ball rolling and boy is it rolling with big dollars to bring the NFL back to Los Angeles. Of course Kroenke has recently come out saying he wants to build an 80,000 seat stadium in Inglewood, on the former site of Hollywood Park Race Track.
Then last week, the news came out that the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders would like to partner in for a $1.7 billion stadium, off of the 405 freeway in Carson, California.
These all appear to be legitimate ideas, as for the first time since the Rams left L.A. in the early 90s, you have solid teams associated with a stadium idea. In past few years there have been many attempts to move a stadium idea forward, but with no teams being mentioned. Kroenke has the upper hand in all of this, because after the 2015 season, he is free to move the Rams without getting approval from the NFL owners.
The Big Fight--- It certainly appears that this is the closest it has been to see two of the greatest boxers of all time, fight each other. Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have signed to meet in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden on May 2nd.
Lower level seats for the fight will have a face value of $3,500, with their price expected to rise on the secondary market to near $5,000 as bell time gets closer. In the sports ticketing market, the only thing comparable to that price was the recent Super Bowl between New England and Seattle, where tickets on the secondary market were going for upwards of $5,000.00.
You Asked---- All you great readers can stop bugging me now. You asked and I delivered. The World Cup of Cricket will be starting soon, with 14 teams making the Finals.
Yes, both Nike and Adidas are involved. Nike sponsors the kits, of India. Adidas, the kits of England and South Africa.
Speaking of kits and uniforms, the highest uniform deal in the world is Adidas deal with soccer power Real Madrid at $41 million per year. This past year, Adidas also signed a deal with Manchester United of 10 years, for $1.3 billion. Comparison wise, Nike has a deal with the NFL of $18 million per year for all NFL uniforms. Yes, soccer is big worldwide, for both fans and sponsors.
Houston----The city that is soon to become the second largest city in the United States, behind New York City, will host the 2017 Super Bowl, the last time Houston hosted was in 2004.
At present, the city is spending $3.5 billion on its infrastructure, of which $1.5 billion is dedicated around the epicenter of the Super Bowl, the Texan's home field.
In my home state of Oregon, it has been years since I have heard one idea about a stadium to host major league baseball and the NFL. Yes, if they build it, they will come. not only for the experience, but with several boosts to the economy. Sports is a huge part of the fabric of every great American city and state.
Sweater And Boxing Gloves---- At a New York City auction, a week from this past Saturday, two sports items caught the attention of everyone.
A sweater worn by the iconic Green Bay Packer coach Vince Lombardi, went for $43,020.00. The sweater was worn by Lombardi when he coached at West Point from 1949-53 and had West Point on the front and Lombardi's name etched in black ink on the inside. Most important, the sweater was bought at a Tennessee Goodwill store for 53 cents, yes 53 cents.
Another highlight of the event, a pair of boxing gloves worn by Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali in their May of 1965 heavyweight championship fight, went for $936,000.00. Do not throw anything away.
more of Gregory's blogs---- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com (published everyday, but Monday)
NFL To Los Angeles---- Is it really going to happen? St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke started the ball rolling and boy is it rolling with big dollars to bring the NFL back to Los Angeles. Of course Kroenke has recently come out saying he wants to build an 80,000 seat stadium in Inglewood, on the former site of Hollywood Park Race Track.
Then last week, the news came out that the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders would like to partner in for a $1.7 billion stadium, off of the 405 freeway in Carson, California.
These all appear to be legitimate ideas, as for the first time since the Rams left L.A. in the early 90s, you have solid teams associated with a stadium idea. In past few years there have been many attempts to move a stadium idea forward, but with no teams being mentioned. Kroenke has the upper hand in all of this, because after the 2015 season, he is free to move the Rams without getting approval from the NFL owners.
The Big Fight--- It certainly appears that this is the closest it has been to see two of the greatest boxers of all time, fight each other. Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have signed to meet in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden on May 2nd.
Lower level seats for the fight will have a face value of $3,500, with their price expected to rise on the secondary market to near $5,000 as bell time gets closer. In the sports ticketing market, the only thing comparable to that price was the recent Super Bowl between New England and Seattle, where tickets on the secondary market were going for upwards of $5,000.00.
You Asked---- All you great readers can stop bugging me now. You asked and I delivered. The World Cup of Cricket will be starting soon, with 14 teams making the Finals.
Yes, both Nike and Adidas are involved. Nike sponsors the kits, of India. Adidas, the kits of England and South Africa.
Speaking of kits and uniforms, the highest uniform deal in the world is Adidas deal with soccer power Real Madrid at $41 million per year. This past year, Adidas also signed a deal with Manchester United of 10 years, for $1.3 billion. Comparison wise, Nike has a deal with the NFL of $18 million per year for all NFL uniforms. Yes, soccer is big worldwide, for both fans and sponsors.
Houston----The city that is soon to become the second largest city in the United States, behind New York City, will host the 2017 Super Bowl, the last time Houston hosted was in 2004.
At present, the city is spending $3.5 billion on its infrastructure, of which $1.5 billion is dedicated around the epicenter of the Super Bowl, the Texan's home field.
In my home state of Oregon, it has been years since I have heard one idea about a stadium to host major league baseball and the NFL. Yes, if they build it, they will come. not only for the experience, but with several boosts to the economy. Sports is a huge part of the fabric of every great American city and state.
Sweater And Boxing Gloves---- At a New York City auction, a week from this past Saturday, two sports items caught the attention of everyone.
A sweater worn by the iconic Green Bay Packer coach Vince Lombardi, went for $43,020.00. The sweater was worn by Lombardi when he coached at West Point from 1949-53 and had West Point on the front and Lombardi's name etched in black ink on the inside. Most important, the sweater was bought at a Tennessee Goodwill store for 53 cents, yes 53 cents.
Another highlight of the event, a pair of boxing gloves worn by Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali in their May of 1965 heavyweight championship fight, went for $936,000.00. Do not throw anything away.
more of Gregory's blogs---- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com (published everyday, but Monday)
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