Why Are Sports Leagues Implementing Gimmicks to Sell Their Product?

 It appears that the Major Sports Leagues in this nation have determined that it is necessary to incorporate various facets to maintain their sport’s relevancy.  With a generation that needs constant stimulation, apparently these leagues feel the current adjustments being made will lead to greater popularity and continued financial solvency.  But, the question is: Are these choices the ones that will ultimately achieve the desired goals?  Can it be done without watering down what makes each league great?  Obviously, this remains to be seen.

Perhaps, the League that has changed most drastically in the way it conducts itself on the field is Major League Baseball.  To hold a new generation’s attention, games have been sped up through the use of a pitch clock.  To further this effort, rules to increase offense and scoring have been adopted.  This includes bigger bases and limits on throw overs to first base.  Definitely, this has shortened games and increased action, which theoretically increases profits.  But has it been done in a manner that damages athletic and competitive integrity? Perhaps.  If this is the case, some changes are not worth the financial benefit.

Another organization that has put some rather peculiar policies in place to maintain and improve its fan base interest is the NBA.  In the last couple of years, the league has developed a play in tournament during the playoffs. In this scenario the 9th and 10th placed teams in each conference face off to see who will fill the 7th and 8th spot in each conference.  This is what you call expanding the playoffs, without expanding the playoffs.  It satisfies the fan bases and increases cash flow, while maintaining the same amount of teams competing for a championship.  Beginning next year, the league will attempt to further boost its financial intake and visibility by implementing an in season tournament.  Basically, the league is inflating the importance of in season games to pad their bottom line.  It is unclear what lengths the NBA will go to to maximize its profits.

Unfortunately, it appears that professional leagues will do whatever necessary to maximize cash flow.  Any changes that need to me made to increase profits will occur.  Even when damage occurs to the fabric of the game, and it ruffles the feathers of its current fans, it is apparent that finances will reign supreme.  If this trend continues, the characteristics that make sports great will be lost forever.