Pretty Pennies for Ugly Results

In today’s sports industry, image and reputation is sometimes just as expensive or as valuable as the cost of marketing for an entire year. How you say? Well for example, consider Tiger Woods who has been the most marketed and top grossing athlete in the world. After his reputation hit an all time low from his sexual encounters with numerous women while being married, most of Woods’s sponsors, endorsements, and marketing companies dropped him and his services. These companies understood the importance an image and reputation and how their trademarks could potentially be represented in his actions. Their brand and trademark was on the line with the reputation Woods developed, and in order to protect what these companies have built, it became an expensive and risky to continue to have Woods represent them and their trademarks.

            We see these types of issues happening everywhere within the sports and business world. But in professional sports, playing within the league and/or team regulations in order to protect the brand and trademark is a must. There are more stipulations and rules that must be lived by in order to keep them from being suspended, fined, or even banned from the league. Protecting a leagues shield, property, or team logo comes first in the sports industry because their revenue is reliant on their reputation. Misusing a trademark can cause significant problems and potential income loss. And being that these leagues and professional teams draw so much attention and money, there are many potential trademark infringements suits due to outside businesses seeking to use these trademarks for illegal personal gain. “Trademark infringement occurs when one improperly uses another’s protected trademarks or uses a mark likely to cause confusion about the source of a product or service” (Conrad, 2006).

Courtesy of Americanhiphop.com

            Back in June of 2011, the National Football League was made aware of a few of their athletes in a promotional campaign for a party featuring alcohol, adult movie stars, and a three-day event for an adult-themed expo in Miami Florida. These athletes were in full uniform on the promotions ad and their names were listed as attendees to the event. As you could image, this is not the image the NFL wanted to be represented with and with the illegal use of the NFL trademark, the NFL had a potential case on their hands that needed to be addressed and dealt with for the betterment of its brand, league, and its financial implications. After touching base with the players represented in this promotion, it became aware that none of these players authorized their names, team logos, or the NFL shield to be used for the promotion of any such event. The company that used these names and trademarks illegally now had many potential legal issues of their own.

In this situation, the NFL acted appropriated in the matter by discussing the situation with the players first, then finding out the remaining facts. All too often the players can be blamed and punished first, before they have a chance to explain their sides of the story. Professional athletes are walking trademarks and with social media today, it is pretty difficult to protect your name and image without being exposed for someone else’s own personal financial gain. Chicago Bears spokesman Jim Christman explained, "many times players themselves are unaware of the violation and companies simply pull images and make ads not realizing they are in violation" (ESPNChicago.com 2011).  None of these players were disciplined, but their names will forever be connected to such illegal actions, which in this case, is more expensive then the actual punishment.

Protecting trademarks is not easy or cheap; just ask all of the companies that represented Tiger Woods or the sports industry’s public relations departments. These illegal actions are always a potential problem for the sports industry. Players, logos, and shields will always be protected at the highest cost in order to serve as a better image for the fans. So in conclusion, keeping and protecting a positive image and reputation is worth a pretty penny, but crossing these protected lines will cost an ugly dime that most should not be willing to pay.

Check out these articles to learn more about this trademark infringement:

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/nfl-wire/article455919.ece

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/news/story?id=6664169

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jun/15/nfl-investigating-trademark-infringement/

References:

Conrad, M. (2006). The business of sports: A primer for journalist. New Jersey London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

ESPNChicago.com. (2011, June 15). Nfl looks at risque ad. ESPN.cm, Retrieved from http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/news/story?id=6664169

In depth with Dorian

Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive tackle Dorian Smith doesn’t shy away from hard work, tough decisions, and most recently, tough questions. But anyone at 6’2 265lbs probably wouldn’t be afraid of much either way. Growing up in Van Nuys California, Dorian’s outlook on life has always been to live for tomorrow all the while enjoy today, as long as he got a chance to play his favorite sport, baseball. But baseball was not in Dorian’s future, and that was ok with him since he took to the game of football so easily. In his senior year of high school, Dorian helped take his team to the football state championship and won. His journey after that is where his tough work and tough decision making formed. He first attended Alabama A&M, but decided that the university was not a good fit for him so he went to the College of The Desert Community College in order to gain another opportunity at a division-1 university. Dorian went on to earn a full ride at Oregon State University where he went on to gain two bowl game victories and First Team All Pac 10 awards. But after a brief stint with the Washington Redskins, Dorian found himself looking for his next opportunity to fulfill his dream of playing in the National Football League. Dorian earned a chance to play in the Canadian Football League for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers where he now resides as a top-notch defensive tackle.

In a recent interview with Dorian via over the phone, I had a chance to get some great insight on Dorian’s outlook on his past, future, and dreams. When asked him what motivated him the most in pursuing his dream, he simply responded by saying, “a better life”. I asked if he could please elaborate on his answer and he continued by stating, “my ultimate goal is to do what I love, all the while making a lot of money doing it.” Something I think anyone breathing would agree on. He went on to say that his dream is not just his, but his grandparents, mother, and friends dream for him. “I do this for everything I love, and it just so happens that I love money as well, hahaha”.

I continued the interview by asking Dorian when did he realize that playing professional football could become possible and he stated that he knew it was possible from his years in high school because he felt that no one could deny him of what he worked so hard for. “I work hard man, harder than most people I know because for every squat, bench, or cleans rep, it makes me that much more prepared for the next game.” But with all that said, I asked about the financial implications of being a professional athlete and what might be some of the huge misunderstandings. “We don’t make more than people think, well in Canada at least. For me, most of my money goes to prior school loans, car note, and wedding planning. So really, I live check to check. That’s why I work hard to get to the NFL so maybe I can be able to live a little more lavishly. And in Canada, the currency is a lot different too.” That led me to the next question of the different concerns within the international sports industry. “I wouldn’t say there are many concerns, but some of the issues are not being around family much. They can’t make it to many games. It would be cool to have more family out here to see me play but its kind of like college because all of my family was in California while I was in Oregon.”

After a quick hold as Dorian received a call from his agent, who lives in the United States, it lead me to my next question on his relationship with his agent. “Me and my agent are cool, I mean, since I’m in Canada, he doesn’t get any of my money which is good, but at the same time, we keep a good standing relationship so when an opportunity comes up in the NFL, he knows where I’m at physically and mentally. I like where I’m at right now because it keeps me hungry. My team is having a pretty good season and we still have a lot more football to play so it gives me a chance to keep improving. Sure there are challenges but that comes with any profession. I’m just glad I still have the opportunity to keep doing what I love.” Following that response, Dorian had to run to practice as they were preparing for a big game for first place. I thanked him for his time and wished him luck for the rest of the season, but before he hung up, he gave me some grief for not making the trip to go see him play yet. But we made a deal, one interview for one game visit so I guess I need to get my passport as soon as possible.

Knowing Dorian on a more personal level, I know that this interview was 100% genuine and honest. I have always respected his work ethic and desire to finish what he has started. His strong personality definitely stands out both on the field and off of it. And there is not a doubt in my mind that he will get another opportunity to play in the National Football league and do well. This was a great experience for me to learn more about my close friend, as well as gain more understating about the other professional leagues outside of the US

Turning Social Media Up A Notch...

In today's world, any and everything ends with your presence in social media. This is particularly true for businesses, industry leaders, and athletes. So capitalizing on every avenue of social media is more as important as remembering ones name because if your not involved in it, no one will care who you are.

For over three weeks, I followed every avenue of ESPN's Adam Schefter in order to observe is social media tendencies and presence. I found Adam's presence in the social media world to be hot and cold but with so much room for improvements. His name is known and his work is amazing, but there are other ways to dominate his presence within the industry. Check out this video and see what I came up with!

4th and Production Goals

In a down economy, some of the brightest minds are discovered by thinking outside of the box in order to not only survive, but to grow in the given circumstances. This is particularly true in the business world where the mighty dollar speaks the loudest in production. In the same light, the sports industry is all about the all mighty dollar, which is also affected drastically by a poor economy. But unlike daily expenses that are expendable for consumers in a down economy, the sports industry carries a different ball of attraction that can lure fans into spending their time and money on their favorite teams.

During this current time of a slow economy, many sports teams are doing whatever they can in order to stay afloat in production, as well as keep their fans entertained. By using more promotions, raffles, and even ticket financing, teams are taking advantage of every opportunity to make each game count on the income sheets.  

            Consistently bringing in regular and new fans is on every sports team’s priority list during this time. And when the economy picks back up, fans will not have to make as many money saving decisions but the way they are treated now by their favorite teams will most likely flow into their financial decisions later.  So in turn, teams are now more cautious to their fans situations. There has been great efforts and results in bringing fans to games during this time,  but there are some other ideas that can not only keep the loyal fans who attend regularly, but also, attract fans who are not consistent or have never even attended a sporting event.

I would consider that each team maximizes their profit by utilizing their biggest assets, their players. I believe that this has to be the biggest attraction tool for any sporting team in order to draw the interest of fans. Using the players in after game picture and autograph signings for fans who attended the game would only entice a fan to see the game as an investment and a great opportunity for a great experience. Sure, this probably wouldn’t be a great idea for the players who would rather go home immediately, but by putting a time window on the sessions, assigning 10-15 players per week to hold the signings, and allowing only one picture and/or autograph per fan per ticket would become very manageable for the players and team staff. Using former players as well would also serve to the benefit of this idea. This would generate sales in paraphernalia as well as work as a weekly public relations gold mine.

            Another tool to utilize to attract fans would be the use of community sponsorships. For example, allowing local high school teams, community centers, and small businesses to participate in the pregame and halftime entertainment. By doing this, it will attract the family members, friends, and employees to the games in order to support their loved ones and/or co-workers. And given the fact that halftime and pregame entertainment is not aired on television, it only allows the friends, family, and employees to see and support by actually having to go to the game.

            Tailgating is a huge part of every sporting event, and in some instances, it can cost teams money because fans are not spending as much money at concession stands. This is something that should not be taken away from fans due to its culture and experience of the game. I think it can be enhanced however to give fans a greater experience when attending games. By having teams throw tailgating parties for minimum 2 game ticket holders would persuade fans to purchase tickets in bundles, rather than single game purchases. Sponsoring the tailgating in a designated area where fans get to interact with team staff, former players, and cheerleaders all the while eating and drinking before the game would out do any personal tailgating experience. This would enhance the transactions from tailgating expenses to ticket purchases for fans that may see the idea of saving money by not purchasing their tailgating food and drink, but rather purchasing an extra ticket to another game in order to get a free tailgating experience.

The experience of every game, culture, and environment cannot be substituted with a couch, bar, or even a tailgating party. That said it has to be promoted accordingly so that fans can be guaranteed a unique experience each time they purchase a ticket. In a down economy, the dollar needs to have more value than just a purchasing tool; it has to also be a valued experience. Fans across America can relate to a passion that they are more willing to pay for, if and only if they are attracted with the right experiences from their purchases. All of the ideas above are geared towards increasing the experiences, all the while bringing more fans out to increase profit.

            Here are two articles that will further explain how the economy has had an important affect on the sports industry:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27345396/ns/business-sports_biz/t/how-financial-crisis-will-hit-sports-industry/ - .TpI6178qIug

http://www.forbes.com/2008/12/18/sports-economy-recession-biz-sports_cx_tvr_1218sportsecon.html

http://www.frbatlanta.org/pubs/econsouth/econsouth_vol_11_no_3_sports_draw_fans.cfm

Fantasy Gone Real

In the past decade, there have been many changes and big stories within the sports industry. I believe that fantasy football has had the biggest impact in the sports world, as well as being the biggest story within the past decade. Reason being, fantasy football has had an impact in more than one area of the sports industry. It has affected the daily life of fans, the social connection from players’, and even major television networks. All of these impacts ultimately affect many other avenues of the sports industry, which in turn brings the biggest impact into play, the almighty dollar.

Fantasy football is about to become a billion dollar industry, which is worth more than some professional teams in any sport. Fantasy football is seen everywhere, commercials, websites, and many television networks have their own fantasy football shows. What other story in this decade can say that? Fantasy football is not a temporary sport fling, but rather, it is here to stay and grow within the industry as its own entity.

Fans are now tuning in to not only watch or support their favorite teams, but also the players they have drafted for their respective fantasy leagues. This gives a wider range in television ratings for more NFL teams and their networks. Fantasy football gives fans feel a sense of ownership and pride towards the league and its players. Fans are making big bucks, websites are profiting, and the fantasy realm is thriving. Recent studies have even pointed out the major affect that fantasy football has had in the everyday workplace that has a link to production and the economy. This is such a big story that has not only affected sports fans and the sports industry, but it has affected the country as a whole as well.

 Its safe to say that in every professional sport, the amount of money invested, spent, and earned has gone up tremendously in comparison to years past. From lucrative player contracts, big dollar television deals, and higher ticket prices, the sports industry has been thriving in generating profit, while keeping fans from across the world entertained. And now, entertainment is no longer just sitting and watching, it has evolved into participating, analyzing, and benefiting. Fantasy football is the new era of entertainment and it is here to stay.

Check out these links below to see what the professionals are saying about Fantasy Football!

http://money.cnn.com/2005/12/07/technology/fantasysports_fortune_121205/index.htm

http://articles.businessinsider.com/2010-09-02/strategy/29979381_1_fantasy-football-paul-charchian-fantasy-sports-trade-association

For other great sports business stories, Watch this CNBC video, “The Biggest Plays in Sports Business”: http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1368367744