Rather than give a knee-jerk reaction to more ads infecting our brain space, let’s consider, for a moment, what good can come from the NFL allowing advertising space on their practice jerseys, and, if they’re smart, eventually their game jerseys. The most important and valuable outcome is the obvious one, more revenue for organizations. Now, as fans, we must be careful to fight off cynicism here and realize there are some fringe benefits for us.
First, there is a legitimate argument to be made that the proceeds can be used to keep ticket prices from fluctuating (stay back, cynicism!). The additional revenue generated from selling this ad space could be substantial, and the need to raise beer prices another dollar, or ticket prices another five dollars, isn’t as pressing (is it ever?).
It’s not like this is a new, scary idea, either. The most established, visible sports league in the world is the English Premier Football League (or, “soccer” to us Yanks). For decades they’ve sold the real estate on the team’s jerseys to advertisers, and the world didn’t end. Not only that, this ad space goes for a premium, with Manchester United charging $27.1 million bucks to AIG for the 2008-2009 sponsorship for their jersey (uh, hope the bailout money wasn’t used for that). In the US, the Arena Football League (prior to their unfortunate and temporary (?) demise) charged money to advertisers to place a company logo on the jersey. Making money on ad patches for practice and game jerseys is not bad, evil, or even scary. It’s good business. Plus, they do this in Little League — how bad can it be?
I do not mean to imply that, as a society, we should completely forgo any sense of decency and slap advertising on everything (like skin… yikes). Boxers have been placing ads on their naked backs during fight (some stenciled… some actually tattooed). I feel this stretches the limits of common sense and decency, opening the door to an argument that everything is for sale in our culture.
I feel to resist this move by the NFL is futile, and there is plenty of potential ways for fans to gain, and this circumstance isn’t really different than selling the naming rights to a stadium. But, it’s important not to let organizations go unchecked. Placing some limitations on what is for sale and what isn’t is smart, so we don’t start hearing commentators announce that great catch by “Chad Corn Flakes” (formerly known as “Ocho Cinco”).
(Site note: Debate links: Intro, Loyal Homer, Bleacher Fan, Sports Geek).
I blame NASCAR.
Nice!
NASCAR isn’t to blame. They’re not trying to hoard money. The reality is that teams don’t get a cut of profits that are made each weekend by the tracks. Yes, there’s prize money involved (and obviously enough to make it profitable), but a team doesn’t have any control over money flow at a racetrack. That’s why the companies are needed to subsidize salaries, transportation costs, material costs, etc. In return, they get exposure on a billboard with a top speed of about 200 mph. If you don’t have sponsorship, you’re guaranteed to not make it very far, or be competitive while you can show up.
If you look at professional football, the owners own the team, and the stadium. They subsidize their costs from ticket sales, concessions, team stores, etc. So they don’t have the problem of trying to keep the lights on only by selling out ad space on jerseys (even though most already sell out stadium naming rights). To them it’s just another way to make a quick buck.
Interesting point about NASCAR, ScubaSteve. I think it’s worth pointing out, though, that NASCAR drivers do rake in millions per race (if they win… losers get a boring six figures… how do they eat?!).
Great points about how different racing operates from the more mainstream, traditionally popular US sports.
I’m fine with ads. I think in the long run, after the crying from some fans ends, everyone will be fine with it too. It is a little tacky, but who cares. If the price is right, I’d sell ad space on my clothes, car, house, children, backside, etc. Welcome to capitalism, baby!
I can’t wait to see the post game interviews… “The Miller Lite Falcons played tough today. Gotta hand it to those Ace Hardware Bears for pulling out the 4th quarter victory.”
So, there’s no line you won’t cross to make a buck?
Sports Geek, actually I wouldnt say the drivers make millions per race. By the time money is spread out to the crew and so forth, the drivers make very little (in sports sense…though we are regular people would gladly take it). A winner of a PGA golf tournament makes more than a winner of a race usually.
What Scuba Steve was getting at is that NASCAR relies heavily on sponorship. They help pay the bill, help pay the staff, help pay for travel, equipment, repairs, etc.
I said winners make millions, the rest suffer on small 6 figures. Poor guys.
As much as I hate to admit it advertising is here to stay.A couple of years ago baseball wanted to advertise on the bases.They vetoed it, but it will probably happen.Also,the Padres once had uniforms that made them look like UPS drivers.Only problem was they couldn’t deliver any wins.I do have have some suggestions for the future.1.Change the goal posts into the shape of the Macdonalds M.2.Instead of teams names in the end zone put in “WE KNOW CARS”.3.Paint “DRINKABILITY” on the Green Monster.4.In the NBA paint VIAGRA in the keys.
This is one of those situations where the line keeps getting nudged a little bit farther and farther.
The NFL is testing the water, so-to-speak, with these ads. Once they see that poeple don’t really care about them, they’ll bump it up to the next level. Your prediction may not be too far off. Who knows, maybe the Trix Rabbit’s head will be on the 50yd line one day!
Personally, as long as we don’t reach a point where the sponsors can influence the actual decisions of the game (i.e. who can play, etc), I’m okay with them advertising anywhere they want.
European Futbol allows sponsorships on the game-day jersey… it doesn’t change the game at all, and no one seems to care.
Boxers will sell their shorts, literally, as ad space. I’ve seen some allow sponsorships to be painted on the skin of their backs during fights. As long as it doesn’t change the play of the game, I say have at it.
Old School, good point about baseball. The Spiderman 2 movie was coming out, and baseball was looking for extra cash by branding each base in Spiderman colors. It almost made it through, until MLB vetoed it at the last minute.
Here’s the article if you’re curious. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/sportsbusiness/news/story?id=1796765