Should leagues make investments?

 Though as a fan sports may look as an enjoyable form of entertainment, however this is not the only thing. Sports as a whole are one of the most profitable businesses around. Teams in general never pay for their stadiums and they bring in 100,000s of thousands of fans each year for outrageous amounts of money. Every single thing a team or league does makes money, whether that is tickets, merchandise or specialty events. With sports being such big money makers, should we see more investments by them?

MLBAM was a huge investment made by all 30 teams in the MLB. Each team invested a small amount of money for a stake in the company. Bamtech was used as the technology side for the MLB, as well as other sports. It is basically the high-tech running of things like the website, analytics, and advertising. Though MLBAM had been very profitable for the MLB teams over the years, the real payout came in 2017. The Walt Disney Company, who already owned a stake in the company decided to purchase the rest of Bamtech. This purchase was valued at about $1.5 billion. Each team would get $50 million in pure profits to use on whatever they would like for the upcoming season. This was seen as a very strong investment. Throughout the entire process it made good financial sense for the teams to invest in the up and coming company. Every step of the way Bamtech made the MLB money, and should be viewed as the overall picture of how to invest.

But, will we see other leagues do things like this in the future? That I am unsure of that, due to the fact it takes many steps along the way to get the process done. Major League Baseball did it right, they showed that they could invest in something and turn it into a profitable business. Sports leagues are basically large investment brokerages with their entities underneath them. So it would be wise for each league to expand their businesses further. In the short-run it could save money throughout the year, but in the long run we could see even more profits from investing.

Throwback Thursday!

It is sometimes difficult for an athlete to adjust to life not on the field. This Throwback Thursday is about a player who easily adjusted. Keith Mitchell not only had a very successful NFL career but his career off the field has taken off! Mitchell has started several wellness programs to improve the lives of people around him. Keith Mitchell tells us through his holistic approach he is in the best shape of his life!

Keith Mitchell - Former Pro Bowl NFL LB - S5E7 (55) 10.9.15

Website: http://www.thelightitupfoundation.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/K_Mitchell59

Throwback Thursday!

This throwback of the day was one of the more interesting we had during our time at SJU. This interview was with former Rams defensive powerhouse Mel Owens. Mel was one of the hard hitters in the game, and he realized it took a toll on him and others. Mel is now a lawyer fighting against the NFL for the rights of concussion victims. This is one not to miss!

Mel Owens Former Rams LB & Current Lawyer -- 11.11.14

Why so little signings?

A question that has come up this offseason has been around the idea of why no players have signed. There have been several theories with players like Giancarlo Stanton and Shohei Ohtani being on the market, it pushed everything back. Though I think this is part of the reason, there are other factors involved.

The main factor I think that is contributing to this is the lack of willingness to pay these players what they want. These veteran players are coming into free agency and expecting giant contracts. Though this has been the past trend when it comes to the MLB, I think we are finally witnessing a change. In today’s MLB many of the executives are no longer baseball guys. Instead we are witnessing a change from the old style of thinking, to a new analytical business approach. Teams are realizing the true value of players; it is no longer the idea of stacking a team with All-Stars. We have seen time and time again, that this approach does not work. Instead if we look at the data and information in front of us we can create better well-rounded teams for cheaper. An example of this would be not signing one of the Aces available in free agency because you can get 2 middle rotation starters and a reliever for the same cost. In todays every changing environment team's have to stay on top of things.

Though there have several factors that contributed to the lack of signings this offseason, I believe management is finally sick of over paying players. It is time to start the transition of paying players what they are really valued at. No longer should we see outrageous and meaningless contracts. Instead, it is time to move forward in this league and start using a business approach. These executives are a lot smarter than many agents believe, and they know the true value of a player. 

Flashback Friday!

Our throwback of the day is when former Philadelphia Eagle and St. Joe’s Hawk Vince Papale came into studio! Vince was very excited to be back on Hawk Hill. Papale told stories about running track at the old Fieldhouse and his time with the Eagles. One interesting tidbit we learned throughout the process was the differences between his story and the Disney movie Invincible. This episode was definitely a must listen!

Vince Papale former Eagles WR -- 1.24.14 9th(2nd) Show

Wentz for MVP … Who Cares?

Carson Wentz deserves to be considered for the 2017 NFL season MVP award. Since tearing his ACL, the young quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles has been forgotten. The media outlets have not given him the respect that he deserves while discussing this season’s MVP.

There is no clear winner for who should be awarded the MVP this year. I could see giving Brady a career award for playing in league for as long as he has. The 18 year veteran would be given the award by default. Or maybe Todd Gurley because his 13 touchdowns and 4.7 yards per attempt actually made Jared Goff look like a competent player. 

Wentz is not considered an elite player yet, but he is a franchise quarterback. Number 11 of the Eagles was named Fox Sports MVP. However, the Associated Press MVP that will be named the day before the Super Bowl is the one that people care about. Both of these awards have no merit behind because they are voted and decided by a select group sportswriters. The award is essentially a popularity contest. Talent should not be judged by a trophy, but by the impact the player has on the league. 

The injured quarterback for the Philadelphia missed the last three games of the season. Even after missing these games, Wentz has the second most touchdowns in the NFL. Without Carson under center, the Eagles are a pathetic team rallying behind the hope that he gave the team.

If the former North Dakota State quarterback wins the MVP award, it would just literally add insult to injury. Winning the Super Bowl is all that matters. Whether Wentz wins the MVP or a different player, who cares? It is a meaningless accolade.