While we're mostly looking back at '16, SBD/SBJ examines a few of the possible sports business stories that could play out in '17 -- Part One.
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L.A.'s bid for the '24 Games will come down
to an IOC vote in September |
CAN L.A. SEAL THE DEAL? For the third time in 12 years, the U.S. is bidding to host the Olympics. With the IOC slated to vote in September, the stakes hardly could be higher for both the domestic and international Olympic movements. An L.A. defeat would mean the IOC has rejected the U.S.’s three largest cities, and probably delay a return to American soil by the Summer Games for a generation. For its part, the embattled IOC desperately needs a host, whomever it might be, to deliver the Games without adding to the body’s growing list of crises and scandals.
ESPN’S NEXT MOVE: ESPN lost more than 3 million subscribers in ‘16, according to Nielsen estimates. The biggest sports media story in '17 will be how ESPN makes up that revenue. A planned over-the-top network in partnership with BAM Tech will be part of that strategy.
JERSEY ADS ARRIVE IN THE NBA: The NBA cleared the way for teams to sell jersey ads that can be featured starting with the ‘17-18 season. So far, the inventory has been a tough sell, with only two teams having deals. Will advertisers warm up to the concept?
WHAT’S NEXT FOR RAIDERS, CHARGERS? The Raiders have targeted Las Vegas as an option if they can’t land a new stadium in Oakland, but there’s no guarantee NFL owners will take that bet. Meanwhile, the Chargers are moving past a failed voter referendum in San Diego to see if they can finally salvage a stadium deal of their own. They have a Jan. 15 deadline to trigger an option to move to L.A. and share the Rams’ new stadium under construction in Inglewood.
