League Notes
NBA Commissioner David Stern yesterday in a conference call said the league is collecting documents "to complete the economic picture with respect to our league" to present to the NBPA this summer as part of negotiations on a new CBA. The current labor contract expires after the '10-11 season, and Stern said, "I think the big question is: "What's the appropriate divide between players and owners in terms of division of revenues?" (USA TODAY, 4/14). Stern yesterday also indicated that NBA TV ratings this season are "up by double digits for the second consecutive year," while overall league attendance "will rank as the league's third all time best season" (USA TODAY, 4/14).
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Selig Says MLB Attendance
"Has Gone Well So Far" |
BOOST OF CONFIDENCE: MLB Commissioner Bud Selig yesterday gave an endorsement to early-season attendance, which has averaged 31,111 through the first 93 games played leaguewide. "It's a little early still, but we're actually doing OK. Attendance has gone well so far," Selig said. The league has not released a week-by-week comparison to the start of the '08 season, but the number is below last year's season-ending figure by 4.5%, in keeping with April being the sport's weakest month for attendance. Selig: "Easter Weekend is traditionally a very tough weekend (for ticket sales), but I'm quite satisfied. The weather has been horrendous, particularly in the Midwest where it's been a disaster" (Eric Fisher, SportsBusiness Journal).
MATCH POINT: UNIVERSALSPORTS.com's Alan Abrahamson wrote with AVP Chair, CEO & Commissioner Leonard Armato stepping down last week, it is "time right now to give credit where credit is due." The NBA's Stern said Armato "did a spectacular job of professionalizing the tour, of getting network exposure, of inducing sponsors to invest and assisting in putting this on the Olympic -- and therefore the world -- stage. ... He understands every aspect of sports marketing." NBC Sports & Olympics Chair Dick Ebersol said, "There is no doubt the AVP and beach volleyball will miss the energy, passion, creativity and vision of Leonard Armato. ... He is and has been a very important figure on the American sports scene for years and years. ... I can't imagine that will stop now" (UNIVERSALSPORTS.com, 4/10).
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