Each year, some sports business concepts are all-out successes, while others fall short of that. Here are some ideas that fell under our hits and misses categories in the past 12 months.
 |
NASCAR's gamble with the Chase knockout-style
format paid off with increased media coverage |
HITS: ALL ABOUT THAT CHASE
NASCAR drew some initial skepticism -- particularly from traditionalists -- after introducing its new knockout-style format for the Chase for the Sprint Cup. But the move appeared to ultimately pay off, as the end of the campaign featured the sort of pressure-packed races and subsequent rise in media coverage that many stick-and-ball leagues typically enjoy in the twilight of their seasons.
Also:
* LeBron earns plaudits for, "I'm Coming Home," his heartfelt SI essay about returning to the Cavs.
* The Jaguars go outside the box -- and into the water -- with pools in stands at EverBank Field.
* LPGA’s new Int’l Crown tournament draws strong reviews for its format, which attracted worldwide interest.
* Silver's first year as NBA commish had many highlights, including making Isaiah Austin an honorary draft pick.
 |
Gatorade apologized after referencing James' cramp
for a tweet that took a shot at Powerade |
MISSES: CRAMPING HIS STYLE
Gatorade’s social media manager opportunistically hopped on LeBron James’ cramping in the ’14 NBA Finals, taking a shot at the NBA's best player for endorsing rival Powerade. Despite the tweet going viral and giving Gatorade tons of free exposure, the official NBA sponsor publicly apologized the next morning.
Also:
* Big 12’s new slogan comes back to bite it, as the conference crowns co-champions TCU and Baylor.
* Le Batard banned for life from Baseball HOF voting after letting Deadspin voters choose his ballot.
* WEEI's Kirk Minihane gets suspended after vulgar on-air rant about Erin Andrews.
* California Chrome owner upsets the horse industry apple cart with sour-grapes take on the Triple Crown.
