The SBD/SBJ editorial staff compiled the top sports business stories of '15, in no particular order. Today, we present five of them.
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DraftKings and FanDuel have transformed the
sports marketing landscape |
FINAL FANTASY: In the past year, DraftKings and FanDuel have gone from virtual unknowns to billion-dollar valuations, partnerships with nearly every pro team and league, and a collective $575M in new venture capital funding. That money in turn transformed the entire sports marketing landscape with a relentless level of advertising. Now daily fantasy is on to the second act of the story, with several governmental entities openly challenging its legality, likening it to gambling, and moving to stop activity altogether in some jurisdictions. With heavy involvement from industry heavyweights such as Fox Sports, Comcast, the NBA and MLB, and soaring user participation, the final outcome for daily fantasy will be anything but quiet.
MEDAL STAND: USOC brass and Massachusetts politicians gathered Jan. 9 to joyfully announce Boston’s candidacy for the '24 Games. But little else went right for the troubled bid, and public opposition grew more steadfast over the course of seven months. On July 27, it all came apart. Mayor Marty Walsh said he would not sign a financial guarantee for cost overruns, and hours later, the USOC board voted to walk away. That trauma, however, opened the door to a revived L.A. bid. Mayor Eric Garcetti and Wasserman Media Group Chair Casey Wasserman dusted off their plans, crafted a pitch-perfect introductory announcement with the USOC, and stepped in seamlessly for Boston. Now, the U.S.’ chances to host the Games for the first time since '02 look better than ever, a remarkable turnaround from the dark days of July.
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Brady's reputation was at stake during the months-
long Deflategate investigation |
NEEDLE & THE DAMAGE DONE: The NFL hit the Patriots and QB Tom Brady hard for allegedly deflating balls before the AFC Championship, a transgression no one had heard of before. It pitted Patriots Owner Robert Kraft against NFL execs, the NFLPA against the NFL, and chipped away at Brady’s reputation. A district court judge overturned the NFL’s four-game suspension of Brady, but Part 2 may transpire next year as the NFL appeals the decision. And if some legal experts are to be believed, the NFL, notwithstanding its somewhat questionable investigation of Brady, stands a chance of winning because of the deference accorded collective-bargaining agreements. That means the issue of a tiny amount of air pressure will continue to rattle around the NFL.
STRIKING THE WRONG CORD: The year that started with a record-setting college football telecast ended with a declining subscriber base, cost-cutting moves and layoffs. ESPN still is the country’s biggest sports media company by far, with a programming portfolio and license fee that far outweighs its competitors. But '15 is the year that showed some that ESPN is not immune from the changing media landscape, including the loss of high-profile talent like Bill Simmons and Keith Olbermann.
JUST FOR KICKS: MLS launched its two newest clubs, Orlando City SC and NYC FC, to much excitement. They finished second and third across the league in average attendance, respectively, and remained in the playoff hunt until the end of the season. With both clubs likely to improve in the standings next year -- as well as the opening of Orlando City’s new stadium during the season -- the buzz around the teams will likely only increase in '16.
