As we close 2015, here are the issues I noticed this year and am watching for next year — outside of over-the-top, cord cutting and daily fantasy, which we’re all watching.
> FROM 2015, THE STORIES THAT WILL HAVE LEGS: The actions of the Missouri football team will embolden athletes to take stands over controversial issues they are passionate about. But there is a generational and ideological divide on this issue. I was startled at the amount of negative response to the actions of the Mizzou players from that October weekend from largely older, conservative men who vehemently argued that this set the wrong example and administration officials on campus granted far too much power to players. We’ll see a legacy, and I agree with Adam Silver that more athletes will find their voice. … It hasn’t been completed, but if NASCAR and the Race Team Alliance successfully complete an agreement to establish a “charter” system providing long-term financial predictability for teams and more collaboration on rules and regulations, it would be a massive step forward for the future sustainability of the sport. That issue, along with NASCAR issuing long-term sanctioning agreements to tracks, are major milestones not to be overlooked. … The building boom. We can’t write enough about sports serving as the anchor to multiuse developments throughout North America. As long as the economy doesn’t crater, we should see innovative developments give new life to cities like Sacramento, Edmonton, Detroit, Tampa, Green Bay and in/around Atlanta. In addition, don’t overlook the planned $500 million project being overseen by David Baker in remaking the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. I am excited about the potential and promise of these projects. … Will 2015 be the year when MLS firmly staked its place in our sports landscape? I found its attendance figures (21,574 per game average) and sponsorship sales impressive. Everywhere I go, I’m asked about MLS ownership by interested investors. New market Atlanta will be a major hit, at least to start. Sacramento is out there, and so are many other cities. The audience is young and diverse. The challenge? MLS still hasn’t found a true TV audience, especially for its major events.
> IN 2015, I WAS SURPRISED BY … : The rapid rise of virtual reality and its potential in sports. I received my first demonstration in February, but it seems like VR has been here for years. Is it a long-term player? Are there monetization models, and will it be a mass-consumer product? All of that remains to be seen, but its sudden deployment as game-changing product for sports shocked me. … I was a latecomer to e-sports and have yet to experience it live. But everyone talks about it, and with major players Turner Sports and WME-IMG making a bold bet on it, we’ll see if it has legs. One caveat: In the current frightening world of random violence, are corporate brands and mainstream media companies ready to financially place their bets and sponsor the violent nature of e-sports? …The rapid ascent of Snapchat as the hot distribution platform of sports brands and properties targeting millennials. …The ratings strength of the Women’s World Cup. I know big events fueled by patriotism do well, but how many thought the Women’s World Cup Final between U.S. and Japan would draw 26.7 million viewers, making it the most viewed soccer match ever on U.S. TV? … The impact of The Players’ Tribune. I didn’t believe the Derek Jeter startup would become such a sought-after outlet by today’s top athletes, who feel comfortable telling their stories in that environment. … The departure of hard-working and passionate tennis advocate Stacey Allaster, and the WTA’s swift decision naming Steve Simon to lead the women’s tour. … The high turnover, in a short period of time, of top executives at the National Basketball Players Association. … The short tenure and negative vibe of Steve Patterson’s run as athletic director at the University of Texas. Patterson is a talented business executive, but he’s been marred by troubled runs in Portland with the Blazers and now Austin.
> IN 2016, I’LL BE WATCHING … : Few stories are as fascinating as the NFL’s potential return to Los Angeles. It’s shaping up to be a dramatic generational battle between the league’s traditional guard (Mara, Rooney, Richardson, Hunt) and the new guard (Jones, Kroenke, Snyder, Johnson). One thing to remember: Very few owners want to do anything perceived as helping the Raiders, who of course sued the league and its owners at least four times in the past. … How long can the NFL put its product at risk by officiating that seems so sub-par, arbitrary and struck by a frightened paralysis. … The sales team at NASCAR, as they try to find a replacement for Sprint, easily the most challenging deal of the year. … Security. Please let there not be any terror attack at a sports venue. … What will MLB owners decide to do with BAM Tech? … Does Gary Bettman really, truly believe in Las Vegas as a market or does he more so want to be a first mover in the market and give his owners a beefy expansion fee? … Will Yahoo Sports be gobbled up by a Verizon or AT&T? … Will Daytona Rising be embraced by traditional NASCAR fans and forever influence the race experience? … Will David Beckham (and MLS) find a stadium solution in Miami? … Can the PGA Tour build on its attractive young guns of Spieth, McIlroy, Fowler and Day? … Will the next leader of the WNBA be a woman? Does it have to be? … Does the 100th anniversary of the Indy 500 move the needle on sponsorship or interest around Indy Car?
> IN 2016, THE PEOPLE I’LL BE WATCHING: Does Larry Lucchino have another run in him? Does Ben Sutton have another business to build? Does Bill Simmons find a home — and make a big impact — at HBO? … People can’t stop asking about what George Pyne is building at Bruin Sports Capital and his plans with RedBird Capital Partners’ Gerry Cardinale and new colleague John Collins. Smart, ambitious executives with capital and ideas are ones with a long runway, and we’ll hear a lot as they build out future businesses. … Can Tim Leiweke work with Irving Azoff and create a powerful arena and facility conglomerate, or is there another, bigger role out there for him? … How Casey Wasserman uses his diplomacy skills with the crusty International Olympic Committee community to bring the Summer Games to L.A. … After reading the excellent Sports Illustrated article on the haunting personal journey of Michael Phelps, how much does he have left in Rio? And will the amazingly rooted Katie Ledecky, just the kind of good-natured humanitarian sports needs, become a household hero? I hope so.
> WE MISS … : Our company colleague and friend Daniel Shomate, a husband and father of two young boys who died in April at the age of 33. A native of Caldwell County, N.C., Daniel had a quiet wit and the smoothest lefty swing of the bat you’d ever see. He led us to multiple company championships on the softball field and was one of the most fun, kind people you’d meet. As our friend Ryan said at his funeral, Daniel was “sucker-punched by cancer. He never had a chance” after being diagnosed suddenly with mesothelioma at the start of 2015. A cruel four months later, he was gone — and we think about him all the time.
> SIGNING OFF: The entire editorial team of SportsBusiness Journal/Daily/Global wishes you Happy Holidays and healthy New Year. We appreciate your support and readership. Thank you for your ideas, comments, complaints and suggestions for the future. Keep them coming and keep caring.
On a personal note, I’m looking forward to running (well, more like finishing and celebrating) a half-marathon on Kiawah Island, S.C., with some friends followed by a weekend in Charleston. I’ll spend Christmas with three of my brothers in Scottsdale, Ariz. And after greatly enjoying “Spotlight,” I’m looking forward to catching “Creed,” “The Force Awakens,” and “Concussion.” I’ll also be eager to see how the College Football Playoff semifinals fare for viewership on New Year’s Eve.
Remember to get your daily fix of sports business over the holidays via SportsBusiness Daily and Global.
Be safe, be happy, be kind and I’ll connect back with you on Jan. 4.
Abraham D. Madkour can be reached at amadkour@sportsbusinessjournal.com.
