It’s official. Tiger Woods announced on his website that he will begin his comeback from the personal mega-bogey that derailed his professional career for four months. Ben Roethlisberger is still fighting a sexual assault charge, his second such fumble in three years. Four University of Oregon football players have been in trouble with the law…
Minor League Teams and Social Media
Q: Can Minor League Teams Build Social Media Followings? Recently, Sports Networker reader Todd E. Jones wrote in with a great question. He asked, “Do you think it is possible to use social media to build or grow a fan base for a minor league sports team? A few hundred or even a couple thousand…
Another First for The Garden: Hockey in 3D
Tonight’s New York Rangers vs New York Islanders matchup at Madison Square Garden will be unlike any other in the long-standing rivalry. While the “Potvin sucks” chants, a look back in time, will be prevalent for the Isles visit, the theater at Madison Square Garden will hold a special eye into the first ever 3D…
Now is the Best Time to be a Sports Fan
As some of you may know I’m a huge basketball fan and I live in the UK. A few years ago this meant following the NBA could be difficult at times. It often resulted in struggling to stay awake at work or school after staying up until 4 a.m. the previous night to watch a…
3 Points for Paying College Athletes
Lately, sports news has been resurrecting the age-old question of whether or not college athletes should be paid. Many wonder if paying college athletes would forever change the nature of the game. A lot of fans say they’d rather watch college sports; somehow they think it’s devoid of politics and the almighty dollar so prevalent…
Budgets are for Cowards! How to Fight Back
Every account executive in sports sales would be rich if they had a nickel for every time they’ve heard “It’s Not In The Budget” this year. It’s the all-purpose excuse for the new normal. After all, it’s an easy out for the prospect; how can any rep argue with a budget that they can’t see?…
NCAA’s Best PR Campaign: March Madness
I’m banging my hands against my head as one of my favorite NCAA basketball teams turns the ball over …again. The Big Dance, March Madness, the NCAA Tournament … it’s begun in a big way! There’s not a neater publicity package that exists than the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. CBS Sports, the event’s…
Leverage Agency Named Sports Business Awards 2010 Finalist
Congratulations to our friends at Leverage Agency for being named finalists in the 2010 Sports Business Awards. They were nominated for a “Best in Best in Property, Consulting, Sales and Client Services,” along with four other companies. The awards show is being hosted by SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily for the third year and will…
Why Sports Professionals Must Attend Conferences
Have you ever attended a sports conference? Most sports professionals who have know how valuable they are. Things change when you meet people face to face. I don’t know how the chemicals in our bodies transform when we actually see how someone looks, listen to the sound of their voice, touch their hand when we…
Show Me the Money: Business of Football
“Show me the money”, was perhaps the most remembered line from the classic movie Jerry Maguire, delivered by Cuba Gooding Jr., who played a talented, over-zealous football player, waiting for the right contract. Besides the cross-fire of personal character dynamics in the movie, it brought to light the stark reality that football really is a…
Interview with Jerry Walker, NFL Replay Communicator
Matt Crevin, host of “Voice of the Box” interviews Jerry Walker. Jerry is the former PR Director for the San Francisco 49ers and current NFL Replay Communicator. Jerry discusses his PR background and keys to breaking into the world of PR. Jerry is the owner of four Super Bowl rings with the 49ers and is…
$ign of the Time$, Part 1
Some call it a sign of the times or the new “Revenue Era” in baseball. All major sports teams are in search of revenue streams or new ways to maximize current ones. Without a salary cap, Major League Baseball teams have been thriving with activity. One piece to the new revenue is puzzle has been…
Work in Sports: 6 Tips to Get Ahead
Graduating from your undergraduate institution in April or May and want to break into the business of sports (particularly in the representation of athletes) but have no idea where to start? Here’s a list of options. There is no “right” path to success, but the following list provides some insight into ways that you can…
Sports Professionals Networking Event: Buenos Aires
During my stay in Argentina I have had a number of Sports Networkers looking to meet up. Since I’m only here for a few more days before I leave for SXSW I decided to put together a Sports Networker meet up in Buenos Aires to bring together some of the best minds in the industry….
Sports Debate: What Athletes Should Be Using Social Media?
Question: Who can benefit more from social media: small-time or big-time athletes? Ryan: My initial reaction is small time athletes and big-time athletes once their career is in a decline. I will start with the argument for small-time athletes. Upper echelon and mainstream athletes already have significant followings. Many have endorsement deals, sell tons of…
Sports Business Weekly Buzz
Bob Arum Says Deal Reached For Yankee Stadium To Host June Bout Top Rank Chair Bob Arum Thursday night said that Yankee Stadium will host a June 5 bout between Yuri Foreman and Miguel Cotto, according to Dave Skretta of the AP. Yankee Stadium could hold 30,000-35,000 fans for Foreman-Cotto bout. (www.sportsbusinessdaily.com) LPGA renews Blue…