RT @ESPN_Others: International Bowl canceled: http://bit.ly/aYoUtv. I knew this would start happening. Sports Bubble’s leaking. @midmajority
RT @ESPN_Others: International Bowl canceled: http://bit.ly/aYoUtv. I knew this would start happening. Sports Bubble’s leaking. @midmajority
The International Bowl was doomed as soon as there were rules making U.S. citizens have passports for visiting Canada. Therefore, I blame Bush.
Also, considering that the Big East is merely switching affiliations to a NEW bowl, is it really fair to say the bubble is leaking?
Hmm, that’s a good point.
My prediction was that we’d see some bowls folding due to the recession. I suppose I should wait to declare vindication until there’s actually a decrease in the total number of bowls, rather than a dying bowl offsetting a new bowl.
I found Kyle Whelliston’s articles to be emotionally satisfying, but ultimately they are fundamentally flawed. Kyle makes reference to a stadium in Indianapolis built in essence for eight home games a year, with seats so expensive that only corporate bigwigs can afford them. Yet the facts are that these stadiums are used for many things throughout the year, and I would bet a large sum of money that there are more than 18,000 Lakers fans who make less than the median family income but who would nevertheless stand in line naked overnight for season tickets. The “bubble” reflects a real market, and the proof of this can be seen in other countries. For instance, does Whelliston have any idea how much Manchester United is worth, and how many millions of fans it has in Asia?
The recession may very well slow down the sports economy (witness the wholesale destruction of NBA basketball finances, as covered by Bill Simmons), but LeBron, Jordan, and Tiger didn’t get rich from some unsustainable bubble. The fundamental economics of “sportz” is irresistible and will continue to grow.