What’s up with Beckham?

David Beckham is a great player but he is no Pele. Pele started the soccer craze in the late 70’s in the United States and Canada and I believe he ended it when he retired from playing. One of the popularities of the Cosmos was its’ owner Warner Communications. They used their assets to promote Pele and the game. When Warner decided to get out of the soccer business and Pele retired the NASL, demise was not far behind. The MLS is the 5th major sport in the United States it has already claimed that footing. It just needs to be patient and convince more players like Beckham to come play here and the sport will thrive. MLS needs to jazz it up a bit just like Steve Ross did when Warner Communications ran the Cosmos. Bring back the dancers, bugs bunny, concerts and the celebrity sightings at games. David Beckham’s drama is good for the game. It’s getting the sport off of the sport pages and into the mainstream media. It’s all about television and internet now, the day of the newspaper sports section is over. The public relations gurus at the MLS offices in New York City are in no hurry for the Beckham drama to be over.

LPGA HEADED for a BIG CHANGE

When the economy changed last September all companies needed to change their focus and strategy. The LPGA needs to do the same. This economy crunch has hit everyone one way or another and it’s about to hit the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour. They need to lower their purse which means less money for the golfers. They need to lower their sponsorship packages so it’s more affordable for mid size companies. They also need to get more creative with sponsors. The LPGA golfers are very friendly, approachable and are some of the most respected and professional of all of the major sports athletes. They need to exploit those characteristics now more than ever and sponsors will flock to them if it’s priced right. The new LPGA commissioner needs to be a marketing person and a deal maker and the LPGA will be just fine.

NLL Commish Right Man for the Job

George Daniel was named Commissioner of the National Lacrosse League today and is the right man to lead the league in the future. George was the Deputy Commissioner and was instrumental in building the league to where it is today. He was the architect of many of the strides the league made over the last ten years and the league will continue to grow under his leadership. He is and was the brains behind the league’s television and labor deals the league has made over the years. With George at the helm, the NLL continues to be a great value for it’s’ team owners and future owners. Lacrosse is growing by leaps and bounds and will continue many years to come.