Welcome to Philadelphia, Sixers Owners
Tommy Garvin
By Keith AllisonA few months ago, I wrote about how it didn't matter who owns the 76ers because the NBA is dead. I'm not shying away from that assertion. The NBA is dead to many. Does anyone care that this lockout may go on until January?
But, when the new Sixers ownership was approved and the official announcement made, this group seems to actually care about the fans of the sport, which is refreshing. No more Ed Snider focusing too much on hockey. And, way to go, New Guys for showing Stefanski the door. So while the NBA may be dead or dying, the Sixers are getting a little life breathed back into them.
Don't get me wrong--this new group has a very, very tall mountain to climb. And, in all honesty, for the time being, Sixers fans will have to settle for a team that is competitive, but not really getting anywhere. The fact is, players are not chomping at the bit to come to Philadelphia. But that can change, and will as Doug Collins--Stefanski's one bright move--gets this team to where it needs to be.
I'm optimistic about the Sixers for the first time in a long time.
Now about the NBA being dead. I am a huge fan of this lockout. Huge. I think one of the major sports has to stand up and be the example for how the inmates running the asylum is not a way to run a business. Player salaries have gotten out of control, in my opinion. Now don't misunderstand me--I'm talking about the NBA being the example, not making an example out of NBA players. I see nothing wrong with players making a decent chunk of change to be on the road 41 times a year at least; to be practicing and continually getting better at their craft; and to carry the pressure of being a successful team. However, I do see things wrong with players wanting more than half the profits. I think I do a decent job at my company. I am not asking for more than half the profits. If players want the profits above and beyond their salaries, become minority owners or something.
I wouldn't mind seeing the lockout go all year. The problem with that is that there is enough disinterest in the NBA right now that letting it go too long could hurt when it needs people to return to the arenas. But, they will return. And, it's almost like the new owners are thinking about how when they talk about making the games affordable to attend.
So, who cares who owns the Sixers? The NBA is dead. But oddly enough, I'm looking into partial season tickets.
Reader Comments (2)
I almost agree with the inflated salaries, but the players have a right to collective bargain. What might seem like greed is the price to pay to be at an apex of a field. Any season is still business for the owners and I think the players know it. Everyone has plenty of money, so 50% isn't so bad as long as they make a deal. They can make money filling up the arenas, selling goods, and ads. There is a ton of money to be made, especially if teh NBA goes global, which I think it will.
I am not sure I am ready to watch a 10,000,000 dollar a year player in any sport anymore. I will watch them on tv, but the occasional game is all I want of professional sports. America has wasted too much time and money over the past 40 years on pro sports. The lock out, everyone has had one lately, is just a another sign of the greed and ridiculous nature of the prices people pay for sporting events. I am all for fun and tailgating and even escaping for a few hours, but there is better things we can spend our money on.
In the end, the customer should be always thought about. When they lose games, including the NFL, it is a smack in the face of the fans who support the league. Whether there is a lockout or not, the fans should boycott the game because we are no longer even in the equation. Even when we made all these millionaires.
Good piece and I do hope to take my kids to a Sixers game one day. We had a great history of players.
I agree with you about the sixers. I think the ownership change is a positive move and if Doug Collins can get some star power or develop a young talent into one, then we'll be in competition with the league's best.
To the lockout, I really could care less when the season starts. I think the sports seasons are all way too long anyway. I'd like to watch the sixers soon, but if it does happen for awhile, I won't be upset.