Interviews & Articles
Millsport's senior sports business executives are available for interviews, commentary, and analysis on a number of sports marketing and sponsorship topics. To arrange an interview, please contact Chris Anderson at (214) 259-3290.
Report: Cuban considers role in new football league
May 31, 2007
Report: Cuban considers role in new football leagueDallas Business Journal
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is part of a group of investors considering starting a new football league, according to an Associated Press report Thursday.
Cuban, via an e-mail, told the AP that he and the others involved think there is more demand for pro football than supply.
Cuban is the only potential owner for what the founders believe will be an eight- team league, the AP reported. The league will play its games on Friday nights and compete with the NFL for players not drafted by the second round, the AP said.
Cuban, via his e-mail, told the wire service that the NFL's salary cap would make it easier for his new league because lower-level players taken by the NFL are usually left with lower salaries.
Cuban, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.
On his Web blog, Cuban asked the question: "Is it crazy to compete with the NFL?"
He answered his own question, saying, "I don't think so. Here is why:"
Among his reasons was a demand for top level professional football, the NFL wants and needs competition and the fact that there are a lot of markets "that are bigger than some current NFL markets that do not have teams that would love to have a pro football team."
Cuban also said it would make a great TV product.
But those in the sports marketing world doubt such a venture will have much success.
"Put simply: It can't succeed in the fall," said Darin David, director of Millsport, a sports marketing subsidiary of The Marketing Arm in Dallas. "Fans already have their plates full and are happy with the NFL product. I think the new league too easily dismisses the power of college football in general and high school and college games on Friday nights when most consumers have other entertainment options, as well. NFL and college teams have loyal fan bases that won't easily switch to a new league."
Bill Glenn, vice president for insights and analytics at The Marketing Arm, called the venture somewhat of a David and Goliath scenario.
"It's not the first time an upstart league has tried to challenge the NFL," he said. "My initial thought is that it's destined to fail. But there's the 'Cuban factor' to consider. Like anything else, the quality of the product will ultimately make or break the league."
