There’s a possibility your favorite NBA players might get pimped out and will end up playing b-ball on the court while rocking corporate sponsor logos!
Imagine LeBron James wearing a Disney logo on his basketball jersey, the Lakers team emblazoned with Mercedes Benz, or the Boston Celtics’ rocking a Dunkin’ Donuts logo for what might be a not-so-sweet deal.
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During the NBA lockout, NBA Commissioner David Stern told teams that not only would the players have to accept paycuts because the NBA was losing more than $300 million a year with 22 of its 30 teams in the red, but NBA owners have to consider selling sponsorships on team jerseys to raise money.
Although the owners stand to earn $15 million annually for top teams, the very idea of placing company sponsor logos on NBA uniforms is a turnoff for not just the players, but for fans as well.
“When you look at the revenue streams left available, jersey branding is the most significant that hasn’t been exploited,” says David Abrutyn, head of global consulting at sports marketing firm IMG Worldwide.
In a Forbes.com article, the main concern was the effect it would have on the players: says Steve Herz, president of IF Management. “The player ONLY has control over his shoe deal and the LEAGUE has control over the uniform.”
Ouch!
So your favorite ballers do not have a say in the matter, just like when the new dress code was implemented a few years ago for those warming the bench when not in uniform.
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On the positive note, it may mean more money for the players according to businessweek.com:
“Any money from the jerseys is not going into the owner’s pocket, I can assure you, it’s going to produce the best basketball team they can.” The players, for their part, are not likely to complain, because they would be entitled to a share of the extra revenue. Plus, sponsorship money doesn’t come out of fans’ pockets.
Whew! With the price of beer and popcorn on top of ticket prices, that leaves us the fans in the clear.
Tell us, will it make a difference if your players are wearing corporate logos or not?
