Quote:
Originally posted by DeltaSigStan
ESPN has said two things of note: Too many teams dilute the talent, and the league needfs to market stars instead of teams. Do you agree?
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I disagree. I don't think teams need to market stars. Sure it will be bring in new fans, but I think it will only do that for a short period of time. You have a few great players and non-fans are like woo-hoo!! Superstar athlete endorsing Nike! I want to be like him, but they still won't udnerstand or appreciate the game.
If you want teams with stars you need to get rid of the goon players who don't produce. Then you have teams filled with goal scores and exciting talented players and the get rid of the fighting that detracts for the game.
Alos having teams with a bunch of star players does nothing. Look at the New York Rangers. They have/had tons of star players (Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Eric Lindros to name a few) and the biggest payroll of any NHL team and what has it gotten them...dick all! The problem is star plyers play for themself and not the team. The do whatever they want and because they "fill seats" (not always) teams keep them around. Well fans want to see their team in the Stanley Cup finals. Not some jack ass player who makes millions of bucks and does nothing.
Another thing is get a commisioner who knows the game (this should be applied to all sports). get someone who is experienced in marketing and promotions and not some lawyer, who can really market the game, someone who's knowledgable and knows what old fans want but also can attract new fans.
ETA: Also, if you want new fans you have to start at the grassroots level. You need to get the kids involved in the game. Put them in houseleagues, get rep teams going. Take the kids out to watch minor league, Jr. A level games.