The current recession and global economic crisis has filtered into every aspect of society and culture. Sluggish retail sales have triggered further sales to consumers who are cutting all unnecessary fat in their family budgets. Sports are not immune from downswings in the economy. While the pro franchises have yet to feel the effects, many smaller sports organizations are dependant on strong, stable economic growth. Let’s face it, sports is a big time business.
Take the Atlanta Silverbacks, for example. In November, the Silverbacks Men announced they will sit out of the 2009 season “due to the state of the economy and the potential of an MLS team coming to [Atlanta]” according to their web site.
The implications of an MLS team coming to Atlanta could fare to be both beneficial and detrimental. An MLS team benefits the fans and the harvesting of young soccer talent. Soccer has long been a third-tier sport among Southerners already consumed with the basic food groups of football, baseball, and [God love them] NASCAR.
The harm a MLS team could bring includes the fazing out of the Silverback organization which as been a positive soccer force in the greater Atlanta community since 1995. One has to wonder in a region where soccer is not king, can Atlanta market support both a major league and minor league soccer club? The Silverbacks do not seem to think so. Expect an announcement from MLS in early 2009 to the future of the soccer team in Atlanta. Arthur Blank with newfound Falcons’ success can only keep his fingers crossed.
The Silverbacks’ may see a similar fate of the Seattle Sounders who disbanded with the 2007 announcement of the new MLS club, the Seattle Sounders FC (Note: Soccer superfan Drew Carey is part owner of the Sounders). With the expected MLS announcement and the dismissal of the Silverbacks, one can only add together that MLS will select Atlanta for expansion.
And who’s to stop Arthur Blank? He has capital, a large market, and political clout. If he can build a stadium, there will be no stopping him. (I, for one, welcome MLS with open arms as someone who so desperately wants a soccer team to cheer on). The burden rests on the Silverbacks who are already battling hard times. An MLS club means a recession will not be the only thing on the minds of minor league soccer clubs. Minor league clubs are important for an economy and the livelihood of a sport so remember to support them just as your would any small business.
After all, Sports is big business and the big fish usually swallows the small one.
Monday, December 15, 2008
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