13-05-2015, 21:07
I don't know much about the workings of NFL, but isn't it effectively a whole different case because it's completely unchallenged and unrivalled as a professional league within its sport (i.e. there are no other American Football leagues in the world which could tempt players away from NFL)? They can get away with stuff like salary caps because the superstars of NFL and NBA aren't going to hop over to the German NFL or Italian NBA for bigger bucks. Plus, in football we've got the extra competitive aspect of continental club championships (I know MLS ultimately wants to outdo the Mexican league in CONCACAF tournaments) and international competition (again, the US will ideally be aiming to really make a mark at a World Cup within the next generation or so).
When the whiff of big money comes, I'm not sure the ideals of the more insular, isolated American sports will hold in firm in US football.
When the whiff of big money comes, I'm not sure the ideals of the more insular, isolated American sports will hold in firm in US football.
"I would rather spend a holiday in Tuscany than in the Black Country, but if I were compelled to choose between living in West Bromwich or Florence, I should make straight for West Bromwich." - J.B. Priestley