UFC’s Recent Moves Shows More Business Savvy Than Some Give Credit For…

August 2, 2009 by Joe Favorito · Leave a Comment 

Many people can criticize the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, but one thing that cannot be criticized is the continuing rise in business savvy of the UFC. Friday was a great example of how far the “NFL of MMA” has come. In their usual fashion, the UFC announced well, probably way too far in advance, that they had a “big announcement and press conference set for this past Friday. The hype machine had the much anticipated Fedor Emalianenko vs. Brock Lesnar fight finally signed, a heavyweight battle which would lift MMA more into the mainstream with big fight buildup worthy of two crossover athletes, one American, one Russian. However the day came and went, and the press conference went off with its own news, news that was not the hyped up and teased announcement the sport had hoped for. Instead, White announced the return of former UFC star to the organization, and talked very candidly and at length about the problems as to why the Fedor-Lesnar fight did not happen. White talked at length about the issue’s with Fedor’s management team and the large purse and concessions being demanded, and sent a strong message not just to those in the MMA business, but those watching the MMA business, especially the UFC business, who are interested but not yet involved. The message was that the UFC has the business savvy to know what a good deal for all involved, especially financially for the UFC, is, and that with their current success the cost/benefit of going over that at this time does not make good business sense. It is a departure from the free wheeling spending in exchange for buzz that has slowed MMA’s potential outside the UFC, and even more interesting is it seems to avoid the pratfalls of overspending, alphabet soup and mismanagement that has severely hurt boxing in recent years. It also was a great move by the UFC to take the stage and turn the messaging squarely against the Fedor Management team, especially for the casual observer. Does it mean that the UFC will not get its dream matchup at some point? No. It does mean that the UFC knows its business, its negotiation tactics that work and its audience and by being the only player in professional MMA they have sent a clear message that they can dictate the correct business terms for success, which if you are a brand or a media partner looking to invest, maybe you are now closer to working with them. Well positioned, well thought out, and well timed.

US Open Plays The Green Card Very Well

August 28, 2008 by Joe Favorito · Leave a Comment 

Almost every sports organization in the United States is playing the “going green” campaign to show community awareness, but this week the USTA has taken advantage of the world’s largest stage for the sport…the US Open…to launch an immense series of iniatives within the organization and on the grounds of the world’s largest sporting event.  The results of the plan…everything from “green” t-shirts designed by Billie Jean King and Heidi Klum to free MetroCards for asking conservation questions to a big effort to recycle trash and use alternative fuels, was summed up in a press conference Wednesday and got the event coverage away from the (blue) courts, ranging from AP and USA Today to the Daily News, Newsday and  a host of enivironmental blogs which normally would not be covering the event.  Well thought out, well pitched, great tie-ins with business partners, a grand slam of a plan.

O’s Give Fans 50,000 Reasons To Have Pride

August 20, 2008 by Joe Favorito · Leave a Comment 

Oriole Park at Camden Yards has been a baseball showplace and a landmark stadium for a baseball revival in the U.S.  However in recent years the problems putting a competitive team on the field has seen attendance drop.  Despite the on field issues, the emergence of the Nationals into the greater marketplace and the apathy by fans during parts of the Angelos Era, the Orioles have continued to find ways to remain part of the community and give their fans added value.  The latest example was this week, when the O’s honored their 50 millionth fan with $50,000 as part of a week long celebration of support.    The 50 mil was significant because it marked the fastest ever for a stadia to reach 50 million fans, although 50 million took some great spinning and opportunism by the O’s to create a fairly innocuous number into an event.  100 million?, 10 million?  All are naturals.  But 50 million is a nice round number in a so-so season that got the Orioles some extra coverage and give-back to their loyal fans.  Nice job.

Another Major Record In A Minor League Town…

August 4, 2008 by Joe Favorito · Leave a Comment 

Once again we have to credit  Ben Hill of milb.com for finding the unusual both on and off the field as minor league baseball teams hit the dog days of summer and search for ways to get exposure and lure fans.  This time he found the Class A Midwest league Kane County Cougars, who attempted and succeeded to break the record for the world’s largest pillow fight.  The event had over 3,500 participants, tied in a local bedding company, got the kids involved in a fun activity and extended the night for concessions and media coverage.  Nice idea, well planned and self sufficient with little to no overhead.   Once again could this be done at a higher level of play?  Our guess is the liability factor alone could be a deal killer, but for the lower minor leagues its a home run.