One of the biggest challenges in a crisis is getting all spokespeople on the same page. Regardless of the message, releasing the bigger picture information, positively or negatively, and having that information be consistent is a great show of solid planning. Such was the recent case with the WNBA and the demise of the Houston Comets.Arena Football League has faced an even bigger crisis…one of suspending play for an entire season as it reorganizes. It has been a bizarre few months for the league, going from the unexpected resignataion of Dan Baker and the folding of one of its best franchises from a business standpoint, the New Orleans Voodoo, to this week's feeding of the rumor mill. Now the league has put out the correct broad statements with regard to action or inaction going forward, all tempered with the correct mix of guarded optimism while a final plan to play or not play is arrived at. The real issue has come at the team level, where some like the Orlando Predators are conducting business as usual and looking forward and supportive, while others like Kansas City speak out about shutting down and suspending operations.? While none of these decisions and statements can be made in a vacuum, the conflicting messages do not help the league at this crucial time, and it shows the lack of consistentcy that many second tier sports often face.Until that time, the league office remains trying to almost fight as the teams scramble for position, positively or negatively, feeding a rumor mill which will only do the brand more harm than good. Hopefully out of the solution is a more streamlined and cooperative and forward thinking group at the team level, which will match the level of competence and proactivity the league offices have put forward in growing the AFL into a recognizable and to this point very worthy brand.
Other good reads…another take on the AFL situation is put forth in Toronto, as a potential stoppage with the AFL could be a boon in some ways for the CFL, which is coming off a better season with its business retooling. While football takes its hits on the business side this week, the UFC continues to build its brand with a trip to help the troops…Sam Caplan has a good look at the UFC effort and some other upcoming oppts for MMA, which has had its own financial issues in the last six months…the New York Times has a great piece today on Ken Mink, the oldest college hoopster, at age 73 playing for Lambuth University…as many print publications continue to struggle, Ad Age has a good piece on how the Cablevision/Newsday partnership may enhance the paper's growing digital presence…and.Medi.Post also has a good piece on the definition of durable brands and how the sustain in tough times.
