#Beyond the OIympics

Accroding to the author, the purpose of the sports industry of today no longer serve to solely promote that particular sport, or to promote world harmony and competition such as the Olympics Games, but instead serve as a platform for advertising, broadcasting and commercial opportunities. He cites examples such as the Premier League's proposed 39th game and the new Indian cricket league as moves motivated by individual association's desire for the possible futher revenue dervied from the sport's huge fanbase.

I agree with the author's view that the sports are now largely operational due to the immense revenue gained by commercialising the sports. Popular local sports are no longer confined to the boundaries of it countries, but instead screened on the televisions of the fans all over the world. The reason that the foreign fans are getting their weekly/daily dose of sports entertainment, is not because telecasters wants to promote that particular sports or out of the telecasters' goodwill, but due to the fact that the fans pay for the subscription. Any Leagues or franchises that claims its sole purpose of existance is to promote the sport or competition is outright lying. Reforms such as the 39th Premier League game by the Premier league possesses monetary agenda as they would stand gain income from the broadcasting rights and tickets. Many might argue that the 39th game would serve to promote the sports in foreign countries. However, i believe that the true reason behind the bold reform is to promote the sports in order to increase their fanbase for more revenue. Even the purpose of the promotion of the sports has been corrupted by the desire for wealth. Only sports for leisure, between you and me, has no other motives but for entertainment and competition. That is the true sports. Commercial sports no longer have that innocent purpose.

The pros of commercial sports far outweighs the cons. The purpose of commercial sports is to earn money but the sports do somehow indirectly promote sports due to the global exposure. Also, commercial sports allows another channel of entertainment for people who enjoy sports. Commercial sports do indeed offer coverage of professional games and entertaining sportsman. I do indulge in weekly EPL matches offered by starhub cable television, being a avid soccer fan. Furthermore, Commercial sports allows a platform for business and commercial dealings. Advertisements, transfer market, Broadcastings, Stadium Revenue etc are only some to name.

However, there are negative effects that come in different forms. The opening up of a local sports industry to the foreigners may deprived locals chances to play and thus stunting the growth of local talent. One such example is the English Premier League. Talented English players have been lacking and many attribute it to the influx of foreign talent. Also, the opening of the Indian cricket league may spell the end of the international league as players may place club before nation.

Possible future developments may include opening of several new leagues and franchises This would lead to fierce competition between very similiar leagues. One such example is the American Basketball Association (ABA) that competed with National Basketball Association(NBA), and eventually merged in 1967. However, only with the prescence of competition would lead to creative innovations. ABA invented the 3-point arc and the Slam-Dunk competition to compete with the more conservative NBA. Thus it may be a boon and a bane at the same time.