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Post being replied to

a couple of responses by jt

1) I disagree with much of what you say regarding the popularity of football and the future of the game. Your post might have started with "I wonder" but then the statements you make seem to indicate that you're speaking with certainty. Of course the NFL is going to be hurt financially due to the virus (so will any business) but they have television contracts coming in that will (for them) hopefully recoup many of the losses.

2) I find your knowledge of baseball limited; they've had massive issues with marketing their best stars over the past few years, which is odd given how many games they play, how easy it would be to give these guys exposure, etc. They are nothing like basketball and not really even football when it comes to marketing. The union is strong and that has led to strong, guaranteed contracts (which football does not have) but the endorsement deals pale in comparison to NBA guys (as an example). Also, while you might be a fan of their "system" of pro vs. college, they certainly aren't as they are in the process of dismantling much of their minor league system. College baseball also only gives (at maximum) 11.7 scholarships for 35 players and they have very little paid full time staff. It's a struggle to say the least.

You can talk about the latino stars all you want, and I agree that the sport is thriving in Latin America and I am happy for that. With that said, there isn't going to be as many avenues for those guys to make it anymore starting pretty soon, and they don't do a good job of marketing those top stars anyway. Baseball is the third most popular sport by a pretty wide margin.

For the record, I love baseball and I enjoy watching the games. I have several friends working in the game at various levels, including MLB, and none of them share your rosey outlook. Now, hopefully you're right and the game is in great shape.