FORBES magazine has just released its latest annual list of the 400 Richest Americans. On this list, 22 are representatives of the Sports Industry. It appears that the addition of a new stadium, ballpark, or arena will increase their net worth by at least $500 million. A Regional Sports Network (RSN) will also bring in additional revenue for the organization (Ex. YES Network-NY Yankees).

The only deceptive part of the net worth calculations for the “Sports Owners” is that many of their organizations are saddled with debt. We also have two of the most popular leagues (NFL, NBA) potentially locking-out its players in 2011. In addition, many teams have cut the prices of their tickets and some were even subjected to blackouts due to not selling out home games.

The title speaks volumes. We want to reiterate the atmosphere facing those seeking Sports-Industry employment opportunities. The glamour that attaches to the athlete participants does not transcend to those working in administration and management.

The TSR staff wants all candidates to understand that it takes years to develop a niche in the Sports Industry. Once a niche is developed you can then command top-dollar for your services. Remember, most companies associated with the Sports-Industry are nothing more than small businesses (Including the Pro-Sports franchises), generating an average of $60 million annually in revenue. The exception would be the retail companies (NIKE, Adidas, Under Armour, PUMA, etc..) and media companies (ESPN/Disney, Fox/News Corp).

As Mark Cuban stated in MAJOR LEAGUE ENTREPRENEURS, “Start Low…….” Your 1st entry into this industry may be in ticket sales. If you are talented enough to sell “season-tickets” for the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers (post-LeBron), the sky is the limit for you.

Remember to:

a. Focus on building your sales and presentation skills 

b. Understand the economics of the specific Sports discipline you are pursuing for employment (Professional football, basketball, soccer, track & field, etc…).

In closing, always remain optimistic. You will initially put in long hours with little pay, but we want you to see your career 10-15 years ahead…….   -TSR staff

Many have criticized the method, but the LeBron James ESPN announcement was good for the NBA. The pre-announcement fan and media anticipation and attention was like no other seen by this league since the playing days of Michael Jordan.

You had public officials (NY City Mayor Michael Bloomberg included) lobbying for the services of Mr. James. Some cities even posted billboards with LeBron featured wearing the local teams’ jersey.

However, the entire spectacle generated a lot of attention for the league itself. I don’t recall a time in history where the NBA generated as much attention immediately after its championship series.

When NBA training camps open in mid-October, do not be surprised if more South Florida football fans start to tune in to the NBA(Dolphin fans switching their attention to the HEAT maybe?) in large numbers. Maybe the production of this event can narrow the $400 million in losses the league is set to experience this season (According to published sources).

NOTE: Reported that the Miami Heat has just fired its entire ticket-sales staff.

FORBES magazine has released its latest report on Major League Baseball team values. The New York Yankees are listed as the most valuable team at $1.6 billion. Winning the World Series and playing in a new stadium probably played a role in the Yankees 7% increase in net worth from the previous year. 

The MLB team with the lowest value is the Pittsburgh Pirates. According to FORBES, the Pirates earned $15.6 million in ’09. However, they received $40 million in revenue sharing from their counterparts. According to FORBES, the Pirates are worth $289 million. Ironically, they are hosting an upcoming Career Fair on April 16, 2010. Maybe some of its new employees can bring some spark to the organization.