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The 400 wealthiest Americans “are worth a combined $1.5 trillion ($3.8 billion each, on average), up 12% from a year ago, according to FORBES’ annual survey of the richest people in America. An “alltime-high 70% are self-made, up from 55%” in ’97. Among newcomers to the list this year were Clippers Owner Donald Sterling, who makes his debut “thanks to rising real estate prices” in L.A. and Orange County, “where he owns 10,000 apartment units.” Fenway Sports Group Owner John Henry also joined the list for the first time. Angels Owner Arte Moreno, NASCAR/IndyCar team Owner Roger Penske and Bulls and Yankees stakeholder Lester Crown were among those dropping off the list from ’10. Listed below are billionaires with interests in sports from the ’11 Forbes 400 list (FORBES, 10/10 issue).

A Link to the List: http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2011/10/06/Research-and-Ratings/Forbes-sports.aspx

Some notable names on the list include Warren Buffet, Larry Ellison, Phil Knight, Paul Allen, Rupert Murdoch, Rich DeVos, John Malone, Charles Johnson, Steven Ross, Mark Cuban, etc…..

NOTES: * = Anschutz’ properties under the AEG umbrella include ownership of the NHL Kings, MLS Galaxy, Dynamo, AHL Manchester Monarchs and ECHL Ontario Reign. AEG also owns stakes in the Lakers, WNBA Sparks and ECHL Reading Royals. AEG owns various arenas around the world, including Staples Center, the proposed Farmers Field, The Home Depot Center and Manchester Evening News Arena. ** = Kroenke Sports Enterprises owns the Rams, EPL club Arsenal, MLS Rapids and NLL Colorado Mammoth. Kroenke passed ownership of the Avalanche and Nuggets to his son Josh to satisfy terms of the Rams’ purchase. *** = MSG Inc. properties include Madison Square Garden, TV channels (MSG, MSG+, MSG Varsity), the Knicks, NHL Rangers, WNBA Liberty and AHL Connecticut Whale. ^ = Rich Entertainment operates the Triple-A Int’l League Buffalo Bisons, Double-AA Texas League Arkansas Travelers and Single-A N.Y.-Penn League Jamestown Jammers. ^^ = FSG properties include the Red Sox, Fenway Park, EPL club Liverpool, Anfield stadium, the Single-A Carolina League Salem Red Sox, an 80% stake in NESN and a 50% stake in NASCAR’s Roush Fenway Racing team.

“When you talk about adding value, from a media standpoint, the Boise States and the Utahs add very little”

Barry Frank, IMG Media Consultant

This statement was made in the January 25, 2010 edition of the Sports Business Journal. The article was in regards to the revenue distribution system of the BCS (Bowl Championship Series) and whether it needed to be adjusted.

The summary of the article leaves the conclusion that there will not be a playoff system in college football in the near future. Reason: There is too much money involved and potentially lost if adjustments are made. The negotiation of the BCS TV rights deal and future negotiations are at the center of the disparity debate.

“Those teams have certainly performed well, but you’re talking about adding value. The real question is whether including those conferences when you negotiate a TV contract adds to the willingness of the network to increase the bid. I don’t think we’ve seen evidence that that’s true.”

Harvey Perlman, Chancellor-University of Nebraska, Chairman-BCS Presidential Oversight Committee

The issue here is whether the WAC and Mountain West conference champions (Ex. Boise State and TCU) should get the same payout distribution preferences as the Florida’s, Alabama’s, and USC’s in BCS rankings (or rather the SEC, PAC-10, etc..). Mr. Perlman’s issue is whether ESPN would pay the NCAA $125 million a year for the BCS TV rights if these conferences are given the same consideration as the other conferences. The answer is no.

Although Boise State and TCU were both undefeated this past season, they would not draw the amount of viewers that a Florida vs. USC provide. When that happens, ESPN cannot get a competitive rate from advertisers. As a rights holder, ESPN’s goal is to make over the $125 million paid by selling advertising. Ex. Would a Coca-Cola pay $750,000 for a 40-sec. ad spot during a Boise State vs. Utah game? The answer is no. This is no reflection on those teams and its players. It has everything to do with viewership. They play no games on national TV during the regular season. Therefore no relationship is established between these conference teams and college football fans. 

This leads the TSR staff to the conclusion that there will not be a playoff system in the near of distant future. Money and viewership seems to have a strong grip on the decision making process, which is not surprising.

“Sports, it’s more than just excitement and fun. There is a business component involved.”

TSR Staff

This is written to assist those at the final step of the hiring process, the interview. During the interview, expect the interviewer to ask questions where the answers are found in your Resume/CV. At the conclusion of the interview comes the popular closing query, “Do you have any questions for us?”

To stand out amongst the other interviewees, your competition, take the interview to a place the interviewer would not expect you to go. Appear to be more than just a thrill-seeker looking to work in the glamorized Sports Industry. Interviewers are aware of the great demand for the employment opportunities their companies promote to the general public. This means that you have to be exceptional and be unique.

Know more about the position than the words posted in the job description. Understand the “health” or “sickness” of the industry the company is grouped in. Be familiar with the competitors, their products, and how they operate. Do you have ideas for a Mobile solution the company can undertake? Use your creative mind to suggest products and services the company should offer in the near future. If you come prepared to discuss that above then you will show your potential employer an awareness of INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE.

Industry Knowledge is critical. Most employees are now expected to add more to their positions and the company than that contained in the job description. The depth of knowledge of its employees is extremely important to the growth and survival of a company. It allows the company to time trends in the market and successfully adapt. 

Extensive knowledge of the industry will also allow you to control the interview. Your grasp of Industry Knowledge should make your Resume/CV will rise to the top of the competitive pile. However, remember not to come across as arrogant but insightful.

The best source of the business side of the Sports Industry (Industry Knowledge) is the Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal. This magazine is published weekly. It provides in depth analysis of Labor, Sponsorships, Finance, and other issues related to the business side of the Sports Industry.  Use this publication to add to the Value proposition you will provide during the interview.