Ages ago, playing sports was about playing a game. Technology changed everything. With the democratization of sport coverage expanding from local pitches, to radio play to television, to the internet, and to your iDevice salaries have expanded logarithmically. Athletes not only earn salaries, but many double and triple their income with promotional arrangements.
Today, in the NBA finals, two of the top salaried professionals tip off. Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. Twenty million dollars vs Twenty one million dollars. Today`s NBA story has all the drama. It is Game 7, Staple Centre. LA is reaching for its 16th NBA Banner, Boston for its 18th. LA has the edge. Home court advantage, Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson’s indomitable playoff record, and a possible return appearance of Christina Aguilera to sing the national anthem. Boston has youth in Rajon Rondo, experience in Kevin Garnett, and excellence in Paul Pierce.
Today in South Africa, once past the noise of the vuvuzelas (available from your local dollar store), you will find the elite of the footy world. Thirty two countries qualified for the World Cup. Eleven starters per team. That is just over three hundred and fifty players. Most of these players are in the Premier and La Liga money leagues and play for the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea. According to ESPN, the most exciting players in the World Cup include Messi from Argentina, Ronaldo of Portugal, Wayne Rooney of England, Kaka from Brazil and Xavi of Spain. Based on information from the Portuguese website Futebol Finance representing the top fifty soccer salaries, Kaka tops the salary list at nine million euros (just over eleven million U.S. dollars), Ronaldo is eighth and Rooney twelfth. Interestingly, two of the most exciting players: Messi and Xavi are not on the list.
With ubiquitous fan access, signing the megastars to mega-deals has been great for sport. The megastars inspire youthful successors, sell seats, jerseys, and expand sponsor endorsement funding. The funds support the ability to pay the rest of the team, expenses, and make capital projects possible. Cheer on, buy tickets and jerseys. Enjoy your remunerable moment!
