It is very interesting to note the developments taking place with the National Premier League (NPL). In April of 2006 I outlined a vision for the professionalising of sports (football included) in Jamaica and what is now happening with the NPL is a step in the right direction. Giving clubs more power is the sort of thing I envisioned.
I am however curious as to whether the league will still feature promotion and relegation as usual or will there be a fixed number of teams. The reason for my curiosity is that there is a current need to build a 'brand'. Having a system of promoting teams to the league and regulating teams from the league could affect the leagues 'brand'. Why do I say this? The NPL is getting a significant amount sponsorship over the next three years, but as was stated by the Chairman of the PLCA "football will still be in a fragile condition" and therefore the league ( or the PLCA) has to now look at other sources of revenue. Merchandising and television are the usual suspects and of course there are many other sources. But for merchandising and television to really contribute to football the product has to be good. That is why I would suggest moving away from the system of promotion and regulation, at least until the financial condition of football improves, to a situation where there are a fixed number of teams and the same teams so that the quality of the football product and the brand can be controlled. My proposal would also help with the development or improvement of the football infrastructure as well. Let us say that under the current system a NPL club from Portland get a new mini stadium but are relegated at the end of the season and no other club from Portland get promoted to the NPL. What happens to that stadium? What also if that club was one of the biggest contributors to merchandising revenue, gate receipts etc.? Further, what if a club from Manchester get promoted and they don't have a proper stadium. This will be certain to affect the football product and also the NPL brand. And the scenario would likely repeat itself many times over.
These are just my views I don't know if you my readers will agree.
p.s. Does the PLCA also plan to involve ISSA in its current plans? I reckon they would be a key stakeholder.
No comments:
Post a Comment