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20 Challenges Facing Pro Sports Leagues As They Attempt To Return

Darren - May 21, 2020

Lists

20 Challenges Facing Pro Sports Leagues As They Attempt To Return

Darren - May 21, 2020

5. State-By-State Differences

Each state in the US has its own individual policies for athletic competition. This does complicate the prospects of a return because they’re not all following the same playbook. For example, UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic can’t train in his home state of Ohio, but the UFC has events ongoing in Jacksonville.

Meanwhile, the MLB is even talking about moving all of their franchises to Arizona and playing out the season there. This lack of cohesion could create issues in the future. Furthermore, it’s also become a partisan issue, which is frustrating for every sports fan.

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4. Leagues With Empty Stadiums

One of the biggest challenges that leagues and sports have to contend with are empty stadiums. The lack of atmosphere totally changes the dynamic of a game. We’ve already seen this in the German Bundesliga. Meanwhile, there was controversy when FC Seoul of the Korean League filled their stadium with sex dolls.

However, the UFC has proven that it’s not all bad to have no audience because you can hear every blow and what the corners are saying. But this novelty could wear off, as will fan interest. Meanwhile, many sports teams rely heavily on gate revenue. To sum up, an empty stadium is an expensive giant to feed.

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3. Player Health & Safety

At the end of the day, players are putting their health at risk by stepping out onto the field. Even if they don’t get sick, they could pass on an illness to a vulnerable loved one. In short, this is the single biggest issue for the athletes when conversations about a return begin.

Like the rest of us, athletes have their own opinions. Some are more than happy to get back to work and make some money. However, others, like UFC fighter Rose Namajunas and England soccer international Danny Rose, refuse to return before an antidote can be found.

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2. Politics

United States President Donald Trump wants to restart sports. Obviously not him as an individual, but he wants all of the major leagues to return. However, there is one major problem with that. What Trump wants usually ends with a bunch of people on the opposite side shouting it down.

We’re not saying we agree or disagree, but there’s no doubt that the discussion of sports’ return is incredibly polarizing. When the most divisive president of the modern era gets involved, things are only going to get more complicated. As long as they don’t start drinking bleach, we’re all good.

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1. The MLB Feud

MLB players and owners have one of the tensest relationships in sports. Baseball stars are the only athletes in America’s top sports leagues without a wage cap. The new season should have started four months ago. However, the current health crisis obviously disrupted that. But players and coaches are feuding over a 50-50 wage split.

Players believe that they should get their full wages because they are the ones risking their health on the field. However, owners say they are being selfish. Many baseball franchises have furloughed non-playing staff members so there is that moral argument. In short, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be resolved any time soon.

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20 Challenges Facing Pro Sports Leagues As They Attempt To Return

20 Challenges Facing Pro Sports Leagues As They Attempt To Return

5. State-By-State Differences

4. Leagues With Empty Stadiums

3. Player Health & Safety

2. Politics

1. The MLB Feud

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