Sunday, Apr 26, 2020 3:16 PM
The governor of New York state on Sunday raised the possibility of allowing sporting events to take place again, but behind closed doors to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
“We want to allow the sport to restart, so that people have an activity to watch on television,” Andrew Cuomo explained at his daily press conference.
“What sports can work without an audience?” He asked. Which sports can be economically viable without having to sell tickets in their stadiums or halls? “
All sports leagues and championships, whether professional or amateur, have been on a standstill in the United States since mid-March, with very few exceptions.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), the leading organizer of professional wrestling events, has been licensed to operate in Florida.
Several American racetracks, especially in Florida, also continue to organize races, without an audience.
None of the major sports leagues in the United States have yet announced a resume date.
“It’s not my job. I don’t know the financial data, ”Andrew Cuomo warned.
But if a league can be profitable without box office revenues while generating revenues from broadcast rights, “the premise is not the same.”
“Be creative. Try to find a solution, ”he urged, explaining that he spoke to sports leaders.
“If the players can earn more than staying at home and the owners (of clubs) can make a turnover rather than nothing at all, why not?” Said the governor. I would like to see that. “
According to Andrew Zimbalist, professor of sports economics at Smith College in Massachusetts, each major American league derives, at a minimum, 40% of its income from ticket sales.
But in the case of all other championships and leagues in the United States, the revenue from box office revenue is significantly higher, as the revenue from broadcast rights is significantly lower.
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