What If...
SIKIDS.COM / 25That freedom to do what you want couldmean a lot more people trying to make the
big leagues—and even more people tuning
in. It could also mean a greater variety of
games and activities get a chance to shine.
The huge financial power of the biggest
sports leagues create a sort of self-fulfilling
prophecy. More people play football and
baseball because those sports offer a chance
to one day become rich and famous. More
fans watch baseball and football because
they played those games growing up. And all
those people tuning in give those leagues the
revenue necessary to market their sport to
even more new fans.
Are football, baseball, basketball, hockey,
and soccer the five best sports in the world?
Or are they just the lucky ones who got in
early and used their profits to fortify their
position? Can you say for certain that jai alai
isn’t the greatest sport ever invented? I know
I can’t. And when everyone can just print
out traditionally expensive equipment, the
barrier to entry for unusual sports will never
be lower.
The game experience can only improve in
a cash-free world. Without high ticket prices,
there will be more packed houses. And while
you may not pay attention to what your
parents pay, concession prices are ridiculous.
When the whole menu is free, you will have
a better argument for getting an ice cream
helmet. No more naming rights deals would
allow for more iconic stadium façades, like
Wrigley Field’s.
The biggest changes, however, would be in
store for the people who profit the most from
the current system. No longer will players be
said to underperform or overperform relative
to their salaries. And without a billionaire
needed to cut their paychecks, the entire idea
of an owner goes out the window.
Really, the modern concept of a league
wouldn’t be needed, either, as it mostly serves
to consolidate the power and resources of the
owners. When the only motivation for playing
is seeking out the best competition, the
top clubs can return to barnstorming—the
practice of traveling far and wide to seek the
best competition.
Imagine a band of carefree fans following
an NBA All-Star team around the world,
expense-free, as it takes on all challengers.
Sound fun? Well one of you will have to
invent that replicator first. Pay attention in
science class (for all our sakes)!