Not long ago, we made a Freakonomics Radio podcast asking whether the NFL might someday sell ad space on its jersey fronts, as soccer teams around the world already do. In European soccer in particular, the revenue can be substantial:
A new Sport+Markt report shows that, despite the recession, the English Premier League (which itself has a sponsor, Barclays) has just set a record by bringing in $178 million this year for its 20 clubs, overtaking Germany’s Bundesliga. According to Sport+Markt, the 10 European soccer clubs this year average more than $23 million each for jersey sponsorship. (The revered F.C. Barcelona, meanwhile, sports a UNICEF logo on its jerseys, but it actually makes a donation to the group rather than taking any payment.)
But Barca, despite its sterling on-field performance, has run into big budget trouble. So what happens? Out with the Unicef donation, in with a reported $30 million (US$40 million)-per year deal with the Qatar Foundation.
Former Barca manager Johan Cruyff, for one, does not approve:
According to Goal.com, Cruyff, in his weekly column in El Periodico de Catalunya, said the deal was unnecessary and goes against the history of the strip. “We are a unique club in the world, no one has kept their jersey intact throughout their history, yet have remained as competitive as they come,” he is quoted as saying.
“We have sold this uniqueness for about 6pc of our budget. I understand that we are currently losing more than we are earning. However, by selling the shirt it shows me that we are not being creative, and that we have become vulgar.
“If things are so bad, then we should cut out the deal we have with Unicef, and all the values it represents, because we pay them to carry the logo on our shirts.”
Dear NFL: are you paying attention?
Separately: my family and I are soon heading to Barcelona for the holiday, and are boundlessly excited. But I have never been and would appreciate any good tips as to places to see, eat, etc., especially with children (10 and 8 years old). Also, we need someplace to watch an American football game, as the Steelers will be?trying to avoid Jets’ coaches’ knees playing the Jets while we are there. Muchas gracias!
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Hello Mr. Dubner.
A perfect place for kids near Barcelona is Port Aventura. It is in a tourist seaside town called Salou.
And in Barcelona definitely you must visit all the Gaudi?s stuff.
As regards culinary advice, here in Spain you wont have any problem to find a good place to taste really good food..
Finally. I must encourage you to come also to Madrid, and once you are there, you could go to the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and give one of your greats lectures.;)
To continue the football theme, the Nou Camp is definitely worth a visit
I would say Parc Guell, Casa Mila and la Sagrada Familia are musts for the visit (all by Gaudi – I would guess the kids will love them).
The sexiest sport has very little coverage and is drawing men away from baseball and hockey.
IT is BEACH VOLLEYBALL combined with G- string bikinis. The sponsorship patches have little or no clothing real estate. So Temporary tattoos on the cheek really get a lot of attention from sponsors and fans.
Solution to Poor Women’s Sport Attendances and limited sponsorships:
Ans: More Sport Bikinis.
Even Golf and Curling could look interesting. Or just trampolines.
I’m sad that FCB agreed onsuchdeal, but well I’ve alreadyspent 3 days thinking and talking about it so I want to concentrate on good things,so city of Barcelona! I visited this wonderful part of the world about month ago, and I’m stil thinking about it:)
My recomendations:
1.Barri Gothic for sure, my favourite part of the city-narrow street,impresive cathedra, many “hidden” places like Sant Felipe Neri placa, tiny restaurants, ancient and medieval atmosphere, true heart of the city, places worth visit Plaça Nova, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, Casa de L’Ardiaca, Plaça de la Seu, Catedral,Center excursionist of Catalonia, Arxiu de la Carona d’Aragó, Plaça del Rei, Plaça de Sant Just, Pati de Llimona, Plaça de Sant Jaume, Casa del Canonge, Plaça de Ramón Berenguer el Gran, – note there is alot things to see but don’t worry, it’s on small space so 1-2 hours of really calm walk is enough.
2. Montjuic hill – extraordinary view (you can climb it or go by Teleferic cable cars)
3. Ribera- Plaça de l’Angel, Mercat de Santa Caterina (niceplace to buy fresh fruits- in Barcelona you will find alot of suchplaces with gretlocal food), Capella d’en Marcus, Carrer Montcada, Església de Santa María del Mar, Passeig del Born, Antic Merçat del Born, Parc de la Ciutadella- wonderful place to rest a bit, largest green area in the city center, there is Zoo and kids will have fun in the parc too.
4.Moderniste route- must see! Gaudi architecture and artwork (even tiles under your feets are true artwork by Gaudi!)- Plaça Urquinaona , Palau de la Música Catalana, Farmacia Nordbeck, Cases Tomas Roger, Queviures Murria, Casa de los Punxes, Casa Comalat, Palau de Baró de Cuadras, La Pedrera, Manzana de la Discordia,
5.El Raval- main point for many tourists, RAMBLA- busy street (even at night), Monumento de Colom, Palau Güell, Església de Sant Pau de Camp,Rambla de Raval, Antic Hospital de Santa Cruz, Carrer d’en Robador, Gran Teatre del Liceu., Mercat de Boqueria, Palau de la Virreina,
6.Parc Guell- not close to city center so take underground or taxi,magic place to enjoy some free time in fairytale! Great city view too.
7. Camp Nou & FCB museum- it was main point of my visit in Barcelona, great adventure for everyone, impresive multimedia area, great fun not only for FCB supporter – it’s good option to spend a rainy day
someplace to watch an American football game?
I recomend SportsBar at Rambla (many screens, nice English speaking staff)
Tibidabo at sunset: old school amusement park over looking the city.
Jamonisimo, the best Iberian Ham ever. Hope you ain’t kosher.
Also visit Las Ramblas and all the markets.
Gracia! Often avoided, very undiscovered. More than enough there in terms of food, fun and, in some parts, freaks.
By the way, a little Catalan will really endear you to natives.