Nba. In the end, the model will go in that direction, albeit with all the limitations and diversities – cultural, economic, social – that differentiate one side of the Atlantic from the other. But even before Benetton made the definitive leap in quality, with the match on Saturday, practically perfect, and the first international cup to show off on the showcase already full of indigenous trophies of the Ghirada club, here is that the future was already drawn.
The inspiration for the NBA of US basketball was already there in the Pro 14: the two Conferences. The concept, in the newborn United Rugby Championship (it will take us a while to call it Urc, then we will have to get used to it) goes further: the Division, again as in the Nba. Welsh, Irish, Italian-Scottish and South African. Round trip with the matches of their own division, another 12 matches with the other opponents. And then the “extended” playoffs: quarterfinals, semifinal and final. We will go to South Africa only once, to challenge two opponents. But no back to back, of course. Indeed, there will be targeted windows for the national teams.
Second step: the salay cap. Martin Anayi, CEO of Pro 14, spoke clearly to the BBC about the (financial) future of the tournament) to compete with Top 14 and Premiership. “Many pro leagues in the world such as NFL and NBA – he says – have a salary cap and a cost base, while we don’t have them yet. But I believe that one day it can happen, it is necessary to create a system that links costs to revenues ». The concept of the salary cap is also linked to its opposite, the salary dump: in the NBA you cannot make mattress teams regardless, the money must be spent. It is clear that there is no single currency (even more so after Brexit, let alone with the entry of Sharks and associates) and the financial systems of each state are different. But the track is the NBA, with a balance of salaries: «They can spend only a part of what they collect on team and staff salaries. The remainder is reinvested in the rest of the business and that is why they are able to offer fans fantastic experiences by playing in extremely modern facilities. This is a system we can look forward to in the future ».
Third step: everyone needs to be competitive. This is why many pushed for Monigo as the venue for the final and many uncorked the vintage beer after the final whistle. This year there will be the eighth different team in the past 13 years to win the NBA. For this reason, when there are rumors of Zebre for sale, it does not deny, on the contrary, it admits that a strong private individual would benefit the feds. Maybe to the entire Italian movement.
And the visibility chapter. “We need to invest better in structures, in the involvement of fans and in many fields outside the field to really grow,” says Anayi. The grand final on Saturday was literally seen all over the world, from Japan to Argentina, from New Zealand to Canada. A lot is expected from TV rights: Premier Sport has obtained those for Great Britain and Ireland (four-year agreement), for Italy the ok is still missing, there is discussion with DaZn but not only (Sky around the corner, since already the Six Nations?). “It will take some time to rebuild,” Anayi says. Meanwhile, it begins. –