MLB owners approving A's move to Las Vegas, new time-saving measures, salaries of David Stearns and Craig Counsell, private flights to attract free agents, Dubai-based league Baseball United, sports washing and government investments in sports, ethical implications of investing in rapidly changing countries, and analyzing the increase in winning percentage for teams that score first in postseason games.
Baseball United, a Dubai-based league, aims to become the leading international baseball league and is backed by MLB legends as players and investors.
Middle Eastern countries are reshaping the sports landscape through investments, potentially benefiting MLB with increased funding and global expansion.
Deep dives
Baseball United: A New Frontier in the Middle East
Baseball United, a startup baseball league based in Dubai, aims to become the leading international baseball league. The league is the brainchild of entrepreneur Cash Shake, who believes there is a significant market for baseball in the Middle East and South Asia. With a showcase event scheduled for November 24th and 25th, Shake hopes to attract investors and prove the viability of the league. While there is a cricket fan base in the region, converting them into baseball fans may pose a challenge. However, Shake remains optimistic about the potential for growth and points out that there are already a significant number of baseball fans in the UAE. Ticket sales for the event have been slow, highlighting the unique challenges of drawing large crowds to sporting events in the region. Nonetheless, Shake is determined to establish Baseball United as a premier baseball destination and plans to rival established international leagues in the future.
Baseball United showcases MLB legends and seeks investment
Baseball United, a new baseball league, is generating interest due to the involvement of MLB legends as players and investors. Barry Larkin, Mariano Rivera, Albert Pujols, and others are co-owners of the league's teams. Nick Swisher will serve as an analyst on broadcasts. The league aims to provide opportunities for players who were affected by the contraction of the MLB system. While the viability of the league is uncertain, the financial backing and political incentives in the region suggest potential for growth.
Global sports landscape transformed by Middle Eastern investments
Middle Eastern countries, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, are reshaping the global sports landscape through significant investments. This influx of money, referred to as sports washing, aims to diversify their economies, attract entertainment options, improve public health, and enhance their international image. While there are ethical concerns and questions regarding the motivations behind these investments, the impacts on various sports leagues are evident. The potential effects on MLB are yet to be determined, but the sport could benefit from increased funding and global expansion.
Challenges and prospects for baseball in the Middle East
The establishment of baseball in the Middle East, as demonstrated by Baseball United, faces challenges and uncertainties. The limited popularity of baseball in the region, difficulties in selling tickets, and the age and talent level of initial players pose initial obstacles. However, the injection of significant funding from sovereign wealth funds and partnerships with MLB legends offer some potential. Converting cricket fans to baseball enthusiasts and tapping into the large population of expats could facilitate growth. The long-term success of the league will depend on factors such as investor interest, fan engagement, and the development of baseball as a popular sport in the Middle East.
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley discuss MLB owners unanimously approving the Athletics’ move to Las Vegas, new time-saving measures slated for 2024, the respective salaries of David Stearns and Craig Counsell, and private flights as a potential perk to entice MLB free agents, then examine an upstart Dubai-based baseball league called Baseball United (55:07) and […]
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