Dr Antoine Duval, a senior researcher, and Ewan Porter, a former professional golfer, discuss the legal and sporting implications of breakaway sports leagues like the failed European football super league and the proposed Saudi-backed golf league. They analyze the fallout of the Super League, the impact on football organizations, challenges of a breakaway golf league, and the legal implications for athletes and the sports industry.
The European football Super League faced backlash for its closed league concept, sparking outrage among fans valuing promotion and relegation.
The legal implications of Breakaway Leagues differ between team sports like football and individual sports like golf, influencing sanctions and player involvement.
Deep dives
European Football Super League Proposal
The podcast delves into the European football Super League proposal, highlighting the attempts made by major clubs to establish a breakaway league. Despite facing opposition due to its closed league concept, the Super League confirmed its intentions, causing outrage among fans who value promotion and relegation in football.
Legal Implications of Breakaway Leagues
The legal implications of Breakaway Leagues in football and golf are discussed, raising questions about sanctions and exclusions imposed on players. The distinction between team sports like football, where players were not decision-makers, and individual sports like golf, where players willingly sign up, influences the legal perspectives and implications.
Saudi-Backed Breakaway Golf League
The podcast explores the proposal for a Saudi-backed breakaway golf league, aiming to revolutionize professional golf with a $1 billion investment. The potential league's focus on financial guarantees and commercial interests contrasts with fan sentiments and traditional sporting values, causing uncertainty in the golf community.
PGA Tour's Response and Player Engagement Fund
The PGA Tour's response to Breakaway Leagues includes creating a $40 million player impact fund to reward engagement and drive interest. While this initiative aims to foster player engagement and reward contribution, doubts exist about its long-term effectiveness and sustainability amidst the lure of other opportunities like Breakaway Leagues.
In this inaugural episode of Sportonomic, host Rhys Lenarduzzi looks at breakaway sports leagues, with a particular focus of the recent attempt of a European football super league, and the proposals for a Saudi backed golf super league .
Rhys is joined by Dr Antoine Duval, senior researcher at the TMC Asser Institute in the Hague, the Netherlands. And former professional Golfer turn broadcaster, Ewan Porter.
Sportonomic is proudly sponsored by Athlon Partners www.athlonpartners.com