Quote:
Originally Posted by Mattyk
I really think it would take A LOT for that to happen. The league's popularity continues to grow each year. Besides, what else is going to step up to take it's place?
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I'm not saying it would happen quickly, but I think an 18 game season would be the start of it. This year we saw what happens to teams in a down economy, including ours; people don't go to the games, and even some on this site said they weren't watching every game.
The labor situation always makes pro sports look worse than it should. People just don't have sympathy for the owners or players in these disputes. I could see this one getting ugly & it really having an impact on fans economic decisions.
As for what would take it's place; there's plenty to do that. There is so much entertainment out there at much cheaper cost & greater convenience. Until the 1950s or so, college football was by far more popular than the nfl. Despite whatever negative feelings fans have for the ncaa, college athletics has alumni that feel great loyalty to their schools, and enjoy the game day experience enough to make the trip for every home game. As more Americans attend college w/each generation, college sports has a built in audience. I could see college football becoming more popular than the nfl in the next 10 years, especially if a playoff system can be created.