It’s not too early to start thinking about Christmas, is it?
For me the sporting front at Christmas is dominated by football but not far behind is the brilliant PDC World Darts Championship from Ally Pally.
It exemplifies what sport is all about – entertainment, fun, skill, personalities, ridiculously-dressed people and all wrapped into an amazing time of the year.
Barry Hearn and Matchroom Sport have done an incredible job of transforming professional darts.
They have created a commercial machine that works for players, fans, broadcasters and sponsors.
Watching some of last week’s coverage of the new International Swimming League reminded me of the darts and what a lot of other sports need to do.
I have loved what I have seen with the ISL so far. It’s a brilliant move, with the likes of Adam Peaty entertaining in a live format that works much better for fans – and earning the sort of money his talents deserve.
The ISL has not come without objection from FINA, swimming’s world governing body.
Change often makes the establishment feel uneasy and under threat, but as Hearn proved, it can be very much worth it. It just takes vision and bravery to push these things over the line.
Other sports need to take notice quickly as the competition for viewing figures and sponsor money only gets greater.
Hearn has also had a dabble with gymnastics with the ‘World Cup of Gymnastics’, but I think there is more that can be done to create something incredible in that sport.
I share the same management as the Olympic gymnast, Nile Wilson, and I know he has some interesting ideas on how this can be moved further forward. Barry Hearn, take note.
The world of live sport is changing at a rapid rate. Stuck-in-the-mud administrators and governing bodies could fail to recognise this in order to protect their self-interests but in the end, they will be left behind as others surge forward.
New and innovative formats will not derail the significance of the Olympics, they will actually provide for athletes in a way that can sustain their careers in the middle of those four-year cycles.
Well done swimming. Other sports – pay attention, start thinking beyond tradition or be ready to fall behind.
