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cino
SotS Media Liaison
Joined: 11 Feb 2007
Posts: 2145
Location: Stuck between South and West
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 Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 7:19 am Post subject: Big payday looms for AFL clubs |
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Hmm...
| Quote: | Big payday looms for AFL clubs
Dan Silkstone | October 16, 2008
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/big-payday-looms-for-afl-clubs/2008/10/15/1223750133890.html
TIMES may be tough but a fresh wave of gambling money is poised to break over AFL clubs, with Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs shaping as possible winners.
Changes to Victorian law mean that from next season betting agencies will be allowed to sponsor sporting clubs and events. Two of the largest agencies are already lining up lucrative sponsorship offers for the Hawks and Bulldogs. But the Bulldogs' potential multimillion-dollar sponsorship — with Sydney-based Centrebet — could be undone by an AFL commercial agreement with a rival company.
Centrebet spokesman Neil Evans said yesterday the company was preparing to offer the Bulldogs a three-year deal to become the club's chief sponsor. The Bulldogs are yet to be approached but are currently without a major backer. Evans said his company wanted to sponsor an AFL team in 2009 and wanted it to be the Bulldogs.
"They are up there, have a pretty good squad and are an underdog team," he said. "They are a likeable club, a bit devoid of the hoo-ha you get at other clubs. They are the team we will look at and we hopefully would do a three-year deal."
Evans said Centrebet, which already sponsors A-League club the Newcastle Jets and NRL team Cronulla, was big enough to be the club's major backer. "We are definitely capable (of being a major sponsor)," he said. "We will take things on face value of what they are worth."
Bulldogs chief executive Campbell Rose said last night that the club was interested. "We are happy to talk to Centrebet or to any lawfully operating company that aligns with our brand and has something to offer to our football club," he said.
But any deal could be derailed by the AFL's commercial partnership with rival betting agencies Betfair and Tabcorp. Under the terms of those agreements, competitors are not permitted to sponsor clubs. AFL spokesman Brian Walsh confirmed last night that the deal would be blocked by current rules. "We would have to review our wagering position for that situation to change," he said.
The issue has not arisen previously because betting agencies were blocked from sponsoring clubs under Victorian law. But recent law changes — after fierce lobbying from betting agencies — have created strong interest from the gambling industry in sponsoring football, horse racing and other elite sports.
Rose said that if the company had a compelling offer to present and if the terms offered were favoured by the club's board then it would be extremely disappointing if AFL rules prevented the sponsorship going ahead.
The law change is also good news for high-flying Hawthorn, which is being wooed by Betfair in a deal that would be permitted under current AFL agreements. The Tasmania-based agency already sponsors Hawthorn's Launceston games, a deal believed to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Spokesman Hugh Taggart said Betfair was keen to expand its sponsorship of the Hawks to the mainland, a deal that he said would double the company's current commitment.
Hawthorn is already in early talks with Betfair about signing an expanded agreement. Taggart said the agency was interested in signage rights at all Hawthorn home games and wanted the right to hand out promotional material inside the stadium. |
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TommyGun
Shaun Higgins
Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 97
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 1:44 pm Post subject: |
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If this deal is derailed, then it's an absolute disgrace.
It's ok to have different car companies sponsoring the AFL & clubs, but not a betting agency?
For those who take the moral ground, shouldn't be sponsored by a betting company etc etc because we are a community club, does that mean we have to lose our liquor licence as well?
If we can't be associated with gambling, why should we be able to serve beer or other alcoholic drinks? |
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SonofScray
Dale Morris
Joined: 17 Feb 2007
Posts: 464
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 2:16 pm Post subject: |
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Deal should be allowed to go ahead, would be an issue worth chasing up is it isn't.
However, we shouldn't be accepting this deal as it is off brand, IMO. In my eyes would be hypocritical of the Hawks and of us. You cannot promote your brand as being the "family" club, or the "community" and then promote an industry which engages in business known to cause a deal of strife for families and targets particular communities. It is off brand.
I'm not fussed about what other peoples' opinions on gambling and addiction are. The research is out there to suggest it is not just a matter of individual will.
There is a difference in my mind between a club having a liquor license and having a sports betting company as a primary sponsor. Serving alcohol at the club is done under appropriate guidelines and the RSA. There are checks and balances in place in this instance, just like there are on the pokie machines which directly target those at risk.
As a self called community club, one that represents the Western suburbs of Melbourne, we should be seen to act ethically and responsibly within that framework. Promote health and wellbeing, community development within the region and help grow our membership base.
I'll concede this isn't as big an issue in a world where Club's look to Ghana and other places as the golden goose but we are the Western Bulldogs for a reason and with that comes some responsibility. And in that vein, promoting the gambling industry is not acting responsibly.
Might as well whore ourselves out to anyone willing to throw the scraps of their business our way if we are happy to undo the work that has been done into establishing us as the club we are.
Even better, lets move to Ghana and get a brothel to sponsor us and at the same time claim to be a club that supports a cure for AIDs.
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DexterTan
Dale Morris
Joined: 11 Feb 2007
Posts: 468
Location: Springfield, USA
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 4:10 pm Post subject: |
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You could always rip up your membership to make a stand against the dogs being sponsored by a company which will poison the west with their gambling influence 
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amnesiac
Scott West
Joined: 11 Feb 2007
Posts: 1897
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 10:03 pm Post subject: |
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I understand the community aspect, but at the same time we are happy to take money from the Bulldogs owned pokies. It would be hypocritical to turn down this deal whilst we still take the cash directly out of the pockets of Western residents.
Of course Centrebet across the jumper is far more visible and this has to be considered. I see the issue as more one of branding than of morals.
Happy to back whatever decision the club makes.
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SonofScray
Dale Morris
Joined: 17 Feb 2007
Posts: 464
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| Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 2:10 pm Post subject: |
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| amnesiac wrote: | I understand the community aspect, but at the same time we are happy to take money from the Bulldogs owned pokies. It would be hypocritical to turn down this deal whilst we still take the cash directly out of the pockets of Western residents.
Of course Centrebet across the jumper is far more visible and this has to be considered. I see the issue as more one of branding than of morals.
Happy to back whatever decision the club makes. |
All fair points Troy and I agree, it is one of branding.
Re: pokies
I am against these types of gaming facilities for a host of reasons and I expect the Dogs to limit their influence on the club as much as possible. Not just from a values psition but a business sense as well.They are required by law to put up information about support services and what not so in that sense they do take some action to protect the community from them.
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DoggyOutWest
Peter Street
Joined: 12 Feb 2007
Posts: 1478
Location: Soon: Kings Park!
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| Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 2:14 pm Post subject: |
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Has anybody ever wondered why betting agencies target low socioeconomic regions? Is it that the more wealthy in society are not so stupid as to believe they're actually going to come out on top after a night's gambling? (And could be a reason why they're wealthy - they don't piss their money away)
I'm all for community responsibility, but sometimes people just have to take a good hard look at themselves first. If the Bulldogs don't accept the deal, Betfair/Centrebet/whoever will just put the marketing dollars elsewhere, and still target the western suburbs. At least this way, the community gets a lot of that money back through the club's community-based initiatives.
I'm all for it. If stupid people want to throw money away, let's take it from them.
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Validus Occasus mos orior oriri ortus iterum!! - The Mighty West shall rise again!! |
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amnesiac
Scott West
Joined: 11 Feb 2007
Posts: 1897
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| Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 8:29 pm Post subject: |
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Both issues are far more complex than they would first seem.
On the pokies, the club is heavily reliant on the income that they bring. They have removed them from WO and that is fantastic to see, but the fact that they are moving those licenses to the new hotel complex doesn't aid the community. Yes it creates a more family and community focused environment down at the club, but at the same time they are still taking money from peoples pockets out West. If the pokies are well placed, the same number of machines will take more money than previously so there may be no "net gain" from this.
I would be disappointed if the club hide behind 'legal compliance' as a justification that they are doing the right thing. A business card sized brochure in the toilets and a couple posters aren't much advertising. The community benefits are a crock of ****. Benefits from my local Tabaret include free coffee (that 98% aren't aware of because you have to ask for it), a kids playground (where kids can be left and neglected whilst one gambles), 10% of drinks with a membership card and cheap meals for seniors (still more expensive than maccas for defrosted rubbish).
Fair crack though, the complex which owns the Tabaret does sponsor the local cricket club for a significant sum.
However it's not enough and the "community benefits" are mandated by law anyhow, not a conscious effort to connect with residents. They also often invest in building "benefits" on the property of the tabaret (ie. so you stick around and gamble more).
Like waffles I'd like to see the club take a pro-active stance to limit the influence of these machines. It's about balance.
Ryan I don't necessarily agree with your opinion. Addiction and stupidity are two different things. I've spoken to a guy who lost his house because of gambling addiction. Where did I speak to him? At the Tabaret. What was frightening is that he was so relaxed and accepting of the fact. He bought me a beer then went off to play the dollar machines.
I know people who pep themselves up and won't leave Crown casino until their bank account is empty or they win their money back on Poker. If they lose it all they start again next pay check.
Addiction is a frightening thing whether it be alcohol, drugs or gambling.
There is a reason why cigarette ads are no longer allowed. It's proven that ads improve sales across the industry. This will be the case with gambling too. It won't just win clients from the TAB but increase overall gambling levels.
I like to think that internet gambling is not as damaging as venue gambling. There are limits on bets/deposits and betting habits monitored far closer. I would like to see the AFL open the way and leave it to the clubs to decide on morals.
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TommyGun
Shaun Higgins
Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 97
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| Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 1:48 pm Post subject: |
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I don't have a problem with it, i don't have a problem being sponsored by a gambling company and us being a community club either.
It's a part of life, like drinking, its legal, it's all over the community, it's advertised on SEN every 10 minutes, you see banners advertising gambling at every pub etc etc.
What does "community" actually mean?
Unfortunatly, there are the minority who have an addiction, they are going to be addicted anyway, whether they play them at the club, at pubs, Crown, whatever, just like drinking, and like anything, done in moderation, is fine.
This is also why i'm all for the Edgewater development to happen, that means LESS pokies in the area [guaranteed], and without this, they won't take away what pokies are around now [guaranteed], plus i'd much rather that money go back into the club, the club means so much for so many people in the community, and whilst gambling is legal, i don't have a problem with it being part of a community club! |
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Mazza
The Griff
Joined: 11 Feb 2007
Posts: 1631
Location: Eastside
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| Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 9:26 am Post subject: |
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seems like clubs are struggling with sponsorship all over the place, think we'd be best to take whatever we can get really
| Quote: | Global crisis lays boot into sponsors
Simon Canning and Stuart Honeysett | October 20, 2008
SEVERAL top-line football clubs may be forced to drop their asking price in the hunt for sponsors as the business world tightens its belt amid the global financial downturn.
NRL premier Manly and wooden spooners the [Canterbury] Bulldogs are so far without major sponsors for next year while in the AFL, Richmond, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs are in the same condition.
Experts say while the Australian economy has been protected to a certain extent from the full force of the market meltdowns in the US and Europe, the timing could not have been worse for those without major sponsors.
Just three weeks ago Manly celebrated a premiership win and was pondering the possibility of upping the worth of its main sponsor from $1million to $2m after club owner Max Delmege reduced his personal financial contribution.
While rugby league insiders say Manly won't have any problems finding a backer, the $2m target is perhaps ambitious. At the same time the [Canterbury] Bulldogs are hunting for a new major sponsor.
Yesterday, [Canterbury] Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg conceded the club's last-placed finish and the global financial downturn had made the search for corporate support difficult.
The [Canterbury] Bulldogs have been hunting for a new major sponsor ever since electronics giant Mitsubishi Electric ended its six-year association with the club this season.
"We're absolutely concerned," Greenberg said.
"We're on the back of a wooden spoon, and looking for sponsors in the current economic climate is really difficult.
"It just makes it all the more problematic given what's happened in worldwide events and the economy in the last month or two."
With those Sydney rugby league clubs reliant on grants from their leagues clubs already feeling the effects of an increase in poker machine tax, Greenberg forecast even more difficult times for the game.
"NRL clubs would be silly to think it won't hurt us," Greenberg said. "That goes by both sponsorship and gate takings next year. Discretionary spend for people in the current climate is going to be really tough.
"It's going to be hard for families to afford a day at the football."
In the AFL, Melbourne lost major sponsor Primus, the Australian Finance Group parted ways with Richmond and LeasePlan cut ties with the Western Bulldogs.
Martin Hirons, a specialist following the impact of sports sponsorship for 20 years, has seen the impact of several economic cycles.
"Everything is cyclical and you have to take that into account," said Hirons, the head researcher at Sport Business Partners.
"We have seen in Australia sponsorships ebb and flow over time. You just have to have a look at the recession in the early 1990s and there was a paring back of sponsorship then.
"I think the thing that will change is that there will be greater scrutiny of marketing across the board and sponsorship will be a part of that."
Hirons said sponsors looking at the AFL and NRL are seeking leverage that will generate a quantifiable return.
He believes second-tier sports such as netball, domestic soccer, motor racing, basketball and golf will struggle for the corporate dollar.
Hirons sees the biggest impact on sponsorship where companies use it for client entertainment.
"As far as corporate entertainment, any of the excess will be one of the first things to go," he said.
David Gallop, chief executive of the NRL, said he believed the league was well positioned for the future with long-term contracts with major sponsors.
At the same time he said clubs themselves had long grown used to tight financial markets thanks to changes such as loss of revenues from leagues clubs.
"The rugby league clubs have been cutting their suit to fit their cloth for a number of years now, so that is a bit different from what other sports might be feeling," Gallop said.
If the US is the bellwether of the world economy then those trying to present a positive outlook to the Australian sports sponsorship situation had better watch out because the storm has barely begun brewing.
At the ticketing level, some sports are already hurting.
"We're not just competing for people's entertainment dollars any more," said Brett Yormark, chief executive of the National Basketball Association's New Jersey Nets. "We're going up against milk and orange juice."
But at the corporate level, the stakes are far higher, particularly where sponsors are expected to underwrite the building of key sporting infrastructure such as stadiums.
The fabled Dallas Cowboys can't find brands to back its new $US1.1billion stadium, while both the New York Giants and Jets are struggling to find sponsors willing to spend $10m to brand their stadiums.
And then there is the Olympics.
The closure of the Beijing Games also meant the end of dozens of corporate deals that the stakeholders in London must now chase for 2012.
Hirons sees it as the London organisers' Mt Everest
"The ability of the Olympics to be sold is second to none," he said. "I think the ability of the organisers to sell the London 2012 games is most under threat.
"I think in this environment it is going to be critical for all sports seeking sponsorship to show key performance indicators and be able to measure return on investment - it's going to be all about accountability. |
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cragglerock
Will Minson
Joined: 16 Feb 2007
Posts: 1751
Location: Halfway between the gutter and the stars
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| Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2008 1:31 pm Post subject: |
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make. it. happen.
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Mazza
The Griff
Joined: 11 Feb 2007
Posts: 1631
Location: Eastside
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| Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 1:14 pm Post subject: |
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Anyone else getting a lil bit worried that we still haven't lined up a sponsor for 09 yet? Our deal with leaseplan runs out at the end of the year, which really isnt too far away.
Anyone heard anything about potential sponsors?
Will be a worry if we don't get one lined up pretty soon... |
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cino
SotS Media Liaison
Joined: 11 Feb 2007
Posts: 2145
Location: Stuck between South and West
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| Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 6:56 am Post subject: |
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I have heard nothing about a major sponsor, so saying that I guess it would have to remain quiet until the end of the year and LeasePlan are well and truly out of the picture.
Not pleasant times.
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