Hoops

Mark Davis Article

This whole debate has gone way off track. I take responsibility for it leading to ticket prices and other cost benefits but the whole idea was whether MD should be retained on staff. Does his contribution now to admin justify his salary? I still stick to my original belief that most businesses in Adelaide do not know who Mark Davis is simply because basketball is not that well known or supported. The current sponsors who are now involved and perhaps were basketball minded, like him because they can appreciate what he has done for the sport and the significance of such a person in the sport. I don't think that support spreads far enough. The marketing job now requires someone who is good at marketing rather than an icon in the sport. He/she needs to convince potential sponsors why they should get behind the Sixers and what benefits there are to them. This takes a great marketing person not a great player.

Ticket prices have reduced. The cost cutting involving staff could be compensating this. I don't have the facts but it makes sense to me. I am not actually aware of staff numbers reducing, but replacements being made.

I'm not being mean, business is business and should not get personal. We all complain about ticket prices, lack of decent entertainment, the cost of parking, the cost of food at the Dome etc. etc. Those high costs would have to offset the cost of running the club. If the club could make more money out of sponsorship, then the costs of attending games could become more affordable. If it becomes more affordable, it will attract more spectators. If it attracts more spectators it attracts more sponsors. Its a vicious circle. The club needs to find the right people that will get results.

As for Paul Bauer, he has the people skills to do the job. At the same time he is a very knowledgeable Basketball person. I think he is as good as any for the job.

Many Companies being approached with a view to sponsorship may not be too familiar with Basketball and especially Basketball of yesteryear. Its not as if Basketball is a prominent sport in Australia compared to the Football. Mark Davis, whilst being a legend in the sport, may not actually be well known out in the business world. For this reason, he may not have a big impact on sponsorship. There is no denying his contribution to the sport as a player, but as a marketer, well that's a different story. I don't think the club owes him a living forever. He has had his opportunities, he has contributed in a huge way, he has been rewarded but now his services are complete.

One would think Davis would be the best person to 'pitch' the product.

Companies/Corporates love stars and former stars.

Ok I doubt he has the background/credentials but I'm sure he could be teamed up with someone who does?