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3 FIT Labs: Do You Remember the United States Football League? 3 Points NPGL can
take away from the Failed Organization
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28 Disclaimer- This is not an article hating on the NPGL. This is about opening up a conversation about functional fitness competitions and the behemoth-like challenges of running a league.
What was the USFL?
An alternative path from the conventional course to the NFL from 1983-1985. Teams played 3 seasons and the organization dissolved due to many botched decisions.
What's amazing about this league was they signed three consecutive Heisman winners (that's a big deal!) to the organization and they recruited big names from the NFL.
What does this have to do with the NPGL?
The NPGL made a huge splash in the the functional fitness realm last year and in it's second season it appears they are heading the right direction but there are still a few alarming things to consider to make sure they don't end up the like the USFL.
3 Points Grid should consider: USFL Huge Mistake #1 Changing the Schedule
The USFL tried to go head to head with the NFL in the FALL! Originally they were playing in the Spring but after two seasons tried to switch to the Fall. After planning to go head to head in the fall, the league fell apart and collapsed before there first fall game.
I'm going to confront the elephant in the room. The Reebok CrossFit Games. They are played out in three stages and span from March to July. Some big CrossFit stars attempted to do both at the same time. But look at Annie Thorisdottir and Matt Fraser both from the New York Rhinos. They both did very well at regionals and have decided to withdraw from playing in the 2015 NPFL season to focus on the Games.
If the NPGL changes there schedule next year to go head to head with the Games they could have a lot of teams riddled with openings during the weeks leading up to the Games due to prep etc. The alternative could be to have enough talent to go with there 'B' squad during those months and have their starters return after going to the Games (Open and Regional level) as well. It's a tricky situation. Yes, the CrossFit Games don't pay anything for the great majority of the athletes, but the prestige and marketability of getting there just once is very enticing. For example: Lauren Brooks after completing the Clean ladder at the 2014 CrossFit Games.
Also the NPGL combines are no joke. Most athletes can't train at 'Grid Speed' and do WODs to prepare for the Open or Regionals.
Bottom Line: They need to have a smart progression of raising the amount of matches played and making sure the season is concise.
USFL Huge Mistake #2 Amount of Teams
In two years the USFL expanded to 18 teams around the country. It was way too many teams and the teams themselves didn't have enough time nor resources to build their fan base due to the venue selection.
NPGL scheduled a lot of games at conventions that are in California which is killing the momentum for east coast times and the poor Miami Surge team really can't catch a break. It looks like for the second year in a row, the team isn't going to be playing anywhere near their hometown which I imagine would be killing merchandise sales. Unless you're fans of specific players on the Surge it's hard to believe they are growing their fan base.
USFL Huge Mistake #3 Revenue and structure
First off, I'm not a CPA and I'm terrible with math so I'm not going to even try to break this down. I'm just saying to run a team it takes money.
There are no easy answer when you're building an organization from a top down approach. But I will say you can always learn from past businesses that have started with great intentions and lose their way. I'm optimistic that the NPGL will keep progressing with ideas and content this year and move into season 3 with excitement and a battle plan.
Supplementary Information:
Interesting point: It's no wonder the Reebok CrossFit Games Regionals and Games only use volunteers. It costs a massive amount to hold these events and the man power alone will put you in the whole. It is very smart to use the devotees of the CrossFit tribe to fuel the cash cow that is now the CrossFit Games. And I'm knocking their model either. If you're getting paid, you're doing something right.
Sidenote: I love the idea that the NPGL is supporting the Ameteur leagues cropping up around the country and even in some foreign countries now! It has really blown up quickly. This is a great way to build a feeding system into the NPGL and build cities and communities around the NPGL teams. I honestly believe it's attractive because it's fast moving and you can prepare for the format as well.
Rant: Don't sleep on this fact: CrossFit is trying to kill the NPGL. In a very passive aggressive way, they are. And hey, CrossFit is in it to really conquer the entire space of functional fitness. That's not a bad thing, that's what companies are trying to do. It would be interesting to hear both perspectives of the companies in a room at the same time but this is true-Grid has elements found in an array of functional fitness routines that are closely seen as 'CrossFit inspired moves' to any casual observer of the sport so they are closely tied to one another at the moment.
If you think I'm too over the top about CrossFit trying to limit the NPGL's impact, you can talk to any staff members on CrossFit HQ or Seminar staff and ask them what would happen if they tried out for a NPGL team?*
*This is a whole other topic that will be covered in another article.
If you want to know more about the USFL watch the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary- Click here.