The common belief in the world of sports is that star power drives commercial success. Whether it’s the superstar trio of Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain or the hype surrounding Messi’s move to Major League Soccer, the emphasis is always on the big names. However, this notion that stars are the key to success in sports is often misguided. While stars and large fan followings are important, what truly matters is the quality of the product on the field of play.
When we look at two of the most commercially successful leagues, the National Football League and the Premier League, we realize that star power, outside of quarterbacks, isn’t as crucial as believed. The Super Bowl players are not easily recognizable out of uniform, showcasing that the NFL’s success isn’t solely dependent on big names. Similarly, the Premier League has dominated global viewership and commercial success without relying heavily on superstar players.
Richard Masters, the CEO of the Premier League, acknowledged that star players are not the sole reason for the league’s success. Despite the lack of globally recognizable footballers in the league, such as those in the French and Spanish leagues, the Premier League continues to thrive. Metrics like social media following and Ballon d’Or rankings further highlight that star power doesn’t equate to long-term success for a league.
The Ballon d’Or statistics indicate that the Premier League players have not been dominant in the rankings, debunking the myth that star players are essential. However, the league’s competitiveness, historical significance, and well-packaged TV product contribute significantly to its success.
While superstars can bring attention to a league, their impact may be overstated. The addition of big names like Neymar and Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League didn’t lead to increased attendance or sustained interest. This suggests that star power alone isn’t enough to drive long-term success in a sports league.
The lessons learned from leagues like the NFL and the Premier League indicate that while star power can be beneficial, it should not be the primary focus. Building a compelling product, ensuring competitiveness, and engaging fans are more critical to sustained success in the world of sports.
While star power has its place in sports, it is not the be-all and end-all of a league’s success. The quality of the on-field product, fan engagement, and overall competitiveness play a far more significant role in determining the long-term prosperity of a sports league. Celebrity may be fleeting, but a strong foundation built on the fundamentals of the sport is what truly stands the test of time.