All Things Sport...

[Zoe7]

It is way too much money @Scarecrowe Getting millions for a handful of games in the IPL for example is absolutely ridiculous. I would like to get that amount of money for teaching a coule of terms ...I would never have to work again LOL There is no justification that they have a short time span to actually play in their careers - with the money they are getting they could set 10 families up for life....

[MDT]

Mostly sponsor deals @Zoe7 @Scarecrowe @Former-Member

The match fee they get paid by CA. But then the rest of is through sponsorship money. This is why the men get substantially more than the women.

Personally I'd like less advertising and sponsorship in sports as a whole. It's remarkably stupid.

But I am a realist and know that won't happen lol

[Scarecrowe]

@MDT 

Yes it is largely sponsorships but it is still way too much money.  

And the prize money for golf and tennis comps is way too much.   

Maybe I am just jealous of their bank account compared to mine lol

[Zoe7]

That is not entirely correct @MDT Players get a contract by CA and/or their state organisations that covers Australia and state matches - they are then paid on top of that for 20/20 competitions and any games they play in other leagues (eg county cricket) around the world. Sponsorship is on top of that again.

I would also like to see advertising in sport significantly reduced - especially alcohol sposorship. I know it brings in a lot of money but how good would it be that that sponsorship was given to areas of society where it is most needed eg. housing, the homeless, animal welfare etc. I would personally be much more likely to engage in those services if companies were putting the same amount of money into those areas.

[MDT]

I see @Zoe7

So it's almost like they get paid about 3 times over for the same job? But just by different organisations? ie CA, State body and sponsors.....

[MDT]

The reason why they dont jump on things like is perhaps marketability... considering that they are not selling anything with housing or animal welfare... there is no return on the sponsorship in the eyes of the company. That's one of the biggest issues that companies have if they are not non-for-profit. The benefits of non-for-profit are the societal advantages like reducing homelessness and similar.. but then in order to actually solve those issues they need revenue/profit...

Catch 22

[Zoe7]

They get paid more on top of that for the 20/20 competitions around the world too @MDT ...and more for playing county cricket in England in the off season... that is why many just concentrate of the 20/20 comptitions earlier rather than retiring from cricket altogether - the 20/20 comps around the world pay enormous amounts for some players.

I understand where you are coming from with sponsorship but I will give you an example: the Commonwealth Bank pours huge amounts of money into cricket - granted a lot of that is for grassroots competitions/kids as well as women's and men's comps - I have absolutely no inclination to even consider that organisation because they do that ...however if they poured the same amount of money into providing homes for the homeless, looking after our animals (such as giving to the RSPCA to keep them not only afloat but sustainable long term) then I would be much more aminable to considering that organisation for my own banking needs. A social conscience is more than a token gesture - and I believe larger corporations/businesses would benefit more by showing that in monetary concerns for many people. Their advertising for sporting groups actually puts me off even considering them - it is the type of exposure that annoys me because the same amount of money is not put into areas of life that really need it. It is much like the government - money allocated to enhance big business and those that supposedly have 'influence' whereas the ordinary, everyday person struggles. We want a more literate, educated, inclusive and forward thinking society however money is not spent where it is needed - the welfare and education of our kids or the health system ...such inequalites will never lead to greater equalisation in society nor will it touch the majority of our citizens with what is really needed.

[MDT]

I agree with all of that @Zoe7

But this is why nfp has a bigger role to play.

It's not in the interests of the commonwealth bank to do those things you mentioned. They actually bought Shane Warne's green cap. Now it's on a tour. Lol.... I thi k the money is going to charity to help the bushfire relief efforts. It better be anyway.

But I digress.

If more banks and corporations actually got in on things that you mentioned I think people would have more time for them. Even shareholders would be attracted to that. But for the very reason that you mentioned, people like you and me don't like them because they soak up a lot of cash and do very little by way of improving societal outcomes..

It's also why it's hard to shop around for better banking deals. Try a bank that isn't owned by cba, westpac... Good luck right...

I think government needs to increase the ACCC to actually push for behavioural change in finance and corporate. It's the only way to actually see some changes - threatening the existence of the massive bank by way of competitive behaviour. Banning it or regulating it only serves to protect it OR make people bankrupt.

Put simply, once governments remember that shareholders and punters like us are also voters.... Then we have a better deal. Sadly atm the massive banking industry being an oligopoly.. Always knows that it's customers are voters... But it doesn't do the right thing by its customers...

[MDT]

Sorry not ACCC (though thatd be good)

But the anti-competition watchdog whatever it is.

[KB23]

He's great.  Best captain since Punter.  Especially since he got pulled out of the domestic league to be captain having only played a couple of tests years ago.  
Think he should in the role.  Don't think Smith is strong enough mentally to lead the team.

Paine is also a great keeper and can bat a bit too.