For a sport that wants a permanent spot in the Olympic Games the decision not to put any of the World Championship’s on television is poor at best and negligible at worse.
Here is what the WBSC stated “The World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) is the rights holding broadcaster. The WBSC have chosen not to broadcast the event on television, but instead to prepare a web streaming package to allow a Pay-per-View model for viewers around the world to follow the excitement of the Surrey 2016 WBSC XV Women’s World Championships.”
Instead of trying to build a broader fan base and possibly pick up new fans, the WBSC decided to pretty much assure that they will not pick up new fans and did their best to reduce the exposure of the event. Matter of fact, based on talking to people, they may have lost fans. Even USA Softball’s page is lacking information and details. It does not even link to the event site. It really is amazing at how an organization like the WBSC can think that this was a good move or idea. We would love to see the final viewing numbers and if the $19.99 (minimum three month subscription) really makes them any money. As a media outlet we will most likely purchase it. On the other hand one would think a sport starved for coverage, which could help their appeal for the Olympics, would want to provide as much access to the media as possible.
In the future the WBSC really needs to reconsider this position and think about the long term growth of the sport, not the short term gain. They should be focused on increasing fans and generating interest, not short term “potential” financial rewards.
