ESPN is still mentioned for getting pool out to the public. Here's why that's not going to happen. I really like this guy's insights to various businesses that have screwed up.
The long decline of ESPN
- Thread starter Bob Jewett
- Start date
JasonATX
Well-known member
They could always put pool on the Ocho, I guess. It would be nice to see, but I don't think it's going to happen.
I think the best possibility for more pool exposure that I've seen would be to do it like Evo Sports is trying to do. Get more cameras in the halls that have bigger tournaments and then line up local or remote commentators for it.
Perhaps I missed it, but one thing I think Evo could improve upon would be to have a consolidated live stream list that would show anything running through their system at any given time, live or recorded previously. They do have their own YT channel, but it's not nearly all of the sites that have Evo installed.
Watching Skinny Bob's streaming shows a stark difference when they have a commentator on Friday nights vs. Saturday when they do not so I think decent commentators are a must.
Ultimately, I think it would take some or all of the major league organizations (APA, Matchroom, WNT, etc) to back something like Evo to push it to the heights it would need to get to.
I think an ultimate outcome for this could be something like a Firestick or Roku app that aggregates pool videos and streaming.
I think the best possibility for more pool exposure that I've seen would be to do it like Evo Sports is trying to do. Get more cameras in the halls that have bigger tournaments and then line up local or remote commentators for it.
Perhaps I missed it, but one thing I think Evo could improve upon would be to have a consolidated live stream list that would show anything running through their system at any given time, live or recorded previously. They do have their own YT channel, but it's not nearly all of the sites that have Evo installed.
Watching Skinny Bob's streaming shows a stark difference when they have a commentator on Friday nights vs. Saturday when they do not so I think decent commentators are a must.
Ultimately, I think it would take some or all of the major league organizations (APA, Matchroom, WNT, etc) to back something like Evo to push it to the heights it would need to get to.
I think an ultimate outcome for this could be something like a Firestick or Roku app that aggregates pool videos and streaming.
Last edited:
ESPN's decline can be traced to journalists leaving and it becoming more about debates foolishness. Two highest paid employees are SAS and McAfee. Bob key gone, Stuart Scott gone, sports reports show gone. It's all rants and antics. PTI still holding it down and nfl live. Get up is fine
ESPN went woke and started circling the shitter YEARS ago. I haven't watched any ESPN crap in at least 5yrs. Its sad 'cause early on they were awesome, just sports and no sociopolitical bs.
Yeah we aren't aligned on that. I'll leave it there
I agree with most of your take, where i SERIOIUSLY differ is that the departure of certain people was key to the demise. ESPN is owned by ABC/Disney( ABC bought it in '85) and it became crystal clear who was running the show. Sports just became a vehicle for their loony lib bullshit.
Pool is in the best place it’s ever been, for eyeballs, imo, because the young generation watch everything today on YouTube. Major network and broadcast tv is irrelevant.
Now all Pro Pool Player need do is start looking out for selves, Streamer are making Money off their Effort.
Pro Player need to say No Streaming unless I get paid. As Streamer are not contributing to Prize Money say act DCC.
Has Accustoms ever paid money to Pool Player they sell matches of playing.
this old school mentality.
Hand shakes hand
No one can afford paying player for streaming
But they do get coverage, the do get recognition and they can use it as leverage for self branding.
If no one knows who is Fedor Gorst, then no one will buy Fedor's chalk / case / cloths, shafts etc. Same for Alex Pagulayan for example and others.
Players like Yapp are really missing a lot of money just laying on the floor by not branding them selves properly.
A lot of players setup their own streams and start their own YouTube channels and it's all for free as there is a bigger picture.
We used to pay good money for Pool lessons videos, now everything is for free, as yet again, there isa bigger picture.
JasonATX
Well-known member
I'd argue that streaming at least the "TV tables" at tournaments helps at least somewhat pay for bigger prize pools. Most tournaments will let players stream their own match if their opponent is OK with it.
Both are good to get visibility to the tournament and pool in general IMO.
Man, this is like roller derby, an ESL class and a spelling bee had a baby.
Pti is the goat and all they have left
Scrunge19
Registered
ESPN has declined for 3 major reasons, two of which you accurately pointed out already:
1. Reduction of on air talent and sports journalists
2. Rise of argumentative-based programming that feature loud-mouths like Stephen A Smith instead of guests that can provide intelligent analysis
3. Mass adoption of social media companies like twitter, instagram, etc.
People used to turn on ESPN to watch highlights of games or top 10 crazy plays but now you can pull up highlights instantly on your phone without having to change the channel or wait for a certain segment to roll back around. ESPN has lost their cultural significance and has been in a self-damaging pursuit to generate buzz on social media through the rise of “hot-take” debate shows intended to farm engagement, good or bad being irrelevant.