Will The WPBA Be Strong Again?
- Thread starter Johnnyt
- Start date
Will they have any more events, that's the first question.
Johnny, I sure hope so !! Around 15 years ago, we tried to be the first non billiard company to help expose the WPBA to non related billiard companies as after having contact and being a sponsor of Ewa, and co sponsoring an event on tv, I tried to help expose the wpba to other industries. The amazing spirit that all wpba players shown me was beyond belief in their willingness to rally around our attempt. I was sure hoping our little contribution would have gone a lot farther for these wonderful people. My three year association with this group was one that my wife and myself will cherish. A non billiard situation came up within our business which halted our long term goal as it was heart breaking to see the many players struggling just to be in the sport they put many hours into. They are extremely marketable in the right hands. I can't believe it's so screwed up. Where is the Donald Trump to take them into the promised land. Somewhere, a very poor decision was made. I have had many conversations with most of the gals of the time period and just wish I could have done a lot more.
I think they can come back with showing the success of espn as long as a bridge was not burned.
I think they can come back with showing the success of espn as long as a bridge was not burned.
Many years ago my sister made a well thought proposal to them to take over their marketing. It was basically thrown in the trash. Who is my sister? Only a former V.P. at Paramount and then MGM studios, with connections all over the entertainment industry, including SPONSORS! They didn't even call her in for an interview. A few of the veteran women know about this and should be regretting how they treated her to this day. They had a real chance to get a true professional on board with them. My sister was shocked by their lack of professionalism and had zero interest in contacting them further.
After that I also lost faith in their organizational abilities and stood back as the WPBA slowly went downhill. They tried one leader after another and it just got worse and worse. They missed out on the one really proven leader they could have had. I know in my heart that my sister could and would have helped them immensely. She is someone who knows how to get things done! Shame on them (the board members at that time) for dropping the ball on their foot. They did a disservice to all the women players.
After that I also lost faith in their organizational abilities and stood back as the WPBA slowly went downhill. They tried one leader after another and it just got worse and worse. They missed out on the one really proven leader they could have had. I know in my heart that my sister could and would have helped them immensely. She is someone who knows how to get things done! Shame on them (the board members at that time) for dropping the ball on their foot. They did a disservice to all the women players.
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They have one scheduled again at Soaring Eagle in February
This business of only a couple of tournaments a year is terrible. I know they are trying really hard, but maybe the answer lies in going back into pool rooms and accepting less prize money. The important thing is to keep the players playing and keep interest in the game going.
Tournaments in casinos were strictly for the TV coverage but I think now it's time to reconnect with the fans, and what better place than pool rooms? The money may be terrible, but so what ----- do it for the love of the game and to keep playing.
Tournaments in casinos were strictly for the TV coverage but I think now it's time to reconnect with the fans, and what better place than pool rooms? The money may be terrible, but so what ----- do it for the love of the game and to keep playing.
You REALLY hit the nail on the head here with how it is and how it seems to be heading.
For years I have felt this organization is the biggest joke of any (regardless of field) & your post further proves why I am right. It is a shame as women's pool is what got me into the sport (I am a guy for the record) & to see it basically dead is a shame.
The only chance it has is to blow up & start from scratch again with brand new leadership.
I agree with you 100%, They need to get passed the initial sticker shock of less money at first & focus on more potential long term profits with more events as things pick up.
I bet most would rather sacrifice at first in terms of less events with greater prize money to a new layout of lesser prizes at first but more events.
That's cruel. The WPBA had a hugely successful tour for 15 years. You can't say that about any other pro players organization in the U.S.
Things fell apart because the economy fell apart and their formula no longer worked. But to compare them to other groups that thrived on instant gratification is totally wrong. That's not what they did or who they are as an organization.
They did have a good run. Long ago before they ticked off Peg. Went downhill after that.
It was going down pretty good before Peg as well. That's why Peg had the opportunity to present her proposal for change. Peg was a doer (surrounded by philosophizers) and knew exactly what she was doing. Full disclosure-She disliked me. The decline seemed to pick up a year or two after she left but it just may have been timing.
The WPBA had their time-a very good run. All good things must come to an end. The product they have is just not being bought by the public any longer and I truly believe they succeeded in the past despite themselves and no more. Eva and Jeanette surely gave a huge boost. Who will replace them?
As i alluded to -Timing is everything.
Well, you have a point there. Peg was key.
Obviously there are a lot of ifs ands or buts...however, I think they (WPBA) unlike some of the other struggling entities out there, have at least acknowledged to themselves the precarious situation they are in, and have actually taken some kind of action to remedy it, rather than stalling themselves for eons with politics and red tape.
Have you read the story Alison posted recently about the WPBA website revamp and the shopping program? It sounds like progress, even if only a little.
http://www.nycgrind.com/the-latest/...-grind-speaks-event-director-rich-sacco-site/
www.wpba.com/shop.html
I think the best hope for pool to get televised is the "us vs them" format of matches like the Mosconi Cup or the new Queens Cup, or the doubles World Cup format.
One on one, Pro vs Pro events are not very well suited for regular TV audiences, since it's tough to follow the game if you don't know what they are doing or how hard it is. But even Joe Sixpack can follow and root for US vs China or something.
While it may not be "correct" to say it, I think much of the reason the WPBA tour got on TV as much is because people were trying to get a look at some cute girls playing, and the curiosity of seeing females play a normally masculine game, not to see the best pool players in the world play. "Oh, look, girls playing pool, how cute! Let's watch it and see how they do."
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What I heard when people watched the women on TV was that they were awed at how great they played.
Nothing like a drive up to northern Michigan in the middle of winter. Might have to check it out, thanks.
"Preliminary rounds begin Thursday, February 6th, through Saturday, February 8th with 48 top players competing in two sessions each day in double elimination play. The tournament will conclude on Sunday, February 9th beginning at 1 p.m. when the final four remaining players will compete for the title of 2014 WPBA Masters Champion LIVE on ESPN3!"