College football, with its unique charm and quirks, has a distinct identity that sets it apart from the NFL. Despite cries of concern, the sport's ratings remain robust, dispelling any notion of its demise. However, the issue arises when stakeholders attempt to emulate the NFL's growth strategies, as evidenced by the recent NC State and Virginia debacle.
The planned game in Brazil, initially scheduled for Rio de Janeiro, was ultimately moved to Charlottesville due to poor ticket sales. This incident highlights the challenges of exporting college football internationally, especially when compared to the NFL's successful international ventures.
The NFL's ability to command exclusive broadcast windows and create scarcity adds value to its games, a luxury college football lacks. With multiple conferences and television networks competing for viewers, college football struggles to offer the same level of exclusivity. Additionally, the abundance of games dilutes the value of any individual contest, especially those featuring less prominent teams.
Major League Baseball, the NBA, and the NHL have also recognized the importance of exclusivity and star power in their international games. They strategically send teams with popular international players to attract audiences and generate interest. For instance, MLB's visits to Japan have featured star players like Ichiro Suzuki and Shohei Ohtani, resulting in massive TV audiences and ticket sales.
The Ireland games, which have become a staple for college football, rely heavily on sponsorship and ad revenue. Aer Lingus, for example, sponsors these games as a promotional event, showcasing its travel deals during commercial breaks. This model, however, may not translate to other international markets, especially in the current economic climate, where travel expenses are high.
College football's growth is intricately linked to its media partners, and the sport faces unique challenges in attracting international audiences. Unlike the Premier League, which boasts global stars and celebrity appeal, college football lacks the same level of star power outside the US. Even highly touted players like Arch Manning and Jeremiah Smith may struggle to fill stadiums in international markets.
The failed attempt to bring college football to Brazil serves as a cautionary tale. The decision-makers, much like the scientists in Jurassic Park, focused on the feasibility without considering the wisdom of such an endeavor. While there may be a future for college football internationally, the NC State and Virginia game serves as a reminder of the many obstacles that must be overcome.
