Sports created in America have made a big splash in many foreign countries. Baseball, for instance, is popular all over the world, even giving soccer a run for its money in fan support in some countries like in the Caribbean. Additionally, basketball has become a more international sport and football is starting to catch on over seas, with both the NBA and NFL considering the establishment of teams in Europe.
Imported sports in America, however, have faired very poorly. Sports like rugby, cricket and to a large extent, soccer, have never captured the attention of American sports fans even though they remain by far some of the most popular in the rest of the world. The reasons for the failure of foreign sports in America vary, but they all play a part.
Too Much Money Invested
The national sports leagues in America are big business, very big business. Their yearly revenues are in the billions with a lot of it coming from substantially lucrative deals with major media congolmerates that bring big time ad money. Opening the market to new competitors, i.e. new sports, wouldn’t go over so well for those in position to lose the most.
Traditional Sports Too Big
The major sports–football, baseball, basketball, hockey and racing–have eaten up all of the attention of American sports fans, leaving little room for others.
Not Taught in Schools
Fans love to root for sports that they once played. Outside of soccer, very few foreign sports are taught or played in America.
Lack of American Stars
And if the sport isn’t played in the country, there are little to no American stars in the sport for people to relate to. It would take years for an American star to develop, and by then people would have lost interest.
Other Sports Control the Alternative Market
Outside of the major sports previously mentioned, the alternative sports market is already claimed, most notably, by extreme sports.
The popularity of sports always rise and fall, opening the door for others, but don’t expect
