Why FIBA Should Borrow The Phrase “Why Not Us…”

“Why Not Us…” Photo Credit: operationsports

The NFL may be on to something with the phrase they are coining to kick off their annual TV dominance in the Sports Broadcasting world, which seems perfect for each team. “Why Not Us…” has a powerful message of, why should we be written off when we have reasons x, y, z of being a success? Yes, I think this phrase should be used by another sports governing body in The International Basketball Federation (better known as FIBA).

It has been well documented of Mark Cuban’s displeasure with the premiere international basketball power’s managing of the NBA’s player participation and the financial risk involved for the NBA Owners. It’s widely believed that many other owners have a similar sentiment but rarely have spoken out as boisterously or publicly as the Dallas Maverick’s flamboyant owner. With the recent unfortunate injury to Indiana Pacers guard Paul George, the scrutiny of FIBA has only intensified even though many believe such events could have occurred anywhere at anytime.

FIBA, which currently has 213 national federations as members, has continued with business as usual and shows no signs of altering its current structure for National Team play. Cuban’s gripe that NBA owners take full financial risk for an organization that reaps all of the benefits has some serious weight to it. Especially when you consider the R.O.I. (return on investment) for each NBA team is the player for that organization getting global exposure to an even greater extent that the NBA currently is trying to build up to. This isn’t to say that there won’t be some financial increases come the NBA regular season, but it’s more the player’s brand expanding than the team they represent as USA is plastered on everything they wear and are a part of during the experience.

“Why Not Us…” is a stance that FIBA should consider taking when members of the organizations these players are selected from call their financial gains into question. After all, how many international prospects are also scouted and plucked by the NBA and other leagues from the other international showcases FIBA is responsible for putting on? FIBA has it’s own share of scandals and black marks over the years, but they have also been a partner with the NBA in the “Globalization of the Game”. On the opening night of the 2013-2014 NBA season, 92 international players from 39 countries were listed on NBA rosters. Many of those players are from countries frequently represented in the FIBA Basketball World Cup (formally known as FIBA World Championship).

With 20% of the players under contract are from countries outside of the USA, the argument can be made that FIBA has also done it’s fair share to help the NBA. One cannot overlook the most recent NBA Champions, The San Antonio Spurs, who featured nine of its 15 eligible roster spots from countries outside the USA.

With the exposure, talent, skill level, and international interest generated from these players, FIBA has introduced a two-way road for the NBA and the originating countries to benefit from the globalization of the players. Yes, the majority risk does still fall on each organization that these players represent as far as injury is concerned. However, is there consideration of how many players would even be available or on that stage had FIBA not been involved?

Much like any other business, money has to be made to continue to put product on the floor. The more you look at it you are seeing FIBA acting much like the AAU does in the United States. A collection of clubs that present talent on a stage big enough for the masses to see and enjoy the highest levels of competition. The NBA has a strong hold on the top talent in the world for its annual season. The Olympics have the National Pride locked in for the eternity of sports existence for each respective country that is able to participate.

So when it comes to each country presenting its premier talent on a grand stage outside of the Fall-Spring window the NBA provides, or the four-year waiting period that the Olympics bring to the table. Someone should be asking the question, who is capable and worthy of keeping the top level of basketball interest flowing during those down periods in between the NBA and The Olympics. FIBA’s immediate response and defense should be a swift and confident “Why Not Us…”.