Nevertheless, the idea clearly touched a nerve with a public wanting both to dream about owning a team and to send a message that fans deserve a greater voice in pro sports. The NFL's decision to summarily disregard the BuyTheJets bid was fittingly emblematic of the unsportsmanlike conduct with which the industry too often treats its passionate and loyal supporters. In addition to recurring work stoppages, ticket prices have risen more than three times the rate of inflation over the last decade. In Seattle, the Mariners' mediocre record playing in new Safeco Field pales in comparison to its performance paying for it. The team, principally owned by Nintendo of America, says it needs the public to cover the extra cost in order for it to compete financially.
Owners complain about the financial hardship involved in running pro teams.
Yet, peer behind the doom and gloom talk, and it becomes clear that teams have never been more valuable. As Yogi Berra might say, buying a sports team is such a bad deal, everyone wants one. That's why Crotty and Lyons have been able to sign up thousands of people, and why there's a line of billionaires ahead of them. That success, however, doesn't mean it should be able to play without any refereeing. Elected officials seem to confuse governmental oversight with the view from their front row seats.