Sports' Power Brokers

In a discussion of powerful people in sports, the list is long and wide. I think one would have to define the word "power" as a first step.

Does it mean popularity? I think many fan-generated lists will use this as the sole criteria.

Does it mean having a position with decision-making ability? There are commissioners of leagues, franchise owners, team GMs, etc.

Does it mean dollars? If money is the sole criteria, sports agents and media outlets must be considered.

Since America is a capitalist country where money equals power, let's start with deciding which sport has the largest asset base, in dollars.

The answer is golf.

From courses to clubhouses, dollars generated from participation, nothing else compares.

Ask yourself how many $100-million sports arenas your city has. Now how many $10-million (est. value of an average 18-hole facility) golf courses are there. How many new communities are selling houses advertised with a basketball court or football field in your backyard as a way to entice buyers? How many people spend $50 or more each time they play another sport.

I can go on.

From retail to construction to participation, golf leads all other sports. Where it doesn't lead is TV ratings or ESPN's "Play of the Day" clips. That is why most of you have already stopped reading this article.

Using this perspective, there are only a couple of choices. Tiger Woods for media popularity. Jack Nicklaus for development and other business influences. Tim Finchem, PGA Tour commissioner for executive decision-making power over professional leagues.

In a recent Golf Inc. magazine article on this topic, Tiger Woods' influence ranked fifth in the industry, behind management company CEO's and golf-course developers. Slightly ahead of Tim Finchem at No. 7.

So for the most influential person in the most financially powerful sport, Jack Nicklaus is still No. 1. Forget his playing records, most of which still stand, if only until Tiger heals. His golf-oriented companies include the most sought after golf course design firm worldwide, a very successful retail line of clothing and playing equipment, and even a Bear's Best collection of golf courses branded in his name.

Compare that to anyone else in any other sport and you will come up short.