NBA Lockout: 10 Successful Strategies To Create a Players-Only Basketball League

I'm mad I was too afraid to write about it when it first crossed my mind. I had pitched the idea of a player-run or initiated league about two weeks ago, but I didn't share it with anyone but a friend. Now, Amar'e Stoudemire drops it and all I can say is, I said that two weeks ago, don't you remember? (Crickets.)

Many agree that the idea is far-fetched, but I believe it is possible if the NBA lockout cancels this season entirely. The cancellation of all 82 games is the only way I can see it having the time to materialize.

Interested parties would need to be putting things in motion, like right now, to get something going by say June or July. Here are 10 strategies the players and their investors would need to employ to have success.

Understand This Is a Short-Term Endeavor

The players and investors must understand the NBA will be back and any player-initiated league would be a short-term option. Ultimately, they could not compete with the financial power of the NBA, but they could create substantial leverage. Another opportunity to play basketball stateside would be more attractive to more players. It will ultimately end up like the USFL or ABA if it were to try to coexist with the NBA.

Potential investors would be much more apt to get behind this league on a year-to-year basis than for multi-year agreements. A get-in-while-the-getting-is-good approach for players and investors offers much less risk.

For example, selling advertising spots for the game telecasts shouldn't be an issue. The intrigue of seeing LeBron James, Derrick Rose and Kobe Bryant with unique teams and playing in any capacity will surely draw its share of attention.

ESPN and other news outlets will be there. If they showed up for summer league games with cameras, surely they would be there for these. But don't kid yourselves, this a one- or two-year option at the most.

Players Must Tap into Their Considerable Business and Entertainment Contacts

Maybe not young Drake, but many of the NBA's players rub elbows with some very rich, powerful and influential people, who aren't NBA owners. Pitching the idea of investing, sponsorship and joint business deals would be a great way to create revenue as well as exposure and draw more than just the hardcore fan.

Imagine this: co-contributors and investors to the Players League, Sean "Diddy" Combs and Lil Wayne performing at halftime of a game that pits a Carmelo Anthony-led team against a LeBron James-led squad.

The revenue that the game plus the mini-concert could generate would be substantial, especially in the short-term. It could also assist in getting venues. As such, the games serve somewhat of a dual-purpose.

Purists may hate it, but which do you hate more? The lockout or a 20-minute halftime show featuring Diddy and Wayne that you could turn off if you wanted to?

Approach These Networks for Coverage of the Games

In the following order, these networks would be great hosts for the league's games:

1. Fox

They have shown they aren't afraid to take a chance on risque shows (Family Guy) or sports in unproven markets (soccer and NHL hockey), plus their recent addition of the UFC adds even more diversity. With all of this, Fox is still a major draw and player in sports on television.

They have never had the NBA or any basketball coverage. This short-term project would be a win-win for both sides and really sting the NBA, NBC and ESPN.

2. CBS

Remember back in the day when all of the big nationally televised NBA games were on CBS? When Dick Stockton was still coherent and he did games with the likes of Tom Heinsohn? CBS does a great job with the NCAA and would bring class and legitimacy to the Players' League.

3. Spike

It is owned by MTV and let's face it, this would be the primary market for this league.

Know Your Audience and Cater to It

The audience for this league would be very similar to the audience for the summer league exhibitions. Young and hip adults who are interested in the Adizero 2's, the Air Jordan Melo 5's, etc.

These companies who generally make up the bulk of the shoe endorsements for NBA players should be targeted heavy for advertisements on the floor, in the arenas and on commercials. It is what the fans of this league will want to see.

Other products whose demographics match the same target audience should be all over every broadcast.

Uniforms Ala Nascar

The WNBA, NASCAR and most international football clubs utilize this tactic to create revenue. The Players' League would need to as well. Doing it with audience-appropriate products and companies would be preferred but whoever is paying works.

For example, a Puma ad works better than one for Viagra. Hey, but you got to get those players, coaches, referees, announcers, etc. paid and insured somehow.

Be Creative and Change the Formats

Tinker with the playoff formats; change the division structure. Remember, this isn't designed to have a ton of longevity. Change the name of the finals, playoffs, awards—everything.

Revive Old Fan Favorites

The Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Shootout need a tune-up. They should be accompanied by other new or old, fun events like HORSE and Knockout.

The All-Star Game of course would exist under a different name and theme. It should be similar to the NHL's format. USA vs. International players would have a nice flavor to it. Dirk Nowitzki, Manu Ginobili Pau Gasol and Tony Parker taking on a team with LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose is a pretty awesome game.

Hire Ex-Players Who Aren't Currently Coaching as Coaches

Other NBA legends who have been shunned by NBA teams would bring star power, credibility and respect to the Players' League. It may also give them the type of coaching experience they need to prove themselves, unless of course they get blackballed for their participation.

Hire Steven A. Smith as Color Commentator for Players' League Game of the Week

Instant entertainment and Smith also has a great rapport and relationship with several players. He is loud and brash but he does know the game. He is a recognizable sports news figure whose specialty is pro basketball. 

Allow High School Players in After Graduation

The NBA should never have blocked prep players from joining the NBA ranks. It hasn't helped the college game and the horror stories of inadequate teenagers in the NBA was greatly exaggerated. It is the only major sport besides football that has such a rule.

It amazes me and I quote Jermaine O'Neal: "To say you have to be 20, 21 to get in the league, it’s unconstitutional. If I can go to the U.S. army and fight the war at 18 why can’t you play basketball for 48 minutes?”

If you look at the premier players in the NBA over the past 15 years, many of them went the prep-to-pros route—Tracy McGrady, O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Monta Ellis, Tyson Chandler, Amar'e Stoudemire and others.

It is a dumb rule.