As a few other posters commented, I am curious about the revenue models. Bowls used to be about economic development. Fans would attend, stay for a few days and spend big bucks locally. Not anymore. Hardly anyone attends so what about tv money? Another puzzle since nobody watches.
I would love to see how the $$$ flow.
Wondering the same. Two questions: Where does the money come from. And who benefits?
Money for the bowls comes from various sources……broadcast rights, ticket sales, sponsorships. Sponsors could include many businesses not just the naming rights. The host city/county/state all probably contribute somehow. Certainly the tourist promotion agencies and business nonprofits like hotel, bar, and restaurant organizations. Biggest question is the income enough to cover expenses?
Now who benefits. Well, ESPN gets a ton of airtime all bowl season when other events are slow. They probably sell advertising in packages…..you want to advertise in any major bowl you have to have some in the minor bowls. Revenue sharing to keep the gravy train on the tracks. The hotels, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, even museums all benefit. The city/ county/state all get tons of publicity and tax revenue. The Chamber of Commerce has to love them.
The politicians get to parade around telling everyone what a great job they are doing. Corporate types get to suck up to politicians so they can get favors later. The media, sports websites, book makers, all generate a ton of business from bowls. Even charities get in the game by having events during Bowl week.
And the Bowl committees themselves deserve a look. How much are these people paid to plan all year? Who makes up these committees……bet a lot of top ones are friends, family, donors, to top government and corporate big shots.
Lots of fingers in the game…..