Philly Americans out of the NPPL

[Chicago]

I should have been more specific - I didn't necessarily mean organized integration. But, as long as the leagues are primarily supported by the industry, I don't think there's room for more than one national league, and barring some extreme change of circumstances, only one will be running in 2010, whether that's the result of an organized, cooperative integration or not.

If we're lucky, both sides will recognize the talents of the other and find a way to let each do what they do best. And while Bruce may have to decide whether paintball is even still worth his energy, the PSP side is going to have to be willing to accept that they shouldn't do everything themselves either.

So, I think you're pretty much right on. PSP won't put much effort into negotiation now as waiting doesn't cost them anything and will likely improve their bargaining position.

 

[Robbo]

So, I think you're pretty much right on. PSP won't put much effort into negotiation now as waiting doesn't cost them anything and will likely improve their bargaining position.

I think we are fast approaching a point where the bargaining power of the PSP is reaching its critical mass ...... after that......there's no point in bargaining, they can just sit like vultures on the sidelines waiting ...... for the good of paintball, I hope it doesn't unfold that way but I ain't holding my breath.

 

[Chicago]

I think we are fast approaching a point where the bargaining power of the PSP is reaching its critical mass ...... after that......there's no point in bargaining, they can just sit like vultures on the sidelines waiting ...... for the good of paintball, I hope it doesn't unfold that way but I ain't holding my breath.

In terms of being the only league standing, yes.

But the value on the Pacific Paintball side of the fence has nothing to do with having a tournament league. There is expertise over there that PSP doesn't have and that, at least presently, is interested enough in paintball to invest in it. And while PSP isn't losing money running tournaments, they're not exactly sitting on a pile of cash to invest either.

 

[Robbo]

In terms of being the only league standing, yes.

But the value on the Pacific Paintball side of the fence has nothing to do with having a tournament league. There is expertise over there that PSP doesn't have and that, at least presently, is interested enough in paintball to invest in it. And while PSP isn't losing money running tournaments, they're not exactly sitting on a pile of cash to invest either.

Pretty much on the money Chris; it seems ironic to me at least, that whilst we all yabber on about 'leagues' integrating, the real deal is about people integrating or to be more accurate, expertise integrating.

In this sense, the NPPL would be but a Trojan horse to shoe-horn Bruce into the power hierarchy where he can have a very real effect on our sport because I don't think he has that same potential if the leagues remain separate.

But, therein lies the rub, and it's problematic because Bruce and the NPPL are inextricably linked and he will vehemently protect his considerable investment in that league and resist any moves to diminish its status or foothold in any integration talks.

Giving up power for anybody (both sides) is an extremely bitter pill to swallow and even more-so when those who you are jumping into bed with were at one time or another, seen as adversaries.

There is light at the end of the end of this torturous tunnel though, and as I have previously mentioned, the big guns from each side have communication lines open, Dave YB and Bruce get on well together, they have a mutual respect and understanding and believe it or not, they both want the same thing here.

And that is for paintball to grow for the benefit of all, that I can assure people is how these two guys genuinely think.

Let's hope their aspirations and mutual respect can overcome any political obstacles that will undoubtedly be thrust in the way by 'others' in these next few months.

 

[Chicago]

But, therein lies the rub, and it's problematic because Bruce and the NPPL are inextricably linked and he will vehemently protect his considerable investment in that league and resist any moves to diminish its status or foothold in any integration talks.

I think you're selling Bruce short. At some point you have to cut your losses and move on, and if anyone is capable of recognizing when you're just throwing good money after bad, it's Bruce. NPPL is a gaping money pit - money goes in and nothing comes out.

The real issue, I think, is whether an arrangement can be made where Bruce feels he has the ability to use his expertise without sabotaging interference from the PSP owners, and vice-versa.

 

[Robbo]

I think you're selling Bruce short. At some point you have to cut your losses and move on, and if anyone is capable of recognizing when you're just throwing good money after bad, it's Bruce. NPPL is a gaping money pit - money goes in and nothing comes out.

The real issue, I think, is whether an arrangement can be made where Bruce feels he has the ability to use his expertise without sabotaging interference from the PSP owners, and vice-versa.

Chris, re-read what I said mate, my comments re Bruce were made within the context of any integration talks.

I am not suggesting for one second he would hang in there for the sake of it thus compromising any commonsense financial reason to get out altogether.
If there's one thing I wouldn't do Chris, it's sell Bruce short, I got some idea of what makes him tick mate.

 

[Chicago]

Gotcha - I read that as he was somehow invested in NPPL, which made no sense. Agree wholeheartedly that he's not going to invest money without the ability to exert control over the outcome. Just not what VCs do.

 

[MissyQ]

Pete, Chris, I agree with you both, I think the above is a very fair reflection of the current circumstances and I believe the PSP will do exactly what Pete fears.
However, I also believe that Bruce will put his own man at the helm first, starting next season, and that the NPPL will drop to 3 or 4 events (my money is on 3). With those changes in landscape, plus my prediction (more of an educated guess actually) that the PSP also drops to 4, I expect to see some changes to the current status quo.
It would be foolish to count the NPPL out now, and especially foolish to expect them to continue blindly down a road that leads only to ruin, and obviously so.

Next season could be the most interesting yet.

 

[Robbo]

Life's never fackin simple is it .......we got Bruce Friedman on one side, probably the best thing that has happened in paintball for some time now, and on the other we have the best format and a fair degree of momentum .....

Circumstances have had a significant input into the way this stage of the game is being played out and it's crucial we stop allowing circumstances to dictate direction and grab hold of the reins.

I got this feeling tho .... maybe the reins have already been discarded....

 

[Chicago]

What does dropping to three events fix exactly? Just losing less money on tournaments? And where would those three events run? HB, San Diego and....? At that point you might as well just scrap NPPL and make XPSL bigger.

We did miss one thing of value that NPPL currently has - HB. Give that over to PSP, let PSP run a 5-event series, done.

Also, I think we're oversimplifying by saying PSP won't want to negotiate or wouldn't be willing to cooperate; it's just that it's unlikely given their current advantage that they'd be able to reach mutually agreeable terms.

If Pacific Paintball were to say "Hey, this tournament stuff sucks, we quit, let us market your league for you for a percentage of whatever we manage to sell", PSP would go for that. And frankly, I don't see how that isn't fair - it isn't PSP's fault that NPPL has been run into the ground. The problem is, Pacific Paintball won't do it. They want to own, grow, and reap the rewards, and if they can't do that, they'll sell and bail. Being a glorified marketing agency for 10-20% of the money just isn't their business model.