If you include the NXL, they already have four divisions of Xball. The problem is the exclusivity clauses of the NXL, both in terms of restricting where the teams can play and who can enter. It seems pretty obvious the teams want to play more than just the same 8 teams over and over and over.
IMO this is what they should do to make the NXL more interesting and viable in the current market.
- get rid of the exclusivity of the NXL and just make it pro class. You can make it invite only, or create some qualifications (at least 1 Div I win to enter) to keep out the riff raff, but get more than 8 or 9 teams in each event. Who doesn't want to see matches like Dynasty/Philly or Naughty Dogs/Trauma?
- structure the pro class the same way the other divisions are played: double elimination. Right now the games are interesting but kinda pointless. Yes they count for overall season standings, but they only matter for seeding at the last event. Make each event standalone, with a champion crowned at each event, and we'll see more drama in the matches.
- allow the NXL teams to play other events. I think it's clear that paintball is capable of supporting two major tournament series in the US. Allowing teams to play both won't dilute the product.
Once we get real interest from TV, then we can worry about which format is better. Maybe we won't have to. Maybe we'll end up with multiple formats on TV. Other sports do it - tennis has mens, womens, doubles and mixed doubles; golf has skins games and straight tournaments; skiing has downhill, slalom, moguls.
Unfortunately I doubt we'll see this happen any time soon. The backers of the NXL are too entrenched. They've sunk a lot of money into the league and they're still hoping for the big payoff. I doubt they'll make any sweeping changes like this until they have no other choice. Although the loss of three top teams might signal that that point is coming sooner than they think...
