Monica Abbott

[womenssports]

http://nytlive.nytimes.com/womenint...monica-abbott-inks-record-1-million-contract/

Okay, I am shocked. I thought the wnba had a bigger following than
the pro softball fastpitch league here in the U.S. but the WNBA doesn't
and can't pay these type salaries. This may relate in a way to what FinalFour
and Tycat mentioned in the softball thread re: enlarging OU softball stadium.

 

[sybarite]

http://nytlive.nytimes.com/womenint...monica-abbott-inks-record-1-million-contract/

Okay, I am shocked. I thought the wnba had a bigger following than
the pro softball fastpitch league here in the U.S. but the WNBA doesn't
and can't pay these type salaries. This may relate in a way to what FinalFour
and Tycat mentioned in the softball thread re: enlarging OU softball stadium.

http://www.ehow.com/info_10052431_starting-salary-professional-softball-player.html

I suspect that this is a publicity stunt associated with an expansion team more than the beginning of salary increases in the league as a whole. That is the approximate sum of all of the salaries, according to the averages shown in this article. $150,000 per team means she is paid what 4 2/3 teams would be paid.

 

[SoonerSpock]

This ESPN link provides more detail on the structure of Abbott's contract. But to me it is amazing how an attendance bonus does not fall under the team compensation limitations. But it is what it is. It would be interesting to know how much of that projected $147,000 per annum attendance bonus she actually is paid.

As Syb indicated publicity has to be the big driver behind this deal.



http://espn.go.com/espnw/sports/art...ontract-national-pro-fastpitch-expansion-team

 

[womenssports]

http://www.ehow.com/info_10052431_starting-salary-professional-softball-player.html

I suspect that this is a publicity stunt associated with an expansion team more than the beginning of salary increases in the league as a whole. That is the approximate sum of all of the salaries, according to the averages shown in this article. $150,000 per team means she is paid what 4 2/3 teams would be paid.

I know noting of the league so I was shocked. Your response make more sense. If it gets the league noticed, that is great; however, I had no idea that teams were paid $150k. I thought the players may only be making $20k per season but that it was a short season and gave them time to work at schools, colleges, have training facilites where they taught, or engaged in some other endeavor to make money. EDIT: So now have looked at your link and see some make $5 to $6k. SO MY QUESTION IS, is this like WNBA players who play here for so much less than overseas because they want to support the sport here and are trying to create a strong league with better salaries, attendance, recognition (though most still go overseas to make a living) and 2nd pt of question in another reason players play here is to increase their status and salaries overseas, like some do in the W?

So one thing I did think but did not address but now that I know the TEAM salary, is how is this going to effect others on her team and in the league.

This may be good for publicity but might create some bad feelings.

 

[womenssports]

This ESPN link provides more detail on the structure of Abbott's contract. But to me it is amazing how an attendance bonus does not fall under the team compensation limitations. But it is what it is. It would be interesting to know how much of that projected $147,000 per annum attendance bonus she actually is paid.

As Syb indicated publicity has to be the big driver behind this deal.



http://espn.go.com/espnw/sports/art...ontract-national-pro-fastpitch-expansion-team

Definitely agree with the publicity statement. I don't know what attendance usually is but will quote from your link: To fit that structure, Abbott's deal pays her a base salary of $20,000 for each of the next six seasons, with attendance bonuses making up the rest. It will not be difficult to qualify for the bonuses, which are triggered when attendance for a small number of games reaches 100 fans, regardless of whether the team is at home or away and whether or not Abbott pitches. I believe if I were Abbott I would be promoting each game and giving tickets away. It would fit both her and the league's goal to promote the game and, of course, for Abbott personally to get the money.

EDIT: Certainly agree it is about publicity but they are spending the money for that publicity, spending it on
Monica Abbott. I hope it is successful. Would love to see the league become financially independent and pay decent salaries, as I would the WNBA. NOT INTO the exorbitant salaries of NBA, NFL, etc. but decent salaries.

 

[sybarite]

I watched several games last summer. A lot were like watching women's basketball--playing to sparse crowds. Then, there was Florida. I think they said the stadium seated about 3,500. The stands were full. People were watching from vantage points outside the stadium. The players had a little game before the game with girls about ten years of age, prior to every game. The kids ate it up. The players were all among the crowd prior to the game.

If you get that type of effort everywhere, you can pay $1 million per team.