Nowadays, sports have become a valuable business and a significant source of income for sporting personalities, so many compromises are invested in this market. From my perspective, I believe that it is a good inclination and I will show my reasons in this essay.
On the one hand, it is true that turning sports into a lucrative industry might bring about some drawbacks. One of the main problems is athletes can be marginalised by their sponsors because they prioritise commercial interest over the athletes’ well being. Hence, if the result of professional sport people is decreased, it will be evident. Moreover, it should be noted that the rise of gambling activities can undermine the integrity of sports. For example, during the SEA GAMES in 2005, several members of the Vietnam national football team were involved in betting scandals, which not only ruined their careers but also mitigated their country’s reputation.
On the other hand, however, the commercialization can bring various advantages for both viewers and or athletes. One of the biggest factors contribute to this is that some companies may focus on marketing. Thus, the influence of the sports industry can attract a larger audience. Another justification is that the financial success of sports can enhance athletes’ life. In fact, when the companies’ profit increases, they are more likely to invest in their sporting professional celebrities, provide higher salaries and upgrade their facilities. For instance, Manchester United is not only a prestigious football club but also a conglomerate that is very unique in the world. The club’s ability to generate substantial revenue through marketing, which allows them to appeal to a lot of superstars to become a part of their project.
In conclusion, for all aforementioned reasons, I still think that despite the threats of betting or athletes marginalisation, converting the sport industry to a business may still improve the commercial meaning and athletes’ life.