SPORTS AND ITS TELEVISION COVERAGE:

SPORTS AND ITS TELEVISION COVERAGE: There’s trouble a-brewing, according to this Washington Times article:

“I think in the next five years you’re going to see [team] bankruptcies,” said Tim Lieweke, president of Anschutz Entertainment Group, which owns parts of six of MLS’ 10 teams, the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, and several European soccer and hockey teams. “Arenas will close. You’re going to see a league or two that’s going to Armageddon.”

MLB arguably is leading the charge to disaster.

Commissioner Bud Selig has worked hard to sell the idea that the game has enjoyed a “renaissance” since the 1994-95 strike by players. But underneath the spin lies serious trouble: a labor war brewing with the players, sagging ratings, baseball’s still-active attempt to eliminate two franchises, the competitive and fiscal imbalance between rich and poor teams, and the leagues’ overall grim financial state. Mr. Selig said MLB lost $519 million in 2001.

Baseball fans have responded with a collective shrug this season: Nine stadiums have already posted record lows.