How About a Disney Baseball Team?

[WDW*Dreamer]

Every morning, during my drive through Atlanta traffic, I often pass the time trying to think my way through marginally crazy ideas. This morning’s idea was….why doesn’t Disney acquire their own MLB franchise?

Here’s some of my thinking:

Pro – They’ve already got a very good start at the needed facilities with ESPN Wide World of Sports

Pro – They’d have an immediate fan base with all the Disney fans throughout the country. There would be huge opportunities for ticket packages combining park and game admissions. Families would plan their trips to Disney around when their local teams were going to be at Disney for a three game series …. this may help get reluctant Dad’s (I know, it’s crazy, but I hear they exist) to agree to a trip to Disney. And, I’m sure the Disney team would be a huge draw on the road as the away team pulling in all the Disney fans in the area.

Pro – It would provide a needed marketing connection to the boys in the family. From the princesses to Hanna Montana, Disney has always connected with the girls. A baseball team would give the boys a connection point.

Pro – With Disney’s huge media outlets, they would have no problem establishing a nationwide “superstation” TV presence (Like Chicago/WGN and Atlanta/Turner) has always enjoyed.

These are my quick thoughts on the subject. I’m sure there are a lot of “cons” I’m not considering. I’m sure there would be some concern linking the Disney brand to some of the less-than-wholesome characters you encounter in professional sports, but Disney already manages that with their movie/music personalities. I also have little understanding of the financials of running a baseball team.

It’s just a thought…something to entertain myself sitting in traffic.

 

[Hoodie]

I can envision all the players on the field, with Mickey Ear baseball hats.

And they have them!

http://www.yourwdwstore.net/Disney-Hat--Baseball-Cap--Sunglasses-Mickey-Mouse_p_11843.html

 

[DisneyChula]

That. Would. Be. Amazing.

 

[acourtwdw]

At one time, Disney owned the Anahiem(Los Angeles) Angels.

 

[msjprincess]

Disney has already owned and sold the Anaheim Angels and the Anaheim Ducks (hockey)

 

[mdsoccermom]

Disney has already owned a baseball and hockey team - the LA Angels and Anaheim Ducks.

 

[mdsoccermom]

Disney has already owned and sold the Anaheim Angels and the Anaheim Ducks (hockey)

Oops! Didn't see your post before I posted.

 

[diznygirl]

Been there, done that. Didn't work. Got out of the business.

But the Big A looks tons better now.

 

[DisneyChula]

Disney has already owned a baseball and hockey team - the LA Angels and Anaheim Ducks.

I remember when they owned them, I would love to see it happen again!

 

[WDW*Dreamer]

I can envision all the players on the field, with Mickey Ear baseball hats.

Perfect!

Disney has already owned and sold the Anaheim Angels and the Anaheim Ducks (hockey)

I'm thinking more than "owning" them, I'm thinking owning AND "branding" them. An actual Disney team at the parks. Not an Orlando team owned by Disney.

I'm not sure many Disney fans immediately became Angels fans because Disney owned them.

There are probably MLB restrictions against this, but that's the thought.

 

[mdsoccermom]

Perfect!



I'm thinking more than "owning" them, I'm thinking owning AND "branding" them. An actual Disney team at the parks. Not an Orlando team owned by Disney.

I'm not sure many Disney fans immediately became Angels fans because Disney owned them.

There are probably MLB restrictions against this, but that's the thought.

And I'm not sure many baseball fans would automatically change their allegiances just because Disney has decided to own and brand a team. And if a person does not like baseball, it's highly unlikely they are going to start liking it just because Disney has decided to own and brand a team.

 

[FireDancer]

A publicly traded company owning a major league sports franchise is almost never a good fiscal decision for the shareholders. Everything Disney does should be to increase the wealth of their shareholders, as is the case with any publicly traded corporation, and very few sports franchises ultimately make a profit.

I suspect if you looked at the financial statements from the years Disney did own the Angels and Mighty Ducks you'd see that the contribution to the bottom line was often written in red ink.

 

[diznygirl]

Perfect!



I'm thinking more than "owning" them, I'm thinking owning AND "branding" them. An actual Disney team at the parks. Not an Orlando team owned by Disney.

I'm not sure many Disney fans immediately became Angels fans because Disney owned them.

There are probably MLB restrictions against this, but that's the thought.

Disney "brands" everything they own. They branded the Angels, changed the name from "California" to "Anaheim" and added a band and cheerleaders.

Yeah. Baseball fans were not amused.

 

[Metsfan520]

Disney "brands" everything they own. They branded the Angels, changed the name from "California" to "Anaheim" and added a band and cheerleaders.

Yeah. Baseball fans were not amused.

Part of the reason for the name change to Anaheim was because the city kicked in some money for renovations & they asked for the change:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Angels_of_Anaheim

 

[wvjules]

Ehh, I wouldn't be a fan. A Disney branded baseball team would be laughable, IMO.

 

[msjprincess]

Ehh, I wouldn't be a fan. A Disney branded baseball team would be laughable, IMO.

ITA

I wouldn't be able to take them seriously. Especially if they were wearing Mickey ears.

 

[phorsenuf]

I love Disney as much as anyone else but they don't need to be a part of everything.