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One of the key points behind the claim that parity is good for sport is the idea that it is the best way of maintaining the interest of all fans. The argument is that fans unsuccessful cities will lose interest if they feel their chances of winning are limited from the start. I think it is important to differentiate between fans of a sport and fans of team. If you are a supporter of a team, you may believe in the value of creating parity. Parity represents hope and chance which are key ingredients for keeping people interested. Living in Toronto I would even argue that some fans of teams have very little interest in how successful their team is (Leaf fans i’m talking to you).
However those of us who genuinely enjoy the sports they are watching are more interested in watching excellence. For me there is no better way than to have the best to play with the best. It is more entertaining to watch a league with two great teams that compete with each other than watch 30 equally balanced yet mediocre teams. I think that parity is a great concept but when it comes at the expense of quality there is a problem.
I find it very interesting that in the North American supporting culture there is such an emphasis on parity when the world we live in does not appear to have the same values. We have all heard the phrase “Life is not fair”, and yet we want sports to be? In business, few would suggest that Starbucks is unfairly competing with the independent coffee company at the corner and that a more level playing field is required so that everyone can compete equally. I guess that any comparison between parity and the business are dependent on if one believes that teams and leagues act as partners or competitors but this is a debate for another time.
When Lebron, Bosh and Wade decided to ‘take their talents to South Beach’ I was amazed by the reaction. Opponents claimed it wasn’t fair, that they were taking the easy route to winning and that it will lead to end of the league. While I dislike the manner in which they left their teams (Why would you act like you’ve won the championship when you haven’t even played a game), I couldn’t understand the outrage. As a fan it’s great to have another great team to compete in the league.
When it comes to individual sports nobody would suggest that we have to increase parity so the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Tiger Woods are not as dominant as they are. Rather we admire their abilities and revere their talents. Sports much like life isn’t fair and I think its better that way.
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