Might be hard to believe, but I don't agree that it's been
proven that jai-alai can't survive on it's own merits.
Let's start with the "doesn't translate to the TV screen"
idea. People probably don't know this, but the USA is not even
in the top 10 countries with broadband internet. Even Latvia is
ahead of us, and in Denmark, 99% of households have access to
broadband. Not only that, but if you think sports look good in
HD, the coming thing is Ultra HD, and the 8k version has 16 times
as many pixels as our current 1080p HD. We're behind, but we will
eventually get to where South Korea and Hong Kong are now at an
average of about 48 Mbps.
That means that if jai-alai can hang on for a few more years,
the "cavalry" - in the form of a stunning internet presentation
- could come to the rescue. And barring a global catastrophe,
we are going to have flexible wall-size ultra HD diplays sooner
or later. Jai-alai would look incredible like that.
I think everyone would have to admit that the frontons have made
only token efforts to popularize internet viewing.
My view is that Miami and Dania, as the best in the sport, and
if promoted vigorously, could end up being watched everywhere
in the world. And if they could make even the tiniest profit per
viewer from internet wagering, that could go back into in-house
promotions that would regenerate the live fan base. Which in turn
would improve the intensity on the court and the quality of the
viewing experience. And as the handle racheted upward, more people
would find betting worthwhile. Basically a positive feedback loop
on steroids.
In contrast, as it stands today, you can't even make a serious
bet to win. Which happens to be the the most fundamental wagering
position. That has to be a turn off for any potential new fan.
I think that the existence of "viral videos" proves
that today you don't have to be Alexander the Great to conquer
the world. You can do it with imagination. But you won't get anywhere
with the same old stuff. Eg: "ball was tipped in the front
court" delivered in a disinterested lo-res monotone.
