It’s easy to forget that sports teams are businesses. But that fact was very evident after the NBA Draft Lottery, when a viral video showed the New Orleans Pelicans’ ticket office celebrating after the team won the chance to draft superstar Zion Williamson.
The Pelicans had just a 6% chance of earning the number one draft pick based on their results this season, so the excitement is understandable. They leapfrogged other big-market organizations like the New York Knicks, who had a 14% chance, and the Chicago Bulls (12.5%).
While coaches, players and fans are salivating over Zion’s talent (which was on display at Duke in the 2018-19 season), the ticket office is likely thinking more about his marketability. A player of Zion’s stature (from a physical and character standpoint) will undoubtedly sell tons of jerseys and tickets going forward.
We’re all excited to see what Zion can do at the next level. But perhaps nobody is more excited than those who will be reaping the financial rewards!
Image Courtesy of New Orleans Pelicans (Twitter)