Alyssa Milano Would Consider Owning a Minor League Team
26th October 2009
I’ve been doing interviews with those in sports business for a while now… Fay Vincent… Bob Costas… Marvin Miller… Kevin Pritchard… Each one has been fascinating in one way or another. But recently, I’ve bumped into the chance to interview a couple of individuals of celebrity status, and it’s been, well… fun.
A couple of weeks ago I interviewed chef, restaurateur, and TV personality Emeril Lagasse in Las Vegas for the opening of his “Lagasse Stadium” space at The Palazzo, and today it’s actress, sports fan, and fashionista, Alyssa Milano.
Three years ago, Milano approached MLB Properties about marketing a clothing line that would look as good in a boutique as it would at the merchandise stand at the ballpark. The results has spawned not only a revolution in clothing for women to wear to the ballpark, but the business model has been so successful that it is now available for the NFL, NBA, NHL, and NCAA. As Greg Sim, MLB Properties’ director of licensing, apparel and headwear said at the time Touch by Alyssa Milano was launched, it taps “a part of the market we haven’t touched yet, putting a high-end product on the casual and younger fans who are more fashion conscious.”
One of the most notable comments… When I asked if she might wish to own a sports franchise, she answered, “I would love to buy into a Triple-A baseball team.”
Some key quotes:
- On how the idea for Touch came about – “I figured if just 30% of these women were insulted by the pink gear (like I was) but wore it anyway because it was the only way MLB was addressing female fans, the market was there for a well made, fashionable, flattering, fan apparel line.”
- On reaching a deal with MLB Properties – “Ultimately, I don’t think they gave me the licensing because of the concept of the clothing line. I think they gave me the licensing because they could tell I was a real fan and that I could represent female fans in a passionate, intelligent way.”
- On her attention to detail – I’m involved with every aspect of the line for the simple reason that I’m the one sitting in the stands, spanning all leagues, for over 80 games a year. I don’t think a designer sitting in an office can adequately design for a sports fan if they aren’t actually attending sporting events.
- On being a female presence in the predominantly male world of sports – “I don’t even think about it that way. My intention is simply to give women a voice in sports. And I try to use whatever opportunity I’m given.”
On interviews…
The interview with Milano isn’t the only one in the hopper. We’re in the midst of transcribing an interview with MLB Network’s Victor Rojas. And, not content with that, look for an exhaustive interview with former BALCO head, Victor Conte.
Other The Biz of Baseball content includes:
- MLB ANALYST STEVE PHILLIPS FIRED BY ESPN
- THE POLITICS OF SPRING TRAINING: A GOOD INVESTMENT?
- “Experienced” Umpires for World Series Simply Window Dressing
- Welcome Bacta: Indians Name Manny Acta New Manager
- Report: Mark McGwire the New Hitting Coach for the Cardinals
But, it’s not just baseball we’re covering.
Today sees a fantastic article/interview on The Biz of Basketball by Business of Sports Network staffer Matthew Coller with Brian Byrnes on the building of the Oklahoma City Thunder brand.
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is available for hire or freelance. Brown’s full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.
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