The world's first-ever track and field draft is tonight at 8 pm ET - Who would you take #1?

Perhaps it actually makes more sense (and is probably more sustaining) to build teams through already existing shoe companies. Then you don't worry about uniforms (I'm sure each company would have matching uniforms) or training together or representing "cities". I can see "fans" (these actually need to be created first) taking sides based on shoe companies rather than cities.

Who knows, a little bit of company pride on the line might bring more athlete sponsorship opportunities. I can't see any company saying, "No" to fielding a team in a league like this- especially if these meets can get on TV. They have nothing to lose and it won't cost them a dime ( they write participation in these meets into new/existing athlete endorsement contracts).

Keep the same roster stipulations; and you don't need a draft. If Under Amor or Hoka wants a team, they make sure they have 18 athletes of different disciplines designated for this meet. Something in me says that they'll find the sponsorship $ if they want a team in the series.

Here's 8 teams (who am I missing?)

Adidas

Brooks

Hoka

New Balance

NIke

Reebok

Saucony

Under Armor

Finally. Very good suggestion. Non- confrontational. Could have been worded differently to reflect the negative mojo that permeates this rag but the poster worded his/her suggestion in a tactful, educated manner. Congratulations!

My guess is that each shoe company that has an athlete in the competition will provide that athlete with a team uniform matching the style and color chosen by the team. That way the athletes will be wearing the colors of their team and they will also be wearing the gear of their employer.

There were some big names missing (Rupp, Simpson) but it seemed like each roster had wall to wall studs. Lots of Olympians and 2016 event leaders participating. Nice to see such participation!

You're fired wrote:

The poster's on this site that display such negativity are a great example of what embarrassed me about my granny when I was growing up. It didn't matter what the topic was, she would have a reason to be negative about it. After a while no one really wanted granny around.

When an idea is clearly half-assed, it opens itself up for criticism.

Why have teams named after cities? The teams have NO connection to these cities. Are Brenda and Morgan going to pop over to Franklin Field for some intervals? Doubt it. Okay, so future meets might be held nationwide, but why not have teams named after legends of track and field (the legends could even be team GMs or something) or, like the other poster suggested, have a Nike team, a NB team, etc. The only problem with the second solution is not enough companies have athletes is every event.

If you've got teams, why are they not going to be in similar uniforms? Name one other team sport that allows athletes to substitute sponsor gear for a uniform. The very word uniform basically means "all the same." Maybe they'll surprise me and each team will have similar colors (but different brands), but I bet it'll be something like colored coded numbers like the other guy said.

Name one good reason there aren't relays. The 4x400 is the most exciting event in track. And with a mix of athletes available (200 to 1500 specialists) you could have some great/unpredictable battles. Way, way more entertaining that some 4 mile road race.

At the end of the day, who is this meet/event/series for? Athletes or fans? Because right now all I'm seeing is how it benefits athletes (prize money, signing bonuses, etc.) and I'm not seeing how it's going to be an entertaining event that's worth a watch.

I like this concept. I think the public will back it after they promote it via mainstream media. The athletes are already on board. They have a TV contract and the mastermind, Vin Lananna, is the brains behind it. It can't help but be a winner!

I think that's the point of the 2nd solution- if shoe companies want in (taking for granted the series gets televised) they sign enough athletes to be able to compete.

This would be a legit way to get some sort of return on sponsoring a track athlete.

the best minds in t and f wrote:

Why have teams named after cities?

I think it's a strong idea to build in a potential fan base by using city-hosts. I live in one of the cities and I have to say I immediately scanned the roster to get familiar with "my team".

The original concept was to host a regular season meet in each city so when they build this thing out there will be a stronger connection to each host city.

Give it time. It's not going to be perfect in Year 1 but it's an idea that should be tested.

Brick in the wall wrote:

I think that's the point of the 2nd solution- if shoe companies want in (taking for granted the series gets televised) they sign enough athletes to be able to compete.

This would be a legit way to get some sort of return on sponsoring a track athlete.

It would be unbalanced. Nike would dominate. They have more athletes covering all the events. No other team could compete with them. I like cities as teams. The uniform thing is no big deal. The athletes on each team will all wear identical uniforms with the only difference being Nike athletes have a swoosh near the left shoulder, adidas athletes have 3 stripes near the left shoulder, etc, etc.

Roster limits, as previously discussed. Diamond League will take the best of Nike.

This event is a spit shined turd on a stick and a 4 mile road race. Even cool headed track fans have noted major flaws on this site. The damn track reporter for the Oregonion has already ripped the disorganization of the concept in the biggest newspaper in Oregon. Go cry to him to stop being negative. This concept has failed on every level so far. It deserves harsh criticism. If you do not like criticism, do a better job.

Major mistake wrote:

This event is a spit shined turd on a stick and a 4 mile road race. Even cool headed track fans have noted major flaws on this site. The damn track reporter for the Oregonion has already ripped the disorganization of the concept in the biggest newspaper in Oregon. Go cry to him to stop being negative. This concept has failed on every level so far. It deserves harsh criticism. If you do not like criticism, do a better job.

You, my negative nancy boy, are the saliva shined bowel movement on a branch, not the event. Go take your meds. We've had some intelligent conversation for a few posts. Go play in your sandbox. But be sure to share your toys.

Major mistake wrote:

the biggest newspaper in Oregon

lol

Go google your event spit shinner, it directs you to the negative article about the event in the Oregonian. Brilliant marketing!

The person who didn't include relays in a team concept track meet needs firing immediately.

Also, the meet is being held in Oregon, and they failed to keep the track reporter for the only statewide newspaper informed about the draft. The marketing person needs firing immediately.

This is what was reported about the first ever track and field draft:

http://www.oregonlive.com/trackandfield/index.ssf/2016/06/saturday_morning_news_notes_li_53.html

Since the draft, besides this chat room thread, what media did the draft generate?

Kip Litton

Mike Rossi

Barb McKeever

These athletes are already on teams. This is a legal mess waiting to happen. They can't poach athletes from existing teams for a couple of thousand bucks. Some companies are already paying some of these athletes a couple of hundred grand to be on their team. For example, Nike Oregon Project already have paid Cento to be on their team. He represents them. They coach him and his team mates. He wears their uniform. Nike pay him nicely to be on their them, not some other team.

The problem:

This complication multiplied by however many athletes these fake teams plan to poach.

Team player wrote:

These athletes are already on teams. This is a legal mess waiting to happen. They can't poach athletes from existing teams for a couple of thousand bucks. Some companies are already paying some of these athletes a couple of hundred grand to be on their team. For example, Nike Oregon Project already have paid Cento to be on their team. He represents them. They coach him and his team mates. He wears their uniform. Nike pay him nicely to be on their them, not some other team.

The problem:

This complication multiplied by however many athletes these fake teams plan to poach.

That's why shoe companies should be the teams. Signing a "pro" contract with a shoe company in which you compete in a real league/season would actually be like....going pro.

The very best will still go Diamond League. Nike could have several teams, NOP being one of them (they would need to expand events).

This would open up more opportunities for athlete sponsorship.

Here's the solution.

Message to the two people that are complaining about this event and posting under different names: Just ignore this event and move onto another topic where you can whine, cry and stomp your feet. We heard both of you. Now go away.