NBA OK's Advertising Patch Good or Bad?

As a distributor of promotional items like custom patches, I can't help but to love this move. But as a fan of all sport, I can understand why the fan would be upset with this move. The patch is going to be a small part of the uniform roughly 2.5x2.5 inches on the shoulder. The patch will be noticeable to just about everybody watching the game, which is exactly why big business will be clawing for a spot on a team's jersey, particularly the big market teams like New York, Los Angeles and Boston. Fans are already saying that it is going to distract them from the game, but I disagree. European soccer already has jerseys that are well represented by the businesses who sponsor that team. Nascar has decals that cover the car. There should be no reason why a small patch distracts a person from the game.

The big money winner is the advertising businesses, though. Imagine looking at a 2.5x2.5 inch McDonald's patch while Ray Allen is at the free throw line. That's a lot of air time for a logo!

This sign size is perfect for TV, which is the big selling point for the NBA I'd imagine, yet small enough for fans to live with. Sports teams already spend big money, millions of dollars a year handing out items to their fans such as custom calendars, sports schedules, mini sports items like basketballs, hockey pucks, baseballs, etc. The revenue that the NBA looks to earn from selling this advertising space is in the $100 million range. That's a lot of money for a 2.5x2.5 patch! In the end, it's good for the game, which struggles with finances as it is with player salaries skyrocketing. This money should be used to support smaller market teams, or at the very least go back into the league and fans in one way or another. We'll have to see about how it all shakes out. But, fret not fan! This will not be too bad.. It's not like Ronald McDonald is suiting up for the Lakers, or Tony the Tiger for the Mavericks. However, I would like to see the Burger King in a Wizards uniform.