Mayweather and the Kentucky Derby with The Business of Sports

This was one of the most anticipated sports weekends in memory. The Mayweather vs. Pacquaio fight was an event that was five years overdue. While the fight was not as epic as some of it predecessors from the previous eras, this was the highest grossing fight ever. Customers paying $100 for a pay per view event is unheard of. Delaying the start so more people would be able to order the event is something unusual. The collaboration of HBO and Showtime was unique in that they evenly plugged the event with the announcing of the fighters and promoting future broadcasts. Mayweather gave a shout out to one of his sponsors, Fan Duel, after the fight.

The celebrities at the fight included Tom Brady, Beyoncé and Jay Z, Bradley Cooper, Charles Barkley, Mary J. Blige, Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg.

Brady at the Fight

Beyoncé and Jay Z arriving at the Fight of the Century!

The day started for most sports fans with the Kentucky Derby. This year had a field of 18 horses with the odds ranging from 3-1 to 99-1.

The winner was the favorite American Pharoah. This horse is train by Bob Baffett and is his fourth derby winner.

American Pharoah wins!

Number 4 for Bob Baffett

 

Churchill Downs Saturday's Kentucky Derby was  a first—because the bettors were able to bet money on the race from an iPhone app. Add that to the estimated revenue of  over 400 million for ticket sales and the amount wagered on the race exceeding 120 million.

This is the big business of sports. Events that people will fly to, dress up for, get hotels room and party afterwards. They also talk about these events on social media. Now they bet on them thru their phones. Technology takes the event to unprecedented levels. No matter the outcome, you can connect to and be a part of it. I love it. Tell me if you do.

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