Should The Detroit Lions “Tank” The Rest Of Their Season?

Oct 18, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions owner Martha Ford speaks with former player Barry Sanders before the game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Strictly Business

Owning an NFL franchise can be incredibly lucrative. NFL Football is the most popular sport in the United States. Nothing is worse for business than a losing team. Not only a losing team, but a team that shows no heart, no fire, and no desire to win. The recipe for a bad business is poor performance and apathy.

It appears that Martha Ford understands that her job is to make money. In 2012, the Detroit Lions were reported to be the only NFL franchise to post an operating loss ($3.5 million). In 2013 they reported an operating loss of ($16 million). Some of that can be attributed to paying for what is remaining on Ford Field.

For years the Detroit Lions fan-base has supported the team through thick and thin. Regardless of record, the fans show up wanting to see a successful product. The fans mull through the week at their job, earning enough to treat themselves to a Lions game. They want to know that the players are working hard for their money.

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