Financially necessary: At least half of the games in front of fans
“We don’t know whether we can play until match day,” explains Herhold: “Another problem is: In these pandemic times, economic stability is unclear. It’s like driving in fog at 200 kilometers per hour.”
Basically positive: The newcomer is economically stable. The association has retained the majority of its 140 sponsors and even gained a few new ones. “This is our main source of income.” With the state Corona aid, part of the missing viewer income can also be capped. But: “My gut feeling says: If we have to play more than 50 percent of the main round games without spectators, it will be a threatening situation.”
Concern about “flying sparks”
In addition, the Niners managing director fears a so-called “flying sparks effect”. “Sponsorship income is our greatest income – but it is not detached from the spectators. We can afford a certain amount of ghost games. It is important to prevent sparks from flying towards the sponsors.” Herhold hopes that the fans will return by January at the latest.
Relegation as a big goal
In terms of sport, the 42-year-old business graduate sees the Niners as “well equipped” for the BBL premier season. “In the second division we were a top team. Now we are a little fish in a big pond. We play against teams that are worlds better positioned. We want to use the David versus Goliath idea for ourselves.” The clear goal is still relegation. “I’ve heard from the team that they’re setting higher goals. But we want to start the season with small goals.”
And after there was no promotion party with the fans and the BBL premiere also goes on without a spectator, maybe the league stay can be celebrated with the fans in the spring. That would be the next really good news for the Saxon climber.
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