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Youboughtit wrote: ↑08 Jan 2026 22:37 pm Numerous studies across different sports have confirmed that the presence of superstar athletes significantly drives attendance at both home and away games. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "superstar effect".

Key findings on how superstars drive attendance:
Increased Demand: Superstars boost ticket sales, television ratings, and merchandise sales, generating additional revenue beyond their on-field contributions.

Away Game Impact: The impact is seen not only in home games but also in road games, as fans of opposing teams pay to see a visiting superstar play in person. This was observed with players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Shaquille O'Neal in the NBA, and Shohei Ohtani in MLB.

Measurable Effects: The "Caitlin Clark effect" in women's college basketball and the WNBA is a recent example, where her presence resulted in a significant increase in attendance at her games, including a carryover effect on subsequent games. Similarly, Lionel Messi's arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS) led to a league-wide record attendance.

Beyond Performance: While team success is important, the individual star power and charisma of an athlete can attract fans regardless of a team's immediate performance or even the outcome uncertainty of a specific game.

Economic Value: The value generated by a superstar can be substantial, with one study estimating Michael Jordan's value to other NBA teams alone at approximately $53 million due to increased interest and attendance.
In essence, superstars create an "externality" that benefits the entire league by enhancing the overall entertainment value of the sport and attracting a wider audience.

Surely the Cardinals ownership is smart enough to understand this. Fans demand elite superstars in their prime. I will go see a loosing team if they have a prime Albert Pujols to watch,

Youboughtit wrote: ↑08 Jan 2026 22:37 pm Numerous studies across different sports have confirmed that the presence of superstar athletes significantly drives attendance at both home and away games. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "superstar effect".

Key findings on how superstars drive attendance:
Increased Demand: Superstars boost ticket sales, television ratings, and merchandise sales, generating additional revenue beyond their on-field contributions.

Away Game Impact: The impact is seen not only in home games but also in road games, as fans of opposing teams pay to see a visiting superstar play in person. This was observed with players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Shaquille O'Neal in the NBA, and Shohei Ohtani in MLB.

Measurable Effects: The "Caitlin Clark effect" in women's college basketball and the WNBA is a recent example, where her presence resulted in a significant increase in attendance at her games, including a carryover effect on subsequent games. Similarly, Lionel Messi's arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS) led to a league-wide record attendance.

Beyond Performance: While team success is important, the individual star power and charisma of an athlete can attract fans regardless of a team's immediate performance or even the outcome uncertainty of a specific game.

Economic Value: The value generated by a superstar can be substantial, with one study estimating Michael Jordan's value to other NBA teams alone at approximately $53 million due to increased interest and attendance.
In essence, superstars create an "externality" that benefits the entire league by enhancing the overall entertainment value of the sport and attracting a wider audience.

Surely the Cardinals ownership is smart enough to understand this. Fans demand elite superstars in their prime. I will go see a loosing team if they have a prime Albert Pujols to watch,

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑08 Jan 2026 22:56 pm

Youboughtit wrote: ↑08 Jan 2026 22:37 pm Numerous studies across different sports have confirmed that the presence of superstar athletes significantly drives attendance at both home and away games. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "superstar effect".

Key findings on how superstars drive attendance:
Increased Demand: Superstars boost ticket sales, television ratings, and merchandise sales, generating additional revenue beyond their on-field contributions.

Away Game Impact: The impact is seen not only in home games but also in road games, as fans of opposing teams pay to see a visiting superstar play in person. This was observed with players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Shaquille O'Neal in the NBA, and Shohei Ohtani in MLB.

Measurable Effects: The "Caitlin Clark effect" in women's college basketball and the WNBA is a recent example, where her presence resulted in a significant increase in attendance at her games, including a carryover effect on subsequent games. Similarly, Lionel Messi's arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS) led to a league-wide record attendance.

Beyond Performance: While team success is important, the individual star power and charisma of an athlete can attract fans regardless of a team's immediate performance or even the outcome uncertainty of a specific game.

Economic Value: The value generated by a superstar can be substantial, with one study estimating Michael Jordan's value to other NBA teams alone at approximately $53 million due to increased interest and attendance.
In essence, superstars create an "externality" that benefits the entire league by enhancing the overall entertainment value of the sport and attracting a wider audience.

Surely the Cardinals ownership is smart enough to understand this. Fans demand elite superstars in their prime. I will go see a loosing team if they have a prime Albert Pujols to watch,

Oh yea all true statements you have to have a face of the franchise who is a legitimate star and the cardinals sure don’t have it right now even though I hear they have a Unicorn

sikeston bulldog2 wrote: ↑09 Jan 2026 05:37 am

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑08 Jan 2026 22:56 pm

Youboughtit wrote: ↑08 Jan 2026 22:37 pm Numerous studies across different sports have confirmed that the presence of superstar athletes significantly drives attendance at both home and away games. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "superstar effect".

Key findings on how superstars drive attendance:
Increased Demand: Superstars boost ticket sales, television ratings, and merchandise sales, generating additional revenue beyond their on-field contributions.

Away Game Impact: The impact is seen not only in home games but also in road games, as fans of opposing teams pay to see a visiting superstar play in person. This was observed with players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Shaquille O'Neal in the NBA, and Shohei Ohtani in MLB.

Measurable Effects: The "Caitlin Clark effect" in women's college basketball and the WNBA is a recent example, where her presence resulted in a significant increase in attendance at her games, including a carryover effect on subsequent games. Similarly, Lionel Messi's arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS) led to a league-wide record attendance.

Beyond Performance: While team success is important, the individual star power and charisma of an athlete can attract fans regardless of a team's immediate performance or even the outcome uncertainty of a specific game.

Economic Value: The value generated by a superstar can be substantial, with one study estimating Michael Jordan's value to other NBA teams alone at approximately $53 million due to increased interest and attendance.
In essence, superstars create an "externality" that benefits the entire league by enhancing the overall entertainment value of the sport and attracting a wider audience.

Surely the Cardinals ownership is smart enough to understand this. Fans demand elite superstars in their prime. I will go see a loosing team if they have a prime Albert Pujols to watch,

Oh yea all true statements you have to have a face of the franchise who is a legitimate star and the cardinals sure don’t have it right now even though I hear they have a Unicorn

There sir is an over arching point. No face of franchise. Critical.

Cardinals4Life wrote: ↑08 Jan 2026 22:47 pm

Youboughtit wrote: ↑08 Jan 2026 22:37 pm Numerous studies across different sports have confirmed that the presence of superstar athletes significantly drives attendance at both home and away games. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "superstar effect".

Key findings on how superstars drive attendance:
Increased Demand: Superstars boost ticket sales, television ratings, and merchandise sales, generating additional revenue beyond their on-field contributions.

Away Game Impact: The impact is seen not only in home games but also in road games, as fans of opposing teams pay to see a visiting superstar play in person. This was observed with players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Shaquille O'Neal in the NBA, and Shohei Ohtani in MLB.

Measurable Effects: The "Caitlin Clark effect" in women's college basketball and the WNBA is a recent example, where her presence resulted in a significant increase in attendance at her games, including a carryover effect on subsequent games. Similarly, Lionel Messi's arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS) led to a league-wide record attendance.

Beyond Performance: While team success is important, the individual star power and charisma of an athlete can attract fans regardless of a team's immediate performance or even the outcome uncertainty of a specific game.

Economic Value: The value generated by a superstar can be substantial, with one study estimating Michael Jordan's value to other NBA teams alone at approximately $53 million due to increased interest and attendance.
In essence, superstars create an "externality" that benefits the entire league by enhancing the overall entertainment value of the sport and attracting a wider audience.

Surely the Cardinals ownership is smart enough to understand this. Fans demand elite superstars in their prime. I will go see a loosing team if they have a prime Albert Pujols to watch,

Excellent post! The Cards have long had superstar players. Arenado and Goldschmidt perhaps the latest duo. Unfortunately, the pair got old really quick. Goldy also lacked the charisma of many superstars. We missed the opportunity with Bryce Harper.

It is definitely time we bring that back to STL.

rockondlouie wrote: ↑09 Jan 2026 09:06 am JJW

Is the only current player in the system who has a real shot at being that "superstar".

Othawhitemeat wrote: ↑09 Jan 2026 10:03 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑09 Jan 2026 09:06 am JJW

Is the only current player in the system who has a real shot at being that "superstar".

Do think there is a small chance one of Raniel Rodriguez or Joshua Baez could also be one (Baez less likely) but tools are there.

Othawhitemeat wrote: ↑09 Jan 2026 10:03 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑09 Jan 2026 09:06 am JJW

Is the only current player in the system who has a real shot at being that "superstar".

Do think there is a small chance one of Raniel Rodriguez or Joshua Baez could also be one (Baez less likely) but tools are there.

Goldfan wrote: ↑09 Jan 2026 08:07 am

Cardinals4Life wrote: ↑08 Jan 2026 22:47 pm

Youboughtit wrote: ↑08 Jan 2026 22:37 pm Numerous studies across different sports have confirmed that the presence of superstar athletes significantly drives attendance at both home and away games. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "superstar effect".

Key findings on how superstars drive attendance:
Increased Demand: Superstars boost ticket sales, television ratings, and merchandise sales, generating additional revenue beyond their on-field contributions.

Away Game Impact: The impact is seen not only in home games but also in road games, as fans of opposing teams pay to see a visiting superstar play in person. This was observed with players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Shaquille O'Neal in the NBA, and Shohei Ohtani in MLB.

Measurable Effects: The "Caitlin Clark effect" in women's college basketball and the WNBA is a recent example, where her presence resulted in a significant increase in attendance at her games, including a carryover effect on subsequent games. Similarly, Lionel Messi's arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS) led to a league-wide record attendance.

Beyond Performance: While team success is important, the individual star power and charisma of an athlete can attract fans regardless of a team's immediate performance or even the outcome uncertainty of a specific game.

Economic Value: The value generated by a superstar can be substantial, with one study estimating Michael Jordan's value to other NBA teams alone at approximately $53 million due to increased interest and attendance.
In essence, superstars create an "externality" that benefits the entire league by enhancing the overall entertainment value of the sport and attracting a wider audience.

Surely the Cardinals ownership is smart enough to understand this. Fans demand elite superstars in their prime. I will go see a loosing team if they have a prime Albert Pujols to watch,

Excellent post! The Cards have long had superstar players. Arenado and Goldschmidt perhaps the latest duo. Unfortunately, the pair got old really quick. Goldy also lacked the charisma of many superstars. We missed the opportunity with Bryce Harper.

It is definitely time we bring that back to STL.

Goldy and NA were exposed as mostly chokers and by their own admission “Not Leaders”

Jatalk wrote: ↑09 Jan 2026 08:20 am I really want to jump on this bandwagon as I have been thinking about rebuild with youth vs rebuild with free agency.

My question is how many superstar players can the Cardinals afford? Say two to four? That leaves a lot of the roster that has to play supporting roles. I’m not sure our roster has many players capable of that at this point.

Yes superstars may get attention but in my feeble mind it really comes down to winning and competing.