What cultural factors must U.S. sports franchises overcome to increase popularity abroad? How can franchises ensure their products are appropriate for international markets? Should governments protect their industries by placing tariffs on imported products? These three points will be explained more in the next pages.

First U.S. Sports franchises who are trying to expand their businesses abroad have many things to overcome. Lets try seeing this from the point of view of those abroad. How do our sports fit in with the ones already established in these countries. Many European countries reefer to soccer as football, which may cause a lot of confusion of the bat. Especially if you are trying to establish an NFL following in another country.

Also to be taken into consideration these countries traditions, as well as there rituals or rivalries. For them not only have their families have been following these same sports, but the same teams as well. So U.S. Franchises have to find a way to wedge in between these long standing traditions. At the least a way to attract a younger generations.

Many of these problems can be over come by market research. By studying these countries, and there cultures. These franchises may find ways to over come these differences that are held between U.S. Sports, and countries abroad. One of these ways may by recruiting athletes from different countries. Which would help those other countries relate to these American teams. Seeing a fellow country man playing along those from the U.S.

There are many ways a franchises can ensure their brand, or products are appropriate to compete on the international market. Just like everything in life studying is a big part. Studying the countries these companies are trying to introduce brands, or products goes a big way. Making sure these products are even suitable for the country, or if there is even a large enough consumer for their products to justify this expansion.

These franchises may also research the competition that is already established in these countries. To see if it's even profitable to take a stab at making this leap. Trying to push a new brand of an over-saturated product in a country. May only end up in these franchises losing more then they could afford.

Another way franchise may see that these new brands or products do make it past the initial launch. Could be by first expanding in countries who share similar attributes of their own country. As John Dring, CEO and executive vice president of Cartridge World stated (2007). “ Look for commonalities such as language or customs that the franchise company is currently working with in other countries. Replicating a success from one country to another may help with the accuracy of the research and execution of the next franchise system in a new country.”

There are many reasons why a government should, or shouldn't protect their industries. On the one hand by placing tariffs on imported goods, or products. You force some companies to keep their operations state side. In which provides jobs for those who live here. On the other hand having so much government involvement in what is supposed to be a free market may be harmful. By creating companies who governments may see as to big to fail. Which ends with the tax payers money being spent on bailing these billion dollar companies.

As can be seen U.S sports has many obstacles to over come. While Franchises have many tools to try and ensure products success in different countries. Also when it comes to government intervention through tariffs there can be both good, as well as bad effects to this.

References

John Dring, CFE (2007) Franchising World

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