The Magic give up 2 home games to travel to Mexico...

[NBlue]

So instead of playing at Amway this week -- the Magic will play the Bulls and Jazz at in Mexico City. Josh Robins has an excellent article out today in the Athletic discussing it: https://theathletic.com/706015/

Of note, the organization values the trip as a massive win from a marketing standpoint. Every Magic fan's favorite CEO, Alex Martins, is quoted extensively: “We’ve always been interested in playing internationally,” Martins said. “We raise our hand to the league almost annually when the discussion is ongoing about NBA Global Games."

I have no doubt its a big W for the organization from a brand awareness standpoint and for marketing of its sponsors. It also quite clearly continues to demonstrate that the team values marketing well above establishing a winning culture. There is a reason why teams like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, OKC and Atlanta -- all of whom have a natural fan base in Mexico -- are not jumping in and ready to give up two home games for "international exposure". Its not just giving up the games at home -- its making the players be on the road for that additional time frame in an already long season -- its also just another reminder that we are not focused on winning.

As Josh notes in the article regarding being on the road for the additional time period: “'It’s not ideal,'” said Evan Fournier, who participated in the Magic’s 2015 trip to Rio de Janeiro and the team’s 2016 trip to London." Not ideal at all -- I'm surprised he was able to get that quote from Evan but I think it definitely shows the league and potential free agents and anyone who is paying attention what we are all about...

[OrlandO]

Not sure location matters with this team... about the same on the road and at home.

[OrlChamps2030]

The push for the 8th seed makes sense now.. gotta get that home revenue back somehow.

Be real, the only thing ownership is interested in “building” are conversion therapy centers.

[nymets1]

I'm fine with it being against the Bulls because Chicago to New Mexico and Chicago to Orlando are similar distance trips. But Utah to Orlando is a much longer flight than Utah to Mexico, I rather have the Utah Jazz travel to our arena and have them take the longer flight. We doing Utah Jazz a favor by them having a shorter flight.

[Furinkazan]

For a team supposedly fighting for playoffs we need any lil help including HOME games so its weird to give it up.

[drsd]

As discussed when this was first arranged, I still think it is a mistake over San Juan, Puerto Rico. There is a much more natural fan base for the Magic, and games themselves would be helpful and emotional.

[NavalAviator94]

As discussed when this was first arranged, I still think it is a mistake over San Juan, Puerto Rico. There is a much more natural fan base for the Magic, and games themselves would be helpful and emotional.

Are they able to host a game after the Hurricanes?


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[drsd]

So instead of playing at Amway this week -- the Magic will play the Bulls and Jazz at in Mexico City.

I just realized that the Jazz and Celts are only playing the one game (against the Magic, obviously). I am kind of shocked there is not a Jazz vs. Celts game in this.


..

[dsg2021]

So damn overblown just to have two more away games than home games.. in a 82 game season.. are you kidding me? If this is a big problem to ORL’s players and coaches, then they aren’t playoffs-material.

I agree with dsrd tho.. the fact that Martins & ORL aren’t pushing for Puerto Rico games (even if preseason) is a huge missed opportunity. And a much bigger opportunity for the future.