Major League Table Tennis (MLTT)

[Tony's Table Tennis]

You underestimate America, if they want it to happen, they will find the money to make it happen. It's not really about how often they play, but whether you can meet the asking fee. I know players who have priced themselves out of MLTT, but for Ma Long, I suspect there will be more room to break the bank.

I don't underestimate America

MLTT today, the match fee isn't great and that is a fact.
you can't expect elite pros to lower down to MLTT pay level, but rather the MLTT pay level needs to go higher for all the rounds.

and with all due respect, the level of MLTT isn't high due to fee structure (and then not even covering flights in full).
But it will improve one day.

Having some CTTA intervention probably will be the fastest route to land stars at cheap prices, but that only just means someone else is paying those salaries.
or maybe asking some of the bosses to play, ie Dima and LYJ, would raise the league level instantly.

But until then, the pay is average so far to be fair.
not bad for a new league, but Ma Long - the GOAT.... I don't think a club will have that budget for 1 player at the moment, you probably need the entire roster budget to get 1 player to play - not to mention increased security+costs, and hosting additional people, other than just 1 player. So yeah, one player's salary is going to be tough and then asking Ma Long to stay for the whole season is another issue.
maybe if it was like UTT, a quick 10 day in and out, then maybe can get more super stars for reduced money ( a figure MLTT can afford).

Also, do you think it is wise for MLTT to break the bank and then risk bankrupt for next season?
I am friends with the then head coach of Shaanxi province, who broke the bank to get Ma Lin at a record price back then - the first season that allowed players to go over the "Fixed salary limit (like what MLTT has today)".
I think it was 6 million CNY if my memory is correct. (correction, it was 5m)

On roster, it looks wonderful
but 2 seasons later, they couldn't stay in CTTSL and opted for Jia A.

Its business at the end of the day.
Spending that kind of money, needs proper ROI, and not just the few spectators that are happy and when Ma Long is gone, still the same as pre money spending...and all money gone, and for what? or unless you got rich sponsors just want to burn money, like Dima, LYJ and HT's boss 2 years ago.

 

[ThePongCommenter]

unless you got rich sponsors just want to burn money, like Dima, LYJ and HT's boss 2 years ago.

MLTT does, but whether or how they decide to do it is TBD

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

MLTT does, but whether or how they decide to do it is TBD

say they do
then why players still need to partially pay for airplane tickets flying in?

For local based players, it is probably nice.
but for international players, flying across the planet is not attractive among crazy scheduling. unless clubs can fit business class seats.
but right now, some players can't even get 100% paid for economy seats

 

[NextLevel]

I don't underestimate America

MLTT today, the match fee isn't great and that is a fact.
you can't expect elite pros to lower down to MLTT pay level, but rather the MLTT pay level needs to go higher for all the rounds.

and with all due respect, the level of MLTT isn't high due to fee structure (and then not even covering flights in full).
But it will improve one day.

Having some CTTA intervention probably will be the fastest route to land stars at cheap prices, but that only just means someone else is paying those salaries.
or maybe asking some of the bosses to play, ie Dima and LYJ, would raise the league level instantly.

But until then, the pay is average so far to be fair.
not bad for a new league, but Ma Long - the GOAT.... I don't think a club will have that budget for 1 player at the moment, you probably need the entire roster budget to get 1 player to play - not to mention increased security+costs, and hosting additional people, other than just 1 player. So yeah, one player's salary is going to be tough and then asking Ma Long to stay for the whole season is another issue.
maybe if it was like UTT, a quick 10 day in and out, then maybe can get more super stars for reduced money ( a figure MLTT can afford).

Also, do you think it is wise for MLTT to break the bank and then risk bankrupt for next season?
I am friends with the then head coach of Shaanxi province, who broke the bank to get Ma Lin at a record price back then - the first season that allowed players to go over the "Fixed salary limit (like what MLTT has today)".
I think it was 6 million CNY if my memory is correct. (correction, it was 5m)

On roster, it looks wonderful
but 2 seasons later, they couldn't stay in CTTSL and opted for Jia A.

Its business at the end of the day.
Spending that kind of money, needs proper ROI, and not just the few spectators that are happy and when Ma Long is gone, still the same as pre money spending...and all money gone, and for what? or unless you got rich sponsors just want to burn money, like Dima, LYJ and HT's boss 2 years ago.

A lot comes down to details, but the commissioner of MLTT is wealthy and connected, I am not sure how far he would go, but that is devil in the details. No one who is playing in MLTT other than the lower ranked players like the Nareshes is playing for the playing level, they are playing because of the experiences sold to them by others who have already played or because they have other reasons to want to play in the USA.

I agree that a lot of it is ROI, and it also comes down to ML's price, and to be honest, I think Ultimate TT in India has a better shot for many reasons. But MLTT has a shot, it would come down to what the numbers are. Leagues like MLTT (just like the MLS) usually have exceptions for superstar players and after that, a lot will come down to specific economics.

 

[NextLevel]

say they do
then why players still need to partially pay for airplane tickets flying in?

For local based players, it is probably nice.
but for international players, flying across the planet is not attractive among crazy scheduling. unless clubs can fit business class seats.
but right now, some players can't even get 100% paid for economy seats

The contract they offer each player is different according to the level of the player, you can't assume that everyone is dealing with exactly the same contract.

 

[ThePongCommenter]

say they do
then why players still need to partially pay for airplane tickets flying in?

For local based players, it is probably nice.
but for international players, flying across the planet is not attractive among crazy scheduling. unless clubs can fit business class seats.
but right now, some players can't even get 100% paid for economy seats

I am simply saying that there are very very very wealthy team owners, sponsors, and people involved with MLTT.

That they have set a stipend on airfare expenses doesn't really relate to the discussion about if they would be willing to pony up for a household name when given the opportunity.

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

I am simply saying that there are very very very wealthy team owners, sponsors, and people involved with MLTT.

That they have set a stipend on airfare expenses doesn't really relate to the discussion about if they would be willing to pony up for a household name when given the opportunity.

well, until the money is into the club, and not sitting with personal net worth, it is really all hearsay.
there is no doubt there are many rich individuals, including the owners of 888

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

The contract they offer each player is different according to the level of the player, you can't assume that everyone is dealing with exactly the same contract.

there is a salary range per round chosen in the draw
sorry, but it isn't attractive
and tie that with the league schedule where there are very little 2 weekends in a row, mostly 2 to 3 weeks apart, it is a traveling nightmare

 

[ThePongCommenter]

well, until the money is into the club, and not sitting with personal net worth, it is really all hearsay.
there is no doubt there are many rich individuals, including the owners of 888

It is not hearsay for me.

 

[NextLevel]

well, until the money is into the club, and not sitting with personal net worth, it is really all hearsay.
there is no doubt there are many rich individuals, including the owners of 888

The money is in the club, it can be seen in the production. Such people aren't just going to waste money though.

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

A lot comes down to details, but the commissioner of MLTT is wealthy and connected, I am not sure how far he would go, but that is devil in the details. No one who is playing in MLTT other than the lower ranked players like the Nareshes is playing for the playing level, they are playing because of the experiences sold to them by others who have already played or because they have other reasons to want to play in the USA.

I agree that a lot of it is ROI, and it also comes down to ML's price, and to be honest, I think Ultimate TT in India has a better shot for many reasons. But MLTT has a shot, it would come down to what the numbers are. Leagues like MLTT (just like the MLS) usually have exceptions for superstar players and after that, a lot will come down to specific economics.

yep, MLTT has a shot
and landing Ma Long today for his fair price is probably a bad business decision for MLTT

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

It is not hearsay for me.

so are you saying, they have already thrown money into the the MLTT teams, but still allow low salary for players, and the players need to use some of that money to find flights to get to America?

that is mean then.

 

[NextLevel]

there is a salary range per round chosen in the draw
sorry, but it isn't attractive
and tie that with the league schedule where there are very little 2 weekends in a row, mostly 2 to 3 weeks apart, it is a traveling nightmare

That is what they tell the people who they don't want to negotiate with given their current supply and demand.

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

The money is in the club, it can be seen in the production. Such people aren't just going to waste money though.

so what are the cash flow for each of the 8 teams?

 

[NextLevel]

so are you saying, they have already thrown money into the the MLTT teams, but still allow low salary for players, and the players need to use some of that money to find flights to get to America?

that is mean then.

So which players in particular are you complaining about? Which players are affected by this policy and what is their playing level?

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

That is what they tell the people who they don't want to negotiate with given their current supply and demand.

still the league schedule needs to improve to allow for more international players.

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

So which players in particular are you complaining about? Which players are affected by this policy and what is their playing level?

won't name the names, but I spoken to 3 players.
I was investigating to enter players into MLTT, but the league schedule is a major turn off.
and need to be on standby, until a 1 to 2 weeks notice to know if you will play or not.

and not to mention, the league team only exist before the league match.
the players need to find a club to settle in too or go home and come back.

 

[NextLevel]

so what are the cash flow for each of the 8 teams?

It varies depending on appearance/management, but they are definitely not making it public or it would affect their leverage in building the league (that how stuff works in the US unless you are in a major sports league).

 

[NextLevel]

so are you saying, they have already thrown money into the the MLTT teams, but still allow low salary for players, and the players need to use some of that money to find flights to get to America?

that is mean then.

If you are coming from a part of the world where flights are more expensive, it is expected. It gives an advantage to the players who want to stay or be in the USA. But I suspect if they pay the player enough, it won't matter as much. So it is a combination of things, not a one size fits all. They are not running a democracy, they are running a business.

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

It varies depending on appearance/management, but they are definitely not making it public or it would affect their leverage in building the league (that how stuff works in the US unless you are in a major sports league).

so its a guess that they are rich, but no one knows how much
but players are not earning a lot
so... are they making money?
burning money?
or what

you guys are talking about deep pockets and have no problem landing super stars