I have to admit that when I first saw the headline suggesting that the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is struggling financially, I wasn’t surprised.
I have to admit that when I first saw the headline suggesting that the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is struggling financially, I wasn’t surprised.
Many observers of that Hall of Fame over the last several years have had the sense that something there isn’t quite right, whether they were grumbling about it or not.
This most often reflects itself in the public and media reaction to 1) the way inductees are selected (in secrecy that is seemingly oblique), 2) the selections themselves (many have been baffling or gratuitous), and 3) the omissions (some are glaring).
It also shows up in the contrast that exists between the activities, procedures, and public stance of the Basketball Hall of Fame to those of other halls of fame.
The news blurb, Basketball Hall of Fame struggles with finances, revealed a few things that, although seemingly obvious to some, had not been made public previously:
John Doleva, the hall’s president and chief executive officer, says the situation has improved significantly since Feb. 18, when his letter to trustees outlined a crisis that could have forced the facility to sell some of its memorabilia.
In a worst-case scenario, it might also have had to consider selling the hall of fame itself or declaring bankruptcy.
Doleva said they want to craft a long-term plan for stability without a day-to-day countdown over survival, though broader issues of raising money and eliminating debt still need immediate attention.
The debt, estimated between $4 million and $5 million, includes a $3.5 million loan established with PeoplesBank in 2008 with a seven-year term, he said.
“I tell the trustees I don’t come to work every day worrying about running a world-class museum,” he said. “I come to work every day worrying about cash flow.”
Maybe that last quote by Doleva is what reveals the true essence of the problem.
Maybe, just maybe, Doleva has it backwards.
Maybe all this time Doleva ought to have been envisioning the Hall as a world-class institution, rather than resorting to marketing gimmicks due to worries about cash flow.
Maybe, just maybe — and I write this with compassion — there is a sort of a poverty mentality that has trickled down and permeated within the walls of that place.
Doesn’t it make you wonder how many of the Hall’s selection committee choices (or omissions) were influenced — whether directly, indirectly, or subconsciously — by this seemingly incessant focus on “lack”?
Meanwhile, one more point might be made with something else in the news blurb that caught my eye:
Jerry Colangelo, chairman-elect of the hall of fame’s trustees, said Doleva’s concern should be shared.
“The hall of fame is a jewel, an asset to the community,” said Colangelo, the former Phoenix Suns owner who was elected to the hall as a contributor in 2004. “What we need now is a great team effort to assure that it can do well.”
An appropriate response to Colangelo and to all of the Hall’s officials might be this quote from Lauryn “L Boogie” Hill:
“It’s funny how money change the situation.”
Now, all of a sudden, the Hall is calling on “the community” to get involved?
But, where was concern about “the community” when the Hall’s so-called “wack” inductions were made? Where was the “team effort” when obvious candidates were overlooked?
I’m not suggesting that the Basketball Hall of Fame’s enshrinement process should be based on popularity or “community” opinion. And some of the Hall’s recent ideas may help, although they’ve probably been put on the far back burner.
But, it would certainly help with publicity if the Hall would lift –at least somewhat — its cloak of secrecy. Why not, for example, reveal the identities of the voting members of the selection committees, as do other halls of fame?
Public opinion does matter, as the Hall is now finding out. They can claim that patron traffic is down due to the current economic decline. But another real and perhaps even more compelling reason is that the Hall of Fame has quite possibly marginalized itself.
Many basketball historians, scholars, and educators were dismayed when the Hall of Fame expanded and renovated some years back, with the help of the National Basketball Association. That’s because the attitude and identity of the facility seemed to have been reduced — from “museum” or “archive” or “hallowed hall” … to “entertainment complex.”
In a vast and collective Freudian slip, large numbers of people now refer to the site as the “N.B.A. Hall of Fame.”
Maybe the Hall doesn’t fully appreciate the importance of cultivating its connection to- and relationship with the public — not through fancy events, but through the opportunity for forthright and meaningful dialog about what it’s doing, how it’s choosing or not choosing, and what matters to people.
I mean, has anyone ever gotten a survey from them?
As L Boogie would say, “Mis-communication lead to complication,” followed closely by, “If you don’t change then the rain soon come.”
I don’t wish to use Lauren Hill’s music to in any way belittle or diminish the nature of the problems facing the Basketball Hall of Fame, so, leaving on a positive note, let’s realize, “From the night can arrive the sweet dawn.”
(I couldn’t help that.)
L Boogie:
I was hoping to make my first Hall of Fame visit this summer, hopefully it will be open! Thanks for the story.
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
I am surprised. With the likes of all the current NBA players, former NBA players, Hall-of-Famers, foundations, etc., how could such a tribute institution fall into financial trouble?! For shame is my immediate reaction!
As dear Whoopie likes to say on occasion, “what the hell???l!!!”.
That’s my opinion on this disgraceful situation.
Also, the NBA Hall of Fame “mis” management group is not a dictatorship and should never have been allowed to run like a dictatorship. They would not be there or have jobs if it were not for the NBA players, coaches, owners, etc who were inducted into the Hall of Fame. That certain NBA players or others that made a major contribution to the NBA were not selected and elected is disgraceful!
Since this is the time for cleansing, there should be an overhaul of the NBA Hall of Fame management and BofD and do things the right way and the honorable way!
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
This solely cannot be blamed on the national economic tsunami. But as a fan, I don’t feel the HOF management has given me a reason to plan a trip to the facility. I live near the Pro Football HOF, so I have seen that facility grow over the years, and have been to the NLB, Baseball and Hockey HOF’s….all that have reached out to fans in some way and said, in a variety of ways, “We invite you.”
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
As a museum professional and one that works in a museum that is facing financial problems this does not surprise me. There are numerous reasons for the financial issues facing museums including the HOF. Each has their own unique circumstances. The sad part is that recently museums have become cannon fodder for politicians opposing the stimulus package. Most museums of this nature (sports, history, art, science, etc) depend on public and private finding. Public funding usually goes to support operating budgets. When those funds are cut or eliminated, staff is released, services are reduced and cashflow reductions follow.
Not enough people are contributing (donations) to the museum anymore. The situation in the Black community is worse. Black folk don’t go to museums and when they do they don’t invest. Claude is part of the choir I am preaching to. He does frequent, donates and supports museums. But not many of us do.
Museums have to take part of the problem on as well. Museums sometimes continue to be seen as elitist and this drives away a portion of our population. Then again much of the public does not have leisure moneys to use to go to museums. Schools aren’t coming because of the cuts in programs.
Then there is the CEO decisions. Many museums have decided to act like corporations. CEO’s make bone-headed decisions and boards don’t scrutinize these decisions very well. CEO’s run museums like their own little fiefdoms as dictators and spend as they see fit – which is often their personal pet projects.
A lot of museums have image problems – they don’t know who or what they are.
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
How about a major new exhibit that will reach out in a different way to fans. Not just the stars.
One that highlights all you have done Claude to educate on the black history of the game, and mine with the women’s side.
To me it has to be more than how many points are scored on the court.
It has to be about the human spirit. Look at all the sport movies that do well? It’s not so much about the score, rather the struggles and challenges it to took get there.
An exhibit featuring both would be unlike any probably ever done.
Times are hard, but I do hope that things can stepped back and taken a look at from a new point of view that may help the NHOF not just survive, but even increase its annual attendence
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
On the mark! And well put in tone and substance. Maybe a follow up called for getting specific about the bizarre selections – and terrible omissions!
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
The article is “part informative”..I love reading up to date articles on current affairs but I have a problem when the articles “throw stones” ie “2) the selections themselves (many have been baffling or gratuitous), and 3) the omissions (some are glaring).
Who are you talking about. It seems you are skirting one of the most important issues by not clarifying who these people are. It is one piece that is the “meat” of the article that is missing.
I am an avid reader and appreciate responsible commentary, I am also a passionate sports enthusiest that played the game and was fortunate to have had Ben Jobe as a teacher, and friends, Bobby Wilkerson/Bill Dinwiddie to name two, that played in the NBA. So I am an avid fan…So name names please so the objectivity has more content.
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
To start with, Thank you Mr. Johnson for all the great work you are doing to preserve the history of the great sport of Basketball, and making it accesible to everyone. That is one of the big problems with the current Hall Of Fame. It is not “Fan Friendly” anymore or accesible to the regular Joe Fan anymore. There was a time in the late 80s and early 90s that the Hall was fan friendly and you could have a basic membership in the hall for like 15.00 dollars a year and you would get a newsletter every month and a pass good to get in the hall anytime. You could also do research at the library and the gift shop staff was very helpful and knowledgable. After the new building went up, and the Hall decided that it was better to have corporate sponsers and VIPs attend all the induction events and they priced out the common fan. I would go every year, now I never go. The old building had original jerseys and historic memorabilia on display, now I see alot of replica jerseys and copies of items that I know at one time the Hall did own the originals. I have a feeling that the Hall has already sold a lot of the historic uniforms and other artifacts that were once on display in the old building, which I am sure would tick off alot of the old players who donated items to the museum thinking that they were doing the right thing and preserving the great games history. What right do they have to sell off the history of these players which was donated for the purpose of preserving the history of the game, it is a travesty. I am sure some of the old players and families of players could have used the money and sold the items themselves, but they donated the items for the good of the game and now these corporate A holes are going to sell them to save themselves from the mismanagement and greed that they caused, not the economy. It makes me sick and I am sure I am not the only one. The secret induction process and obvious racism towards the black five era players are other problems that are only going to get worse. That is why the NCAA started their own Hall Of Fame. Hopefully something can be done to restore some kind of order and hopefully prevent the entire Hall Of Fame collection to be sold. Thank god James Naismith’s reletives did not give the Hall Of Fame the original set of rules because they would probably sell them.
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
Springfield, MA is the issue, I think. You have to really want to see the basketball HOF to make that trip. I got to go the year Magic was inducted (and Larry Brown and Kay Yow) and it was fantastic, but in 7 years living in Boston it never crossed my mind to drive to Springfield just for the sake of seeing it. I’m not saying it shouldn’t be in … Read MoreSpringfield, just that it’s a huge challenge and probably needs a subsidy from the NBA over the long haul if it’s going to survive. The NBA should have an interest in keeping knowledge of the game’s history alive so maybe they’d go for that.
By the way I remember as a kid they had ads for the museum on TV during college games regularly. I’ve not seen one in ages. I wonder how many people even know there is a basketball HOF/museum.
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
Agree with Sam on museum attendance. That said, I live way out on the West Coast. How about a touring aspect of the Hall, take part of your show on the road in trucks to get the word out. Set up shop in some downtown museum for a weekend, invite people to come on down. I’d love it if they came to the Pacific Northwest. Hopefully I’ll get out there this year, but you gotta promote. I’d also love to get some kind of newsletter and so forth, online or mailed.
Bring it to the people. This is a huge country we live in. Keep your main Hall but have a truck with the logo on the side and go around the country to different towns and cities.
Also, I know the NCAA Division II championship is in Springfield, and being a D2 alum, I love that. But perhaps have one of the Pre-season NIT games in Springfield and promote the heck out of it and the Hall. Just some thoughts.
Tim S.
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
the so call nba / powers to be of basketball have lost sight of americas game there are many basketball players who have made a name in our game who have not been enshrine in the hallow hall by the so called powers to be of basketball-now the hall is in trouble–who ever in charge should ask for help from all the halls of fame around our nation to see what!s going on-black fives hall of fame-by any means neccessary…
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
The Naismith Hall Of Fame has been mismanaged for the last 30 years.
The omission of ABA legendary players reflects a bias that has never been corrected.
A complete change of management would be welcomed.
Pat Cosgrove
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
In the days of reserved $850,000 a year luxury suites (new Yankee Stadium) it’s interesting that any sports-related entity other than the Toledo Mud Hens could have financial problems. Thanks for shedding light on the intrigue going on there.
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
Here’s a humorous letter to the editor of the Hartford Republican:
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
Basketball Hall Of Fame In Financial Trouble: No Surprise? …
I have to admit that when I first saw the headline suggesting that the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is struggling financially, I wasn’t surprised.
Many observers of that Hall of Fame over the last several years have had the sense that s…
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
Sergio! Yes, I agree. Overhaul. New vision. New purpose.
To your earlier point, I think that the HOF ought to be beholden to the players, coaches, and owners who paved the way, not the other way around. Why should players and ex-players (et al) care, when their own friends (or brethren) have been overlooked? That argument would work if it were true that players and others got their opportunities “from Springfield” — that is, if the Hall of Fame were a euphemism for basketball — or if somehow the Hall of Fame were providing “stewardship” for the game itself. But they didn’t, and it’s not. :-) Still, the optimistic possibility is that something else that’s better could come out of all of this.
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
Hey sam, thanks for that insightful comment. I am wondering how many people think of the HOF as a “museum.” I can’t quite say why, but it just doesn’t feel like one to me.
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
David, I’ve mentioned some of the omissions and my recommendations in earlier posts on this blog. But I was being careful not to repeat myself too much, so I just linked to those other posts from within this article … here are two of them:
Most Deserving For Hall of Fame Nod, From Black Fives Era
Basketball Hall of Fame To Have Special Black History Review Committee (But …)
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
David, here’s one news media reaction to the recent crop of HOF inductees. Of course, no one can argue about Jordan, Robinson, Stockton …
Like / Dislike:
0 
0
Tim, I believe they used to have a D1 game at the beginning of college basketball season called something like the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Game, and it was held in Springfield … and they now have a high school tournament there, in January, around MLK Day, and it draws big name schools. Those are great but they also have to focus on the content and soul of the Hall itself, it seems to me.
Like / Dislike:
0 
0