new world record ?

[rabidbee]

Salary Caps don't even work in minor sports (in UK terms) like ice hockey, where there isn't even much money. There's no chance they'll work when players are on 7-figure salaries.

[cmonurz]

What makes the NBA model so successful then? (By successful I am thinking about the various teams that enjoy good seasons, runs to the playoffs etc - iirc only one team (or it might be no team) has not made the playoffs at least once in the last 8 seasons or so).

Is it just respect that holds it all together, acceptance that there is a 'right way' to do things?

[sheshnu]

There are only 30 teams and 16 of them make the playoffs? Be difficult not to qualify at some point.

(I know nuffink about b-ball by the way so don't know if that's true - apologies if I'm making it up!)

There's also a draft system to keep a small number of already similarly-sized teams at a competitive level with one another.

[cmonurz]

That said, the fortunes of teams fluctuate much moreso than in the Premier League. LA Lakers, Miami, Dallas, Orlando, San Antonio, Boston, NY Knicks, Phoenix, Utah, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland have all been conference finalists, or thereabouts, since I started following basketball about a decade ago.

The draft system is brilliant too - the best players from the college system go to the teams that need them most.

The NBA is just a brilliantly run league - relocation of franchises aside - however I appreciate the model as a whole couldn't work for the EPL.

I'm just being idealistic - imagining there being 8 or 9 teams in the Premier League with at least a couple of genuine world class players in their side; or United signing Kaka but having to release Rooney (who goes to Everton) and Tevez (who rejoins West Ham) to stay under the salary cap.

Stupid, would never happen, I know, but still.

[Mr Angry]

There isn't a collegiate sports level in the UK that there is in the US, therefore, how would a draft system work?

Also, there is no relegation/promotion in US sports; again, having that here means that a draft system would be a non-runner.

[Kevin Doyles Right Foot]

What I find anstonishing is the weekly wage is 500k, AFTER TAX, bloody hell

[heathrow royal]

By the sound of it Kaka has been authorised to speak to Man City after a bid in excess of £100m was accepted

[soggy biscuit]

Kaká's agent says that Milan have agreed a fee and City are free to talk to the player about personal terms

[Rex]

What i find so amazing about all this is where is the team concept here. Just by plotting Kaka in the middle of a struggling team does not make the team instantly perform to a standard where they will challenge all and sundry in the near future.

500K after tax is a real real concern that surely hints at madness.

[daswonder]

What i find so amazing about all this is where is the team concept here. Just by plotting Kaka in the middle of a struggling team does not make the team instantly perform to a standard where they will challenge all and sundry in the near future.

500K after tax is a real real concern that surely hints at madness.

I think it's more of a business plan, by signing Kaka it shows that Man City can buy the best now, which is something when Chelsea were shelling out the money got no where close too.

Imagine the reaction among the footballing world, Man City sign Kaka its a signal to the rest that we are willing to disrupt the established order.

I suppose if they get him they could always play him behind the forwards (Robinho +1)

[Dr Hfuhruhurr]

The more I follow this story, the more I think it is just that - a story. A fake transfer bid, generated to give World Football the impression that City are a club that means business. This would help persuade other, cheaper, players to join a club that is currently struggling in the premiership.

[Silver Fox]

It's all a ruse to grease the wheels of the Bellamy deal? I like your thinking!

[cmonurz]

There's no 'business plan' here, no valuation of the player, or determination of how much he should be paid (i.e. is worth). This transfer has the potential to screw the transfer market - why will any club now sell players for £25m or so when they no they can wait for the likes of City, Chelsea, perhaps Liverpool is Dubai take them over, to bid three times that amount?

[6ft Kerplunk]

It's all a ruse to grease the wheels of the Bellamy deal? I like your thinking!

Nope think its all a ruse by Sky bunging Man City a few extra quid to generate something for Sky Sports News to oxf*rd themselves into a frenzy about.

[TBM]

Kaka's agent will get around £18m if this deal goes through!

[frimmers]

the aim is of course fo this oil rich consortium to "buy" all the leading clubs,make the cost of televising said clubs via sky impractible,then buying sky .in other words,let those seduced by the "premiership" pay through the nose.

[boy1985]

I can't wait to see them sign him, then realise he will be yet another in a long line of Seria A players that can't hack the pace of the Premier League. I can only think of Zola that has actually been a success over here.

They will be better off buying 5 or 6 top quality players for 30mil and making a team rather than buying another fancy flair player who even if he plays well, will not win them matches on his own.

Its like they think they are playing football manager, I'm just going to sit back and watch them fail with the most expensive squad in history. Its not inconceivable that Man City might even go down this season, I can't see Robinho being motivated playing the Leicester City.