Softball’s Growth Depends on Television Access and Player-Centered Storytelling
AJ Andrews argues on Bloomberg’s The Deal that baseball and softball can grow by giving fans more access to athletes’ personalities, backstories and identities, not by adding artificial spectacle. Andrews points to the World Baseball Classic as proof that visible pride and emotion can deepen fan attachment, while Alex Rodriguez makes a parallel case that baseball leaves value unused by hiding players’ preparation and personal stories. For softball, Andrews says the lesson is exposure: when games and players are put on television and treated as distinct, compelling stories, audiences have a reason to follow.
Bloomberg Originals·May 7, 2026·11 min read
