It seems the IFBB is slowly crumbling down…

Awesome. It's probably fair to say that homeboy is doing this just as much for his personal gain than anything else but the IFBB presented a golden opportunity with all their fuckery.

Definitely seems like a move in the right direction...
 
So right now the IFBB has 2 choices, change their ways or sink. With all the scandal and infighting within the IFBB there is a time change is needed and will IFBB heed the call? Nope!
 
Aside from the Kai Greene debacle and the huge amounts of Political BS can anyone else elaborate on what has been going on inside the IFBB? I know this weekend with Weider/AMI at the Olympia is turning out horribly so far. Apparently, they were turning huge companies away from the expo such as prosupps just really bad business decisions. No offense to anyone competing but I feel like the show is just a battle for second. It really did lose its luster without Kai. The IFBB has become so ridiculous everyone I talk to (competitors and fans) are fed up with the IFBB/NPC. EVERYONE knows there are politics in these leagues why would any amateur want to compete in a league in which they know if they are not in good with the promoter, they won't place well? That's corruption. Of course you are going to hear the big bass in the pond such George Farah and the big shots pledge allegiance to these organizations because they're already in the political circle and they are already making money! "The NPC/IFBB is the one true organization don't be fooled by other imitation organizations." How about fairness in judging and showing the criteria of judging to fans and competitors so everyone knows what to be looking for? I could see a lot of people getting behind this new league because of the known politics in the NPC/IFBB. I hope it does take off because its only a matter of time until the NPC/IFBB comes crashing down.
 
Way too early to call it crumbling, it still has the biggest influence on the BB scene, it still has a lot of faces acquainted with it, bigger names than a lone ranger of Kai Greene. But it's obviously not going in the right direction when even it's biggest star, Arnold, was against it's shape now.

You know you have a problem when the biggest name in the sport is calling out judges and the league at his own show.
 
You know you have a problem when the biggest name in the sport is calling out judges and the league at his own show.
This guy has major connects and influence as Millard explained. I think I'm due time you will see many big name IFBB pros joining the new league. Why not? It pays better and I also think over the next year there will be some mud slinging and secerets let out in regards to the corruption. It is too soon for that right now but it's coming.
 
Honestly, how could a 2nd organization be bad for bodybuilding overall? If anything it's gonna bring out more competition, look at all the powerlifting federations, alright most people recognize IPF as the leading authority but many have chosen not to follow because of their ridiculous squat judging methods for one or because of their business policy of charging insane price for "IPF approved" equipment etc. I am wondering how many, most likely none but still, of the current IFBB pros are gonna change. On the other hand I also would like to know what people like Ronnie or Arnold have to say on the subject, it's gonna be interesting months coming for bodybuilding and hopefully a good outcome for athletes and fans alike
 
Honestly, how could a 2nd organization be bad for bodybuilding overall? If anything it's gonna bring out more competition, look at all the powerlifting federations, alright most people recognize IPF as the leading authority but many have chosen not to follow because of their ridiculous squat judging methods for one or because of their business policy of charging insane price for "IPF approved" equipment etc. I am wondering how many, most likely none but still, of the current IFBB pros are gonna change. On the other hand I also would like to know what people like Ronnie or Arnold have to say on the subject, it's gonna be interesting months coming for bodybuilding and hopefully a good outcome for athletes and fans alike
Yes, change is needed as the IFBB is clearly broken and the Kai Greene situation tells all.
 
Aside from the Kai Greene debacle and the huge amounts of Political BS can anyone else elaborate on what has been going on inside the IFBB?
To say that the NPC/IFBB is crumbling is funny. If you look at the NPC financials, they're generating more revenue than ever before. Growth was somewhat stagnant from 2000 to 2010 jumped substantially since then. I suspect 2015 will be a banner year for them. The IFBB revenue growth rate has likely followed a similar pattern; Olympia Weekend visitors has been on an upward trend; its gained Amazon.com as a new sponsor. The NPC/IFBB are doing just fine. For now.

This doesn't mean that NPC Global is not a threat. Thompson is a very smart businessman. Combined with his social intelligence and networking, he's a real threat to the NPC/IFBB hegemony.

Now here's what I think. Keep in mind, it is pure speculation. I'll even say it's wildly speculative. But hey, that makes it even more fun :)

Wild Guess #1. Thompson has been planning this for a long time. The whole Kai Greene drama has been orchestrated to manipulate the fan base to hate the NPC/IFBB to set the scene for the NPC Global announcement.

Wild Guess #2. Thompson already had commitments from several big names before he made the NPC Global announcement. (2a) Kai Greene is one of them. (2b) Phil Heath is another. The only question is when he changes allegiances. I say 10-1 odds he "retires" on-stage after he wins his fifth Mr. Olympia and switches to NPC Global. (2c) Jay Cutler - he's Mr. CEO Muscle. He admires Thompson's business savvy. (2d) Ronnie Coleman - his future income isn't dependent on IFBB. (2d) Several NPC/IFBB contest promoters around the country, but especially in Texas, will join.

Wild Guess #3. Bodybuilding.com is preparing to announce a partnership with NPC Global. The IFBB dropped them for Amazon.com. They're not too happy. BB.com parent company has billions too and they're going to make sure Amazon.com doesn't cut into their business. An NPC Global/Bodybuilding.com partnership vs. an IFBB/Amazon.com partnership would be one way.

Wild Guess #4. What about the Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Arnold Classic? Where does he stand? We all know that Arnold has been a loyal and strong supporter of IFBB for decades. But that is because of Joe and Ben Weider. They're gone now. Now, he's spoken out against the IFBB and expressed his dissatisfaction with judging and the direction the NPC/IFBB is going. Was the NPC/IFBB implementation of the "classical" division enough to placate Arnold? Or is he still upset at the lack of attention his input has received. Politics/acting are not the high priorities for Arnold anymore. He's ready to get back to bodybuilding and play a major role. He doesn't need money. He'll go where he can make the biggest impact. That's NPC Global.

Ok, some of this is more likely than others. Some is admittedly unlikely. Regardless of how successful NPC Global becomes or how spectacularly it fails, the very fact that Thompson is making a serious run should be good for the sport of bodybuilding.

The only thing I know for certain is that this will be fun to watch.
 
To say that the NPC/IFBB is crumbling is funny. If you look at the NPC financials, they're generating more revenue than ever before. Growth was somewhat stagnant from 2000 to 2010 jumped substantially since then. I suspect 2015 will be a banner year for them. The IFBB revenue growth rate has likely followed a similar pattern; Olympia Weekend visitors has been on an upward trend; its gained Amazon.com as a new sponsor. The NPC/IFBB are doing just fine. For now.

This doesn't mean that NPC Global is not a threat. Thompson is a very smart businessman. Combined with his social intelligence and networking, he's a real threat to the NPC/IFBB hegemony.

Now here's what I think. Keep in mind, it is pure speculation. I'll even say it's wildly speculative. But hey, that makes it even more fun :)

Wild Guess #1. Thompson has been planning this for a long time. The whole Kai Greene drama has been orchestrated to manipulate the fan base to hate the NPC/IFBB to set the scene for the NPC Global announcement.

Wild Guess #2. Thompson already had commitments from several big names before he made the NPC Global announcement. (2a) Kai Greene is one of them. (2b) Phil Heath is another. The only question is when he changes allegiances. I say 10-1 odds he "retires" on-stage after he wins his fifth Mr. Olympia and switches to NPC Global. (2c) Jay Cutler - he's Mr. CEO Muscle. He admires Thompson's business savvy. (2d) Ronnie Coleman - his future income isn't dependent on IFBB. (2d) Several NPC/IFBB contest promoters around the country, but especially in Texas, will join.

Wild Guess #3. Bodybuilding.com is preparing to announce a partnership with NPC Global. The IFBB dropped them for Amazon.com. They're not too happy. BB.com parent company has billions too and they're going to make sure Amazon.com doesn't cut into their business. An NPC Global/Bodybuilding.com partnership vs. an IFBB/Amazon.com partnership would be one way.

Wild Guess #4. What about the Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Arnold Classic? Where does he stand? We all know that Arnold has been a loyal and strong supporter of IFBB for decades. But that is because of Joe and Ben Weider. They're gone now. Now, he's spoken out against the IFBB and expressed his dissatisfaction with judging and the direction the NPC/IFBB is going. Was the NPC/IFBB implementation of the "classical" division enough to placate Arnold? Or is he still upset at the lack of attention his input has received. Politics/acting are not the high priorities for Arnold anymore. He's ready to get back to bodybuilding and play a major role. He doesn't need money. He'll go where he can make the biggest impact. That's NPC Global.

Ok, some of this is more likely than others. Some is admittedly unlikely. Regardless of how successful NPC Global becomes or how spectacularly it fails, the very fact that Thompson is making a serious run should be good for the sport of bodybuilding.

The only thing I know for certain is that this will be fun to watch.
I want to add wild guess #5.... All of the above. Some of if not the majority of the wild guesses unfold. There is a TON of logic in them.
 
I have been around him and met with on sevral occasions before. He has a lot of connects and alot of athlete under his thumb as well a supplment biz.he has texas in is hand I have no doubt he will do what he says. I just dont know if this is a good thing or bad thing yet,
I like the idea of athletes getting paid for what they do because it should be looked as a business not just a hobby. I mean you should get somthing for your hard work all year long. pro or not. a trophy dont pay the bills.
 
Wild Guess #2. Thompson already had commitments from several big names before he made the NPC Global announcement. (2a) Kai Greene is one of them. (2b) Phil Heath is another. The only question is when he changes allegiances. I say 10-1 odds he "retires" on-stage after he wins his fifth Mr. Olympia and switches to NPC Global. (2c) Jay Cutler - he's Mr. CEO Muscle. He admires Thompson's business savvy. (2d) Ronnie Coleman - his future income isn't dependent on IFBB. (2d) Several NPC/IFBB contest promoters around the country, but especially in Texas, will join.
yep!
 
To say that the NPC/IFBB is crumbling is funny. If you look at the NPC financials, they're generating more revenue than ever before. Growth was somewhat stagnant from 2000 to 2010 jumped substantially since then. I suspect 2015 will be a banner year for them. The IFBB revenue growth rate has likely followed a similar pattern; Olympia Weekend visitors has been on an upward trend; its gained Amazon.com as a new sponsor. The NPC/IFBB are doing just fine. For now.

This doesn't mean that NPC Global is not a threat. Thompson is a very smart businessman. Combined with his social intelligence and networking, he's a real threat to the NPC/IFBB hegemony.

Now here's what I think. Keep in mind, it is pure speculation. I'll even say it's wildly speculative. But hey, that makes it even more fun :)

Wild Guess #1. Thompson has been planning this for a long time. The whole Kai Greene drama has been orchestrated to manipulate the fan base to hate the NPC/IFBB to set the scene for the NPC Global announcement.

Wild Guess #2. Thompson already had commitments from several big names before he made the NPC Global announcement. (2a) Kai Greene is one of them. (2b) Phil Heath is another. The only question is when he changes allegiances. I say 10-1 odds he "retires" on-stage after he wins his fifth Mr. Olympia and switches to NPC Global. (2c) Jay Cutler - he's Mr. CEO Muscle. He admires Thompson's business savvy. (2d) Ronnie Coleman - his future income isn't dependent on IFBB. (2d) Several NPC/IFBB contest promoters around the country, but especially in Texas, will join.

Wild Guess #3. Bodybuilding.com is preparing to announce a partnership with NPC Global. The IFBB dropped them for Amazon.com. They're not too happy. BB.com parent company has billions too and they're going to make sure Amazon.com doesn't cut into their business. An NPC Global/Bodybuilding.com partnership vs. an IFBB/Amazon.com partnership would be one way.

Wild Guess #4. What about the Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Arnold Classic? Where does he stand? We all know that Arnold has been a loyal and strong supporter of IFBB for decades. But that is because of Joe and Ben Weider. They're gone now. Now, he's spoken out against the IFBB and expressed his dissatisfaction with judging and the direction the NPC/IFBB is going. Was the NPC/IFBB implementation of the "classical" division enough to placate Arnold? Or is he still upset at the lack of attention his input has received. Politics/acting are not the high priorities for Arnold anymore. He's ready to get back to bodybuilding and play a major role. He doesn't need money. He'll go where he can make the biggest impact. That's NPC Global.

Ok, some of this is more likely than others. Some is admittedly unlikely. Regardless of how successful NPC Global becomes or how spectacularly it fails, the very fact that Thompson is making a serious run should be good for the sport of bodybuilding.

The only thing I know for certain is that this will be fun to watch.

All very very good points made here. I agree with the BB.com statement. They got completely blindsided this year and by the looks of what I have seen at the Olympia, honestly don't have a presence there this year. Based on the political BS Phil was spewing at the Olympia press conference, I don't think he is going anywhere. However, I do believe Kai has a possibility to play a rather large role in rise of this new league. In the first promo video released by NPC Global, it did seem like they were using Kai's inability to compete at the Olympia as a platform for the organization. I would love to see Arnold make an impact in this league and if he were to go over to the NPC Global I think he will bring a lot of publicity over with him. I think a lot of guys like Ronnie and Jay who don't rely on the IFBB for income anymore, could seek finical opportunity in this new organization. Great post. A lot of things to consider. It will be fun to follow and see what happens.
 
I was excited when I first heard about mens classic physique, then when I saw that I had to be under 192 lbs at 5'9" I had a pretty good laugh about it. Lose 20 lbs of muscle? I think not!!! Its obvious that bodybuilding is not drawing the masses anymore. Take away all the bitches, bikini and physique and there would be no turnout anymore!!!!
 
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