[epolanski]

The world cup is not a league, it's a tournament.

My point is towards the regular season + playoffs which is imho lame.

Imagine a formula 1 season where you watch 20 races and then the best teams play it out in the last 4. That's a giant nonsense in most sports but somehow it spread even to European basket and volley in the 80s, I guess under the American influx.

I just don't like it.

[ghaff]

That's your choice of course. I suspect that a lot of casual fans (raises hand) may largely ignore the regular (long) season but get more engaged in the payoffs, especially if they have a team they care about involved which has obvious financial implications for the teams involved.

[rectang]

> payoffs

Exactly. ;) (Per cogent upthread analysis about maximizing revenue.)

But even casuals may get excited about e.g. the last few games of the Premier League season which determine the league winner (as well as who survives the relegation battle, which is a whole 'nuther drama).

[bdangubic]

may largely ignore the regular (long) season but get more engaged in the playoffs

you are saying exactly the right words but arguing the wrong side. that is exactly why shit stinks, make the season ALL there is to it, then see whether it is long / boring / … :)