I think the IFBB Pros need to get proper representation (maybe even a union of sorts) in order to negotiate contracts with the promoters that would guarantee that each pro that competes at their shows gets a very small percentage of the overall profits (something that would suffice in covering room and travel fees).
I say very small percentage, because since Professional Bodybuilding is not in high demand (think an NFL Football game versus IFBB competition), you obviously can't expect the profits to compare to other events that would generate decent revenue. Because of the fact that these events typically bring about small crowds, that's why promoters can be as aggressive as they presently are. Renting out the venues, getting the staff to run the event and posting up the prize money can certainly run up a bill (In many ways, the supplement companies that use the competition venue for marketing purposes tend to put up a percentage of the purse that is granted at the end of the contests to the top competitors). Even so, if these events don't garner enough of a profit for the promoters, they'll ultimately find it to be a waste of time and not lucrative enough to justify having the show.
At the Olympia level, I think it's imperative that all competitors get a small cut of the overall fee of admission. It should at least cover hotel and travel fees. These are the top 15 guys in the "sport" of bodybuilding.
This union for professional bodybuilders can then serve to negotiate contracts between the individual IFBB pros and the supplement companies. I know a number of pros that get severely low-balled by supplement companies to do the exact type of work that other top-tier pros do. There should be an industry standard, that way no one feels as if they're slaving away for a few jars of protein and air fare to the various events as required by contract.
This same union can then work to get health insurance coverage for the IFBB pros that do this as a full-time endeavor. Enough IFBB pros work full time jobs aside from bodybuilding, so those gentlemen have the health insurance coverage taken care of.
It's a big task and whomever takes it upon themselves to establish this professional bodybuilder's Union can end up bringing about great changes to this industry and ultimately to the careers of those involved in professional bodybuilding, as well as figure and physique athletes.
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