The formula is so simple, yet often forgotten.

Yearly debates are inevitable. The “why” behind how some sports captivate us, and others don’t. The questions that surround why, say, the NFL is king and every other sport trails in the United States. The reasons the popularity of the major sports in America fluctuate from decade to decade and year to year.

But over the last month, we’ve seen the why play out in plain sight. There’s a reason why Olympic hockey and the World Baseball Classic have been so much fun to watch.

We care if they care.

Thats it. That’s the root of this all. It’s why the NFL is king. The players’ livelihood is on the line, on what’s basically a week to week basis. Every snap matters to them, and we feel that.

On the opposite end, it’s why the NBA has struggled in recent years. It doesn’t feel like the league, teams and players truly care, especially during the regular season. When a sport and league is constantly telling us they might have too many games, it’s not a good look or message to fans.

Olympic hockey was pure. They cared so much we could feel it through the television. Last night’s USA-Dominican World Baseball Classic semifinal felt similar. The players truly cared. It mattered to them. Starting this week, March Madness will be the next up and give us that kind of feeling.

Sports aren’t that complicated. If the players, teams and leagues truly care, we will too. That, not rule changes, format issues, or salary cap ramifications, is what matters.

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