The world of sports radically changed during the 1980s. Major league expansions throughout North America in the 70s had brought sports closer to fans than ever before. Advancements in technology also helped bridge gaps between fans and sports stars.
With ESPN’s 1979 debut, the 80s saw live broadcasting become a staple in countless homes around the US. Not only could fans watch live games, but they could even buy out-of-market packages to watch games from around the world. Today, sports fandom is radically changing with the expansion of sportsbooks.
According to a Bet365 sportsbook review, one of the most established and popular brands worldwide, many fans look for live betting and streaming features. These make in-play wagering seamless for those interested in on-the-go punting.
Back in the day, viewers were happy watching a grainy Wayne Gretzky skate on the ice. In modern sporting culture, fans want to be able to wager on when a player will score the next goal or hit a slapshot at over 90mph. The availability of sports stars, instant replays, and their updated stats leaves little to the imagination.
Back in the 80s, sports stars took on a mythic status given the mystery that surrounded them. Hockey became a battleground of the cold war. Diego Maradona handballed his way to a FIFA World Cup title. Evander Holyfield had both ears. Some guy named Michael Jordan joined the Bulls. Ah, the 80s!
Magic Johnson & Larry Bird
For the majority of all-time rankings for the most beloved athletes, Magic Johnson outperforms his contemporary Larry Bird. But for sports fans locked into the NBA throughout the 80s, there’s really no way to separate the two players.
Pitted against one another on opposite coasts (Magic with the Lakers and Bird with the Celtics) for most of their careers, Magic and Bird provided one of the most satisfying rivalries of the 80s. Not to mention, their creativity and passion on the court made them a pleasure to watch.
Today’s NBA may be about three-pointers, but Bird was the first to revolutionize the long shot. And Kareem may have the most NBA MVP Awards, but Magic’s ability to read the court made taking five championships in LA look breezy.
Jerry Rice & Joe Montana
Not all 80s stars benefitted from major rivalries. In the case of the San Francisco 49ers, teamwork literally made the dream work. Today, Jerry Rice (wide receiver) and Joe Montana (quarterback) are still considered the most lethal QB-WR duo to have graced the NFL.
Rice entered the scene in 1985 when he joined the 49ers. Montana was a seasoned player who was able to harness the raw power in Rice. In turn, Rice’s game matured quickly, and the pair became the most enjoyable duo to watch. Not to mention, rules and tactical differences in the game meant lots more action than modern duos like Tom Brady and Gronk enjoy, because they don’t see quite as much high-octane action as Montana and Rice did in the 80s.
Wayne Gretzky
One of the biggest hockey events in history took place in 1980, when the US Olympic team took on the Soviet Union’s four-time, championship-defending squad. Exciting as it was, Wayne Gretzky didn’t make an appearance. And, politics aside, the Canadian is probably the true Miracle on Ice coming out of the 80s.
Throughout the 80s, Gretzky played with the Edmonton Oilers. In his first season in 1980, he nabbed the NHL’s MVP Award… which would become the first of eight consecutive awards. Athletes like Montana and Rice highlighted the dynamism of teamwork, while Magic and Larry Legend gave fans rivalries that brought out the best in each player.
But Gretzky was in a league of his own. In his second season, he’d scored 50 goals in only 39 games. By the end of the season, he’d put away 212 total goals. He’s got a laundry list of accolades, but the best part of his success was in spite of his comparatively lesser size and strength. Gretzky relied on his agility and intelligence to succeed, which made him nearly impossible to beat.
