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The relative value of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has tumbled in recent years following a pair of unsuccessful years. After ranking as the 13th most valuable sports franchise just two years ago, Forbes' latest ranking of the world's most valuable professional sports franchises has the Buccaneers at 29th.
The Buccaneers have struggled with attendance issues at Raymond James Stadium during the past two seasons, with only two home games selling out and the rest being blacked out on local television. The Bucs are taking advantage of a new NFL rule in 2012 that allows games to be broadcast on TV if at least 85% of general admission tickets are sold. The team cut ticket prices on 80% of seats for the 2012 season with the rest of prices remaining flat for a fourth straight season.
The Buccaneers will likely further cut into their revenue with their decision to lower the criteria to avoid blackouts in 2012.
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