((HT: TSN/Forbes.com))
Just when you thought he may not get another sniff of anything hockey ever again, word comes out that Research In Motion owner Jim Balsillie could get his hands on an NHL franchise if he stays clean of any more shenanigans...
Mike Ozanian's must-follow work leads us to yet another nugget of information tied to Gary Bettman's off-ice nemesis and on-ice bid-ness partner...
Turns out that Bettman, according to my source, has told Balsillie that if he behaves himself and doesn’t create any more spectacles or bad publicity for the league, he will eventually get a team.
Here's a discussion involving irony the HQ has included on purpose...
"The Agenda With Steve Paikin" talks about Phoenix, Balsillie, and Ontario...
((HT: TVO/AgendaStevePaikin))
But we all kinda knew that with the RIM logo on every segment like this one, that Bettman didn't think Balsillie's money was all bad...
Did he...???
Showing posts with label Gary Bettman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gary Bettman. Show all posts
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Drive To 13K Begins... Winnipeg Has Pro Hockey Back...
In a standard press release, it's over and attempted to be explained...
"Our objective was always to find a solution to keep the team in Atlanta, and we spent a considerable amount of time, effort and resources trying to do so,” said Co-Owner Bruce Levenson. “This is not the outcome we wanted and it’s extremely disappointing that a buyer or significant investor did not come forward that would enable us to keep the team in Atlanta.”
And, after a 15-minute delay, the presser to announce the shift of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg begins...
The parameters: Commissioner Gary Bettman is encouraging that the MTS Centre be sold out every night for "this to work." And the number of season ticket sales for consecutive seasons ranges from three to five- depending on which seat you want- and is 13,000 instead of the normal 10,000...
Which is fine... it shouldn't be a problem... even with the city of Winnipeg being the smallest Canadian city to join the fray once again.
Michael Gearon, Junior broke down in a difficult interview with FOSG John Kincade in the 680TheFan studios this afternoon. Few question Gearon's love for sport as a gentleman who grew up here, but more question his nature as a part owner of a geographically-disjointed, financially ill-equipped gaggle of dudes who seemed more interested in in-fighting, lawsuits, and suing their ex-lawyers than investing in their product in a proportionally-correct manner.
In the interview, Gearon expressed the idea that the one year the Thrash made the playoffs, they still lost US$20-million with a midline payroll. Thus the decision to grow talent citing previous examples in Tampa, Pittsburgh, or Nashville. The problem was the organization never recovered from the gutting of the team to make that playoff run ((See the Keith Tkachuk and Alexei Zhitnik trades as your examples...))
FOSG Jeff Schultz went off the rails and poked Atlanta Spirit between the eyes...And, for that, we commend him...
"Hockey in Canada has never been stronger," said Commissioner Gary Bettman. "We get to be back in a place we wish had not left in 1996. Sometimes we simply have no choice, as was the case back in 1996 when the Jets left Winnipeg," he said.
The man, certainly, thinks that someone else was responsible for that move, eh...???
And for him to talk like it was a goal and aim if his to have a team there all along was an interesting contradiction in terms for the dynamic that was set forth.
The sale of the Atlanta Thrashers to True North Sports and Entertainment is conditional the approval of 75 per cent of the league's owners at the NHL's Board of Governors meeting in New York on June 21.
Here's the obit from FOSG Buck Lanford
((HT: MyFoxAtlanta))
The Thrashers held a 1PM presser for selected media- the four television station network affils, Bloomberg, and the Associated Press...
Strangely typical... and equally cowardly.. it fits Spirit's modus operandi from the jump...
More when we know more...
1515 UPDATE: We know more...
FOSG Ted Bauer's sister station in London, Ontario "A-News London" caught up with Pegger property Robbie Schrempf and got his take...
((HT: ANews London))
Here's what it looked like at the key Winnipeg intersection of Portage and Main
((HT: youtube))
But the one aspect that the HQ wasn't a fan of during today's procession was a bump music out used on XMHomeIce: The Band's "The Day They Drove Ol' Dixie Down..."
Not cool... not cool at all...
More when we know more...
"Our objective was always to find a solution to keep the team in Atlanta, and we spent a considerable amount of time, effort and resources trying to do so,” said Co-Owner Bruce Levenson. “This is not the outcome we wanted and it’s extremely disappointing that a buyer or significant investor did not come forward that would enable us to keep the team in Atlanta.”
And, after a 15-minute delay, the presser to announce the shift of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg begins...
The parameters: Commissioner Gary Bettman is encouraging that the MTS Centre be sold out every night for "this to work." And the number of season ticket sales for consecutive seasons ranges from three to five- depending on which seat you want- and is 13,000 instead of the normal 10,000...
Which is fine... it shouldn't be a problem... even with the city of Winnipeg being the smallest Canadian city to join the fray once again.
Michael Gearon, Junior broke down in a difficult interview with FOSG John Kincade in the 680TheFan studios this afternoon. Few question Gearon's love for sport as a gentleman who grew up here, but more question his nature as a part owner of a geographically-disjointed, financially ill-equipped gaggle of dudes who seemed more interested in in-fighting, lawsuits, and suing their ex-lawyers than investing in their product in a proportionally-correct manner.
In the interview, Gearon expressed the idea that the one year the Thrash made the playoffs, they still lost US$20-million with a midline payroll. Thus the decision to grow talent citing previous examples in Tampa, Pittsburgh, or Nashville. The problem was the organization never recovered from the gutting of the team to make that playoff run ((See the Keith Tkachuk and Alexei Zhitnik trades as your examples...))
FOSG Jeff Schultz went off the rails and poked Atlanta Spirit between the eyes...And, for that, we commend him...
"Hockey in Canada has never been stronger," said Commissioner Gary Bettman. "We get to be back in a place we wish had not left in 1996. Sometimes we simply have no choice, as was the case back in 1996 when the Jets left Winnipeg," he said.
The man, certainly, thinks that someone else was responsible for that move, eh...???
And for him to talk like it was a goal and aim if his to have a team there all along was an interesting contradiction in terms for the dynamic that was set forth.
The sale of the Atlanta Thrashers to True North Sports and Entertainment is conditional the approval of 75 per cent of the league's owners at the NHL's Board of Governors meeting in New York on June 21.
Here's the obit from FOSG Buck Lanford
((HT: MyFoxAtlanta))
Sold: Atlanta Thrashers Moving to Winnipeg: MyFoxATLANTA.com
The Thrashers held a 1PM presser for selected media- the four television station network affils, Bloomberg, and the Associated Press...
Strangely typical... and equally cowardly.. it fits Spirit's modus operandi from the jump...
More when we know more...
1515 UPDATE: We know more...
FOSG Ted Bauer's sister station in London, Ontario "A-News London" caught up with Pegger property Robbie Schrempf and got his take...
((HT: ANews London))
Here's what it looked like at the key Winnipeg intersection of Portage and Main
((HT: youtube))
But the one aspect that the HQ wasn't a fan of during today's procession was a bump music out used on XMHomeIce: The Band's "The Day They Drove Ol' Dixie Down..."
Not cool... not cool at all...
More when we know more...
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Your Atlanta-To-Winnipeg Update: Probably Next Week...???
((HT: Winnipeg Free Press/CBSSports/GlobeSports))
Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz told reporters he thinks an NHL announcement could happen before the end of the week.
BUT... and this is the standard sized, big BUT...
Remember, the sale and the move have to be approved before the Board of Governors- even if Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has thrown in the towel...
"I do believe something before the end of the week is likely," Katz said following a city council meeting earlier in the week.
Commissioner Gary Bettman is in the "Stay calm, all is well" mode as always. He was a guest on Tampa radio station WDAE...
"Nobody’s announced anything and frankly if there is something going on nothing is going to happen until it actually happens, which means it may not happen.
"So I think people need to take a deep breath and pause."
This coming from the same man who tells Atlanta people that their way of protesting the ownership by Atlanta Spirit was "interesting" by not supporting their team that way.
From Jeff Schultz's piece from two days ago:
“Demonstrating your dissatisfaction by not going to games is an interesting strategy. It’s your absolute right. But if it becomes a turnoff for anybody who might want to buy the franchise, the long-term consequences could be severe.”
So, then if people don't go and spend money on a bad product, it's their fault if the project fails...
Makes perfect sense...
So, the Free Press even went as far as to ask what fans would like their soon-to-be new team's nickname should be...
Chris Vivlamore of the AJC confirms also that Anson Carter and his Atlanta Sports and Entertainment group have withdrawn their name as an interested party for all Spirit properties as well.
But Gary Lawless of the Free Press reports through his sources that there are issues still on the table that have to be waded through...
Details described as "consent, owner approval, proof of financial information, etc." remain on the table.
"There are complex issues that take time to work through," said a source.
The Stanley Cup schedule has been announced. Game One has been set for Wednesday, June 1st. In theory, if all parties work through the Memorial Day weekend, with US banks closed on Monday. Tuesday, the day before Game One, seems a logical jumping off point...
For now... and, as always it's subject to change...
Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz told reporters he thinks an NHL announcement could happen before the end of the week.
BUT... and this is the standard sized, big BUT...
Remember, the sale and the move have to be approved before the Board of Governors- even if Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has thrown in the towel...
"I do believe something before the end of the week is likely," Katz said following a city council meeting earlier in the week.
Commissioner Gary Bettman is in the "Stay calm, all is well" mode as always. He was a guest on Tampa radio station WDAE...
"Nobody’s announced anything and frankly if there is something going on nothing is going to happen until it actually happens, which means it may not happen.
"So I think people need to take a deep breath and pause."
This coming from the same man who tells Atlanta people that their way of protesting the ownership by Atlanta Spirit was "interesting" by not supporting their team that way.
From Jeff Schultz's piece from two days ago:
“Demonstrating your dissatisfaction by not going to games is an interesting strategy. It’s your absolute right. But if it becomes a turnoff for anybody who might want to buy the franchise, the long-term consequences could be severe.”
So, then if people don't go and spend money on a bad product, it's their fault if the project fails...
Makes perfect sense...
So, the Free Press even went as far as to ask what fans would like their soon-to-be new team's nickname should be...
Chris Vivlamore of the AJC confirms also that Anson Carter and his Atlanta Sports and Entertainment group have withdrawn their name as an interested party for all Spirit properties as well.
But Gary Lawless of the Free Press reports through his sources that there are issues still on the table that have to be waded through...
Details described as "consent, owner approval, proof of financial information, etc." remain on the table.
"There are complex issues that take time to work through," said a source.
The Stanley Cup schedule has been announced. Game One has been set for Wednesday, June 1st. In theory, if all parties work through the Memorial Day weekend, with US banks closed on Monday. Tuesday, the day before Game One, seems a logical jumping off point...
For now... and, as always it's subject to change...
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Thrasher fans rally, reminisce and prepare for inevitable
 |
| Thrashers Rally/Courtesy: Hyosub Shin ajc.com |
Somewhere in the neighborhood of 250 Atlanta Thrashers fans gathered near Philips Arena to show their support, remember the good times and to all-but-confess that their days are numbered.
As most of you know, the team is in the process of being sold and the acknowledged front-runner to buy the woebegone franchise, is planning on moving them to Winnipeg, Canada. It's been the cause of much celebrating in Winnipeg, and much commiserating in Atlanta.
More from AJC.com RIGHT HERE
Brother Jon was at this event and hopefully will file a story sometime today on it. All we'll add from the Northern Bureau is that its a sad, sad day. We really feel bad for the fans of Atlanta, of which there are more than you think.
They weren't the problem. Never were. When the team showed signs of success early on...people showed up, in droves. We saw it with our own two eyes. A weekend game in January in say 2003, 2004 or 2005, you could bank on 15,000 or so in the house. A legit 15,000.
But as the years progressed and the Atlanta Spirit stopped spending money on the team, the apathy grew. Atlanta is a weird Sports town, always has been. People will come if they think there is a chance for success. But if not, they won't. Though Heir Bettman (Gary) says "It's a weird way to show support", it wasn't, it was more a way of showing disdain for the way the team was run.
It's truly a shame nobody in Atlanta was willing to step in and take over the team. Because we know full well there are people there who could. But, we suppose what's done is done, and we'll move on.
We wish the Thrashers and/or whatever they'll be named in Winnipeg the best of luck. We wish the hockey fans of Atlanta the same thing. And though it isn't "NHL" hockey, just remember, you do still have some professional hockey in town, even if it is the ECHL. They live about 30-minutes outside downtown, in Duluth. They would be the Gwinnett Gladiators.
Here's the TV story on the rally from our friends at 11Alive:
Thursday, May 19, 2011
And Now The Denials Start... Or Is Brunt Right ((And Kypreos, Too))
Let's see if we can get them all under one story...
Chris Vivlamore of the AJC...
CTV News Toronto
Zach Klein on WSB-TV in Atlanta via twitter...
Don Waddell told me deal to Winnipeg is "not done". True North spokesman Scott Brown to Toronto Star on reported done deal "It's not true"
But Steve Simmons of TSN has a point...
Who owns the Globe and Mail? David Thomsen. Who's buying the Thrashers? David Thomsen. Why would owners paper be wrong on team he is buying
CBC's Jeff Marek...
Just talked to someone at True North who tells me the story is not accurate and no plans for a Tuesday announcement at this time.
ANALYSIS: This, probably, means that a deal is in place- in principle...
The league, however, wanted to make the announcement first and Brunt beat them to the punch. This could have been, with all the denials now in place, one of those last-ditch, Hail Mary chances for the local group to cobble something together and get a fire under their collective asses to come to the table as the home town team.
Odds are they ((the local "they")) were given a timetable to make something happen by the end of the business day Friday to challenge the True North bid...
If the locals flamed out by 5:00 Friday, it's True North's for the taking...
That's our best guess at present...
More when we know more...
2250 UPDATE: Brunt appeared on SportsRadio1290 in Winnipeg saying...
"I'd be celebrating if I were in Winnipeg tonight."
And...
"I'd be celebrating if I were in Winnipeg tonight."
0015 UPDATE: We know more...
Rogers Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos is confirming that the deal is done...
Confirming Brunt story #Winnipeg deal done. Told Thomson/Chipman in full partnership. Hear re-location fee alone for #NHL between 50-60M.
David Pagnotta over at 4th Period has the following:
ATL sale to True North could be officially finalized as early as tmrw, then would require NHL board approval (won't be a hurdle).
Fans are now gathering at Winnipeg's Portage and Main...
((HT: Illegal Curve))
We anticipate a lot of people calling in sick for work tomorrow...
Here's the appearance of Stephen Brunt on a very special "Blossom..."
Otherwise known as the "Hustler and Lawless" show on Sportsradio1290 in Winnipeg...
But Gary Lawless sends across this caveat from his article at the Winnipeg Free Press
The NHL’s board of governors will not approve a deal to move the franchise to Winnipeg until a test market ticket drive is completed and they are satisfied the market is viable according to a source involved in the negotiations
More when we know more...
Chris Vivlamore of the AJC...
CTV News Toronto
Zach Klein on WSB-TV in Atlanta via twitter...
Don Waddell told me deal to Winnipeg is "not done". True North spokesman Scott Brown to Toronto Star on reported done deal "It's not true"
But Steve Simmons of TSN has a point...
Who owns the Globe and Mail? David Thomsen. Who's buying the Thrashers? David Thomsen. Why would owners paper be wrong on team he is buying
CBC's Jeff Marek...
Just talked to someone at True North who tells me the story is not accurate and no plans for a Tuesday announcement at this time.
ANALYSIS: This, probably, means that a deal is in place- in principle...
The league, however, wanted to make the announcement first and Brunt beat them to the punch. This could have been, with all the denials now in place, one of those last-ditch, Hail Mary chances for the local group to cobble something together and get a fire under their collective asses to come to the table as the home town team.
Odds are they ((the local "they")) were given a timetable to make something happen by the end of the business day Friday to challenge the True North bid...
If the locals flamed out by 5:00 Friday, it's True North's for the taking...
That's our best guess at present...
More when we know more...
2250 UPDATE: Brunt appeared on SportsRadio1290 in Winnipeg saying...
"I'd be celebrating if I were in Winnipeg tonight."
And...
"I'd be celebrating if I were in Winnipeg tonight."
0015 UPDATE: We know more...
Rogers Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos is confirming that the deal is done...
Confirming Brunt story #Winnipeg deal done. Told Thomson/Chipman in full partnership. Hear re-location fee alone for #NHL between 50-60M.
David Pagnotta over at 4th Period has the following:
ATL sale to True North could be officially finalized as early as tmrw, then would require NHL board approval (won't be a hurdle).
Fans are now gathering at Winnipeg's Portage and Main...
((HT: Illegal Curve))
We anticipate a lot of people calling in sick for work tomorrow...
Here's the appearance of Stephen Brunt on a very special "Blossom..."
Otherwise known as the "Hustler and Lawless" show on Sportsradio1290 in Winnipeg...
But Gary Lawless sends across this caveat from his article at the Winnipeg Free Press
The NHL’s board of governors will not approve a deal to move the franchise to Winnipeg until a test market ticket drive is completed and they are satisfied the market is viable according to a source involved in the negotiations
More when we know more...
Attention Atlanta: Bettman says Not so fast my friends
 |
| Gary Bettman/Courtesy: viewfrommyseats.com |
We've reported at length about the trials and tribulations of the wayward Atlanta Thrashers and their...according to all reports, inevitable move to Winnipeg, Canada.
Well, late Wednesday night, the Bettman (Comm. Gary Bettman), spoke. He told Team-1040 Radio in Vancouver that "There has been so much speculation". "How many people in your line of work were reporting the Coyotes were going to Winnipeg? Where is that coming from? It's made up. It didn't happen. The minute the Coyotes made it clear they're staying, we're on to Atlanta."
That being said, he did not deny the reports True North Entertainment is discussing a purchase with the Thrashers, saying "True North is going about their business and taking a businesslike approach. We are pleased with that, but there is nothing to report. I never say never about anything. There is no deal right now."
Interesting. We've already told you about the "Allegedly Mysterious" JB Smith, called "The Balkan" by an Atlanta area radio host and allegedly interested in purchasing the Thrashers along with the Hawks and the arena. Unfortunately, the deeper we and everyone else digs on Mr. Smith, there seems to be quite a few red flags being raised. The NHL probably will not look kindly at someone being sued for $1.9 million. Just sayin'.
Others have reportedly stepped up or are at least interested. And while True North has a decided financial advantage, they have to wait their turn. The league is obligated to allow local groups to be vetted first in this process. Whether or not a group throws their name in the hat and can pass the test, remains to be seen. But as The Bettman insinuates, the Thrashers may or may not move, either way, that decision isn't happening for awhile.
Monday, May 9, 2011
NHL appears to like Phoenix much more than Atlanta: Thrashers will move soon
 |
| Phoenix Coyote |
It appears, barring divine intervention, that the NHL will allow the Phoenix Coyotes to stay in Arizona, and be run by the league for at least another year. Sure, there's a vote in Glendale scheduled for Tuesday to decide if the city will guarantee another $25 million to cover the league's losses while the search for an owner continues, but it's just a formality.
Read more from ArenaDigest.com RIGHT HERE
There are two REALLY big losers here, the people who live in Glendale, Arizona and the people of Atlanta, Georgia.
Why?
Because the Thrashers are moving folks. It's just a formality now. Even though they have a MUCH better case for keeping their team, they won't be.
Oh, by the way, the Thrashers are contributors to the fund that keeps the Coyotes operating these days.
For the Thrashers move, that you can thank Heir Bettman, the NHL and the taxpayers of Glendale. To me...and apparently the Goldwater institute in Arizona, it's absolutely criminal for the taxpayers to (A) guarantee the money for the league and (B) be forced to fund someone interested in buying the team. However, nobody else seems to have an issue with this.
We don't get it.
 |
| Thrashers Mascot/Courtesy: sportressofblogitude |
Yes, apparently the guy interested in being the owner of the team, Matthew Hulsizer, needs the city to apply for and receive bonds in order for him to take over the team. Which begs the obvious (at least to us) question? If he needs a subsidy to buy the team, what makes anyone think he can afford to run them over time?
Now, imagine if you are a hockey fan in Atlanta. You are about to lose a team for the second...and last time. The fine folks in the Canadian city of Winnipeg will be more than happy to take either team. They have a rather large ownership group (True North) with a ton of money and can easily afford to buy either team. And the Thrashers owners, the Atlanta Spirit, have lost a ton of money on the team, partially because of their own ineptitude. They are looking for money, anybody's money, why not True North's?
They are getting the Thrashers. And probably within the next couple of weeks.
Why? Well, here's a side by side comparison. The Coyotes in 2010-11, lost close to $50 million. The Thrashers, a perennial "Also-ran" in NHL circles, also lost money, but only about $20 million.
Here's a list of NHL teams worth's and income, courtesy of Forbes magazine RIGHT HERE
However, the NHL stands to make at least a $60 million profit if True North buys the Thrashers. If they bought the Coyotes, at the necessary price of $170 million, Glendale gets $25 million and the league gets what is left to cover their cost of buying the team ($140 million), which means they pocket about $5 million.
Nope. The Thrashers are screwed. It's not to say they'd be successful if they stayed. The group that owns the team has proven to be one of the worst ownership groups in the history of pro sports. And they haven't invested much in the Thrashers, though lack of talent development has cost them too. Yes, we know the fans in Atlanta aren't exactly loyal. But they do come out when their teams win or are at least competitive, something the Thrashers have rarely been in their 11+ years of existence.
Sorry to all my Atlanta peeps and it will be a sad, sad day when the Thrash leave town. Yes, I was...and am a fan. I have people I am friendly with who work for the team. I covered a lot of games in Philips arena, including an All-Star game, and for the 5-10,000 fans in the city, the team will be missed.
Here's a breakdown from our friends up north:
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Coyotes or Thrashers: Who's going to Winnipeg?
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| Thrashers Eric Boulton/Courtesy: Zimbio.com |
The one sideshow that could distract hockey fans from the Stanley Cup Playoffs: Relocation. It's no secret that a couple of the leagues franchises...or at least the people that own them are having troubles.
We've reported at length about the plight of the Phoenix Coyotes and the city of Glendale. The Coyotes are technically without an owner, the NHL has operated the team this season. And the league along with the city feel that a prospective owner is on their doorstep, one Matthew Hulsizer. However, the process of getting Hulsizer on board has drawn a lot of attention and in fact could potentially be part of a lawsuit.
A report today by TSN in Canada and other Canadian outlets is reporting that the issue of relocation to Winnipeg is on. It's just going to be a who, not if. Winnipeg has the money, True North Holdings has proven to have the backing and finances to bring a team to the Great White North. It's just a matter of which team.
While many feel inevitably, Phoenix will be that team, today's story says "Not so fast my friend". In the story, Mayor Sam Katz of Winnipeg says he thinks the city may end up with the Atlanta Thrashers.
Your story from TSN.ca RIGHT HERE
For their part, it is a foregone conclusion the Thrashers are going to be sold. The team owners, the Atlanta Spirit group have been hemorraging money for years. They've not invested heavily in the product, the team has had one playoff appearance in now 12-years.
This is an issue that Brother Jon and I have heavily debated. For my part, I'm of the thought the Coyotes are done in Phoenix. What the city of Glendale has been trying to do is essentially pay Hulsizer to buy the team. And they've been fought every step of the way by the Goldwater institute. While I agree, the team needs to be sold, it doesn't need to be on the back of local taxpayers. Period.
As for the Thrashers, we are both intimately familiar with them and we truly would like to see them stay in Atlanta. I for one, think that is possible. Though the team suffers with poor attendance, part of the reason for that is the poor play. They've proven in the past if the product is good, people will come.
In the big picture, this story doesn't mean a whole heck of a lot. It's just repeating many things that have been whispered over the past year or two. Do we believe that one of these two franchises will end up in Winnipeg? Sure, it's possible. Heck, it's probably likely. Which one do we think it will be? Me, I think it will be the Coyotes. We can't imagine how that sale can go through without an owner with money. That and the whole taxpayer subsidy thing. It would be a very, very dangerous precedent and as much as the Bettman would like them to stay where they are, it really doesn't...at least on the surface, seem practical.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The Bettman Talks Phoenix Coyotes, Goldwater Not Moving
((HT: Sportsnet Radio FAN 590 Toronto via Howard Bloom, Globe and Mail/Shoalts))
The Bettman was on Sportsnet Radio's "HockeyCentral" to discuss the Coyotes and the new television deal...
He's obviously half-happy right now, and had plenty to say in the 8-and-a-half minutes he was on the air. One of his salvos was at the Goldwater Institute:
"If the deal collapses, they may never have to prove they were right, unless somebody sues them for some sort of interference notion. But that's what caused the deal to go sideways. What the City of Glendale has been doing, with our help and with Matt Hulsizer, is trying to figure out another way to do this where it doesn't involve having to sell the bonds in a way that the Goldwater Institute can interfere."
One of David Shoalts main points was in his talks with governors of NHL teams- both past and present. The moving of the Atlanta Thrashers is less hated than the Coyotes since, apparently, they don't want to lose Phoenix as a hockey market.
Even if Atlanta is ten sizes larger in Neilsen numbers...
Also, if the Thrashers move, it could be a straight-up trade for Nashville or Columbus to switch conferences to create natural rivalries. The HQ's money would be on Nashville to be paired with Tampa, Raleigh, Florida, and Washington. It would also help the Predators since they're not one of the more free-spending organizations in the league.
Here's the interview in full...
Here's the latest interview with Darcy Olsen of the Goldwater Institute to update all of us on the deal...
((HT: AZPBS))
The Bettman was on Sportsnet Radio's "HockeyCentral" to discuss the Coyotes and the new television deal...
He's obviously half-happy right now, and had plenty to say in the 8-and-a-half minutes he was on the air. One of his salvos was at the Goldwater Institute:
"If the deal collapses, they may never have to prove they were right, unless somebody sues them for some sort of interference notion. But that's what caused the deal to go sideways. What the City of Glendale has been doing, with our help and with Matt Hulsizer, is trying to figure out another way to do this where it doesn't involve having to sell the bonds in a way that the Goldwater Institute can interfere."
One of David Shoalts main points was in his talks with governors of NHL teams- both past and present. The moving of the Atlanta Thrashers is less hated than the Coyotes since, apparently, they don't want to lose Phoenix as a hockey market.
Even if Atlanta is ten sizes larger in Neilsen numbers...
Also, if the Thrashers move, it could be a straight-up trade for Nashville or Columbus to switch conferences to create natural rivalries. The HQ's money would be on Nashville to be paired with Tampa, Raleigh, Florida, and Washington. It would also help the Predators since they're not one of the more free-spending organizations in the league.
Here's the interview in full...
Here's the latest interview with Darcy Olsen of the Goldwater Institute to update all of us on the deal...
((HT: AZPBS))
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
NHL stays with NBC and Versus
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| NBC-NHL Logo/Courtesy: NHL.com |
At 1 pm today, there will be a news conference with Heir Bettman (NHL Commish Gary Bettman) and Dick Ebersol. They will discuss the details of their new agreement. One, which the network will pay somewhere north of $200 million a year for 10-years, according to the Sports Business Journal.
Read the whole story and some reaction from Yahoo Sports RIGHT HERE
Perhaps the most interesting thing here is that ESPN didn't win the rights. Most consider the 4-letter, the alleged "Gold-Standard" in TV Sports. We disagree.
While not overwhelming fans of Versus...in part because the network is incredibly hard to find on both Cable and DirecTV, they do an excellent job on their telecasts and in promoting the games.
We also applaud the league for getting some money up front now. The past several years, it was an ad-share deal (they split ads, NBC paid nothing for the rights) and that limited revenues. Sure, it doesn't compare to the NFL's multiple billion dollars in TV rights, but its a good start. The revenues should help some of the smaller market teams and league gain a bit of stability.
This is a bit of a gamble for NBC, but we are reasonably confident the deal was done to help grow the Versus. We hope they'll rebrand it now, and according to the Yahoo story, it appears they will.
We hope this will continue the recovery of one of our new favorite sports. Though we didn't have much in the way of hockey growing up in Florida, we've come to appreciate the skill, stamina and pure physicality of the game. Yes, its still much more fun to watch in person, but hopefully as things progress, it will be seen more and better on TV too.
Video to come later today.
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