NHL expecting billions in losses during short season

[Moog]

https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id...y-bettman-says-cheaper-us-shut-doors-not-play

"It would be cheaper for us to shut the doors and not play. We're going to lose more money, at the club level and the league level, by playing than by not playing."

Regarding the losses, Bettman said: "The magnitude of the loss starts with a B. We're out of the M range and into the B."

ESPN previously reported that several owners had told Bettman this fall that they would prefer to sit out the season if they were going to take significant losses, but the commissioner convinced the skeptics that the league couldn't afford to be out of sight and out of mind -- especially with Seattle joining as the league's 32nd team in 2021-22, the same season the league begins a new U.S. television deal. The league has helped several teams with cash flow, although Bettman stressed that it's not "found money" but rather loans that would need to be paid back.

NHL in big trouble trying to pursue the BRASS RING of a new TV deal.
Risk it all in pursuit of the potential big money broadcasting deal.

I don't see how even a new TV deal will dig some of these franchises out of their holes.
Some of the clubs are taking on loans to float through an asterisk season.

I don't think the NHL is going to be in a position of power at the bargaining table for a broadcast deal.

I foresee franchises being sold in the not too distant future, and perhaps even contraction in the worst case scenario.

COVID es no bueno!

 

[SirJW]

The entire NHL business model has been a joke for far too long. Unfortunately you are right some teams may vanish.

 

[Ice24]

It?s all part of the experience.

 

[What party?]