NHL Trip Abroad Misguided

A few weeks ago the NHL dropped the puck on its new season, which many of you may have missed. Even those who watch hockey might not know opening weekend took place in Helsinki and Stockholm. Another misguided, failed business move by the league, though I can’t say what they failed at since its not [...]

Should Sports Change Revenue Sharing to TARP-like Program?

Last week’s SBJ cover story on the state of Detroit’s sports teams battling through the recession further illuminates how hard the recession has hit that part of the country. Sports teams are the least of Detroit’s problems, yet they remain one of the few refuges for an area fraught with unemployment and failing businesses.
Three key [...]

NHL Loses in Balsillie Verdict

I promise this is the last Phoenix Coyotes-Jim Balsillie focused blog, but with the verdict in and Balsillie’s bid rejected, I’m curious what the NHL and its owners achieved. Keeping Balsillie out was a major victory for owners across all major sports, since it maintains the cartel type control within each league, however the NHL [...]

What to Make of the NHL Network

Earlier this decade starting 24-hour cable networks became the cool thing to do for major sports leagues – NBA TV, NFL Network, more recently MLB Network, and of course the NHL Network. The first three have sustained notable successes and failures, nonetheless most people are aware of the three networks and what their position in [...]

Ticket Sales Problems Magnified in NHL

We have focused on lagging NFL ticket sales putting local games at risk of blackout, a recessionary indicator for what is hands-down the most profitable and popular sport in the country. Recent MLB numbers show significant year over year declines in two-thirds of the markets. Hidden behind these stories is the effect on hockey in [...]

Activist Owners Good For Sports

You can go both ways on Jim Balsillie’s pursuit to own the Coyotes – he doesn’t deserve to own a team because of his brash antics and the fact the other owners don’t necessarily want him, or that he would be good for the league, infuse money, and good business sense. The more this carries [...]

CBA Talks Start to Hit Stride – What to Expect

SBJ last week did a cover story on the upcoming CBA negotiations for the four major sports, each whose contract expires in a different quarter in 2011, making 2010 a big year for negotiations. Less linked to the big four, but still worth watching, MLS enters what could become a ground changing CBA negotiation this [...]

NHL Not Extracting Full Value from Winter Classic Concept

Yesterday the NHL officially confirmed Fenway Park would host next year’s Winter Classic between the Bruins and Flyers. It’s another great choice – historic venue, great hockey town, two traditional teams with tremendous followings – all the makings for another successful event in attendance, ratings, and publicity. The game has become big enough and has [...]

Islanders Blackberry Deal Makes For Strange Bedfellows

Last week the revenue starved New York Islanders reached a one-year wireless deal with Blackberry to sponsor the chance to text its prized top draft pick John Tavares. On the surface, it sounds like a good integrated sponsorship deal that adds value for both sides – good marketing for the team, promoting its new star [...]

NHL Acting More Spiteful Than Smart in Phoenix Situation

The Phoenix Coyotes ownership situation has turned into more of an ego battle than an effort to fix a problem. It’s become a fight over legalities and control instead of trying to better the sport.
Former owner Jerry Moyes claimed over $100 million in losses when filed for bankruptcy protection. Last season the team lost $30 [...]