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Originally Posted by Daradon
I guess it's the optics of all the clubs that are in trouble. A list that has grown even today. But I'll address those other things you brought up first.
First, the TV deal. Yes it's a step in the right direction, and it's the biggest one the NHL has gotten so far. But it's hardly a great deal. In an age where all communications companies are competing and overpaying for live content the price and term of the deal has left a lot of people saying that NBC underpaid for the contract. Now, I'm not sure how much more or what else the league could have done, but don't be fooled, it's the not 'OOOOOHH!' deal the league has advertised it as. It is what it is, a small deal for a league that is still seen as small and relatively unimportant.
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That's because it is...at least compared to the other 3 major sports, and it always will be. That doesnt mean, however, that the current TV deal isnt huge, because it is, but again not in comparison to the other 3.
The NHL will now be the flagship product on a brand new venture that is going to try and compete with the largest media brand in sports (ESPN)...that alone should tell you why the deal itself is such a big deal. If it's done correctly and the NBA lockout drags on as far as it appears, the whole thing could become even bigger than anticipated. Again though, that must be tempered with the fact that hockey will never ever be as big in the US as other sports, but moreso it can be grown to get a piece of that pie in its next negotiations with the different media entities. So you are correct...it is what it is, but perception of what it is and what some seem to believe it should be is where people lose perspective and think this deal isbt "all that", when in fact it really is a tremendous deal for the NHL.