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Originally Posted by transplant99
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.
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Hey, like I said above, and in previous posts, it's a step in the right direction. Which means that yes, it's an important foot in the door, they could build on it in the future. That is generally what a step in the right direction means. I understand what it means and agree with how big and important it could possibly be. But it isn't yet. It's not a guarantee, especially if there are problems bubbling below the surface. That's kinda the point of what I'm saying. Sure, if all goes well, they should be able to build on the deal. But you can say that about any first step.
But if the franchises are in as much trouble as they appear to be, (oh, and I forgot to add St. Louis too, which is also rumoured to be near bankruptcy, that's EIGHT teams now, not counting Atlanta just being moved) then they may never get that chance to grow that deal. They may finally get the butter, just as the bread goes moldy so to speak.
So I was just replying as to why I thought there were problems bubbling below the surface and how the management of the league may not be as rosy as it looks. It'll take time to know one way or the other obviously. But I'm not sure how one wouldn't wonder how a different management group or commissioner would have handled this league and if it would share the same problems and success as this one. Though they love to bullet point their successes, like this deal, I'm not so sure they should be applauded. There's enough bad to go along with the good.