CBC was not prepared to pay anywhere near what the NHL wanted in rights fees. In fact, TSN's initial offer to the NHL was also deemed too low to begin with. When Rogers was alerted to those facts, the put in the enormous bid of 5.2 Billion. The stipulation was given to the NHL to accept immediately without bartering with TSN. The NHL in turn did not want to lose HNIC and it's identity. As such Rogers was urged to barter an arrangement to keep HNIC in some form. With CBC having no resources and looking to get out of Professional Sport, they begrudgingly accepted at the urging of Bettman and the NHL. That is why they are in the situation they are in. TSN in essence lost the rights. Rogers turned good fortune into success working with the NHL. CBC and HNIC had little alternative.
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