The NHL is on the only remaining gate-driven league in North America. Even the CFL isn't a gate driven league anymore.
TV Sports deals are the last gasp of cable providers. 'Cordcutters' aren't the major problem for sports and cable providers going forward, it's the 'nevercorded', kids who've grown up never having had a cable TV subscription, that will result in a sudden and substantial drop in customer base that will signal the end of these ultra-rich TV contracts and the massive player contracts and unprofitable franchises they support.
You'll still see huge money deals to marquee players, but you'll be talking about a league with 20 teams instead of 30.
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