Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
The correct way to look at the success of NBA versus NHL is increase in revenues, like the MLB example. The two leagues weren't starting from the same point. You can complain about the network coverage, but do you think that market choice is because of who the commissioner is?
You could also argue that the NBA has had more scandals and black eyes.
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I am having a remarkably difficult time finding NBA revenues in 1990. I have found a claim of $1.8 billion in 1998, and Forbes estimates $5.2 billion for the 2014-15 season. I came across a number for 2013-14 of $4.8 billion.
I have also found a figure for the NHL for 1997-98 at $1.1 billion. And, of course, 2013-14 was at $3.7 billion.
So from 1998-2014, the NBA's revenues grew 3.06x and the NHL's grew 3.36x.
However, the NBA is entering a period where its growth will far surpass the NHL. For two big reasons: The Canadian dollar is going to have a mammoth impact on NHL revenues, given a third of its gate comes from Canada and given the league didn't hedge currency on the Rogers contract. The NBA is largely shielded from fluctuations in Canada's dollar. The second reason is that the NBA has some massive new local tv and sponsorship deals coming online.