Quote:
Originally Posted by New Era
Well said from the con perspective Senator. But what happens if the team isn't crying wolf. By time they are in a position that they can't afford players isn't it already too late? I'm sure the Flames and the league know the situation better than anyone. Maybe the NHLPA has to step up and say the Flames need a new arena? Would that change things? Would that make the fans listen?
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I'm starting to think that the biggest red flag about CNext is that New Era is it's strongest supporter.
NHLPA is still a business partner and special interest group in this situation (of course they'd want a new building for any team - increased revenue and better amenities and their members workplace).
IF the PA and NHL are adamant about a new arena, then they should be stepping up to the plate too (for any city). This is a bigger conversation, but it would be prudent planning for them to build a fund that each team can draw from every 60 years (would never be huge money, but it would be good for optics and offer team another little slice of money coming from their side of the ledger).
Personally, I think the threat of relocation is minute. But, if you accept it is a possibility, then I would say it is the strongest possible argument against building a public building with public money. The last time the Flames were threatening to relocate had nearly nothing to do with the arena. What if the economy stays down for the next decade and the Flames stay in the basement? No team and massive debt for a now largely unused facility.
My terms for the city partnering with anything resembling CNext are a 25% stake in future sale of the team, and an airtight $250M buyout clause (@3% interest /year) in the event of relocation (buying out that 25% stake).
Lastly (Forbe's value rankings):
Jets (20)
Hurricanes (28)
Avalanche (19)
Coyotes (27)
Stars (15)
Relocation is no guarantee of greener grass. Denver was probably a home run, but winning a cup in year 1 didn't hurt, and lately the shine is starting to wear off. Jets - anything was an improvement from Atlanta, but it will be interesting to see how things look there in a few years. Stars - seem okay now, but not without their ups and downs. The Wild's franchise value is almost even with them now. Hurricanes and Coyotes? Enough said. One of them even won a cup in the last decade.
If the Flames want to cement their status on the bottom half of the Forbe's list, then have at it!