Quote:
Originally Posted by sureLoss
The NHL gave all those potential owners in Seattle a chance to put their money where there mouth is and apply for an expansion team.
None of them did (I am sure for varying reasons). Says a lot in terms of the current state of Seattle as a potential NHL expansion city.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis
I'm still shocked the NHL is actually wanting to do expansion when it has several very poor markets already. It's not like the NFL where every team is swimming in cash. There are obvious teams that should be moving, yet they want to add another team to another questionable market. The NHL should really avoid Vegas to me, the NFL is lurking and that would devastate the NHL team from a corporate investment and luxury box perspective. I also think the NBA will swoop in quickly in the NHL does even slightly well, and that too will severely hurt the NHL team. Vegas sports fans love the NFL and NBA...NHL, not so much.
If you look at Anaheim, they have put forth a team that resembles a dynasty (outside of, you know, actually winning anything), and that hasn't put asses in seats. If the NHL wants Vegas to succeed they're almost forced to rig things so they have enough talent to be successful quickly. But a middling NHL hockey team in Las Vegas is the same as any other middling entertainment option down there, likely to be cancelled without a casino residency.
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This is sort of where it breaks down for me. The NHL is surprised that perhaps there wasn't more buy in for expansion teams, yet they come out the gates saying along the lines of 'if you want an expansion team it'll cost you $500MM minimum'???
Meanwhile most of their franchise values are far below that in markets with shorter term growth horizons? Established markets where a couple successful years and the brand recognition is already there, building already there, team is likely closer to being cup contender than new one, etc. etc.?
The NHL shot itself in the foot by publicly throwing out too high an asking price for expansion IMO. If I have $500MM and want to buy a hockey team, I'm not expanding, I'm buying a team and trying to make it work or trying to move it.