Quote:
Originally Posted by New Era
Sorry, have to correct you. The Flames, just like the Oilers, were up against a wall. They were forced to watch star after star leave the city because of the poor deal they had with the city. Economics of the game had changed, and for the team to remain competitive a new deal had to be struck. They also went to the league and forced them to pony up, coming up with a scheme to help in the imbalance of the Canadian versus US dollar. This was all about survival of the team. They needed a new deal and marginal improvements. The city and league kicked in to make it work.
The current scenario is different, but similar. The economics of the game have changed, and this requires a new building. This is not about enriching billionaires, they can make their money elsewhere and with less hassle. This is about viability of the hockey team and making sure we don't have to go through another period of dark days, like the Young Guns era. The money made of the Flames is marginal. Most money goes right back into the club. That will probably continue.
|
So your suggesting that the league should come to the table then to help fund arenas by lowering the cap by 20 million per season and creating an arena fund to build new arenas in cities.
The day the league does that sign me up for the city to make a deal. The difference between then and now is the league recognized the value of the Canadian market and worked to protect it. Today based on all of their statements they do not care about where the markets are as long as they make profit.
So if Bettmen and the NHL want to work with munis to reduce the impact of public financing of sports team I will support that but don't try to tell me the league is working with the city because the flames and league can't afford to be here.