Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
I would like to see the numbers on this. Getting broadcast ratings for NHL games from February last year is probably a challenge, but it should be easy enough to find which—if any—markets suffered declines in attendance during the Olympics.
Of course it is about money. I guess at this point the question is whether or not it is money to which the League and its players are entitled. I say they are, and they should go get it now instead of having to wait for another two or three decades to see tangible results from growing the sport. That must strikes me as a terrible investment strategy.
|
Why two or three decades? And how are you calculating the cost of participating in the Olympics? And the potential return? I don't see how you are concluding it is a terrible investment strategy with zero data. All I am arguing is the logic and appeal of growing the sport. Don't you see all pro sports making investments in this?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
How long though? If there was any truth to your "long game" theory then I would have expected better results after 20 years. The fact that there are few actually suggests that the League rightly sees the current level of investment as a losing one.
|
It is not a long game theory. Are you saying there are no economic benefits to the NHL in seeing the sport of hockey grow in popularity? How are you measuring the results over the last 20 years?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
Well, it does under certain conditions, which is why the NHL is pushing for more from the IOC. If participation made as much sense on its own as you seem to suggest, then the NHL would be a lot more eager to get back to the Olympic stage than they appear to be. I am convinced that the players don't go back until these issues surrounding licensing, promotion and costs is resolved to the NHL's satisfaction.
|
This started with you asking what benefit there was to NHL participation in the Olympics. I remain perplexed that you don't acknowledge any. I don't recall saying that the NHL should roll over and give the IOC whatever they want. What I have consistently stated is that it is to the NHL's advantage to see the popularity of the sport grow. When something is in both parties interests, you negotiate in good faith to come to a satisfactory conclusion. That is what I believe the NHL should attempt to do.