Sharks need a new TV deal and arena

[Trumbull]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

You say in jest, but 15399 is still more than Winnipeg's 15004.

The Sharks have quite a bit of support from their fan base for their team. That's why I was so surprised to read they're potentially in financial trouble. What I'm not surprised to read is how the NHL and team owners have no issue with taxpayers subsidizing team losses (and team capital/asset investments), all while wanting to pocket their revenues without giving back. To me it's a really screwed up relationship.

[Fire]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

I would say $7-8 million is probably the most reasonable estimate.

That sounds likely. I find it odd that American teams can get so much better TV deals than hockey craze Canadian teams. I know the markets are bigger in Anaheim but I can't think the actual number of viewers would be much different. I tried looking for # of TV viewers for the Ducks compared to the Flames, but it's not easy to find.

[Resolute 14]

Market size matters far more to American RSNs than actual viewers do. That's why teams like the Islanders and Ducks can make $20 million per year on their local/regional deals. Something like 80% of the revenue for an RSN comes from subscriber fees, so they want content to ensure that they are carried into as many subscriber's homes as possible, regardless of whether people tune in for hockey (or other sports) or not.