Rumor Owners meeting today to approve expansion to 34 teams

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Ped

I don't particularly like Bettman, but he's basically the spokesperson for the owners. Whatever you want to blame him for, it's what the owners basically wanted.

I don't think he can do anything without support of the majority of owners, but I think it diminishes his role to just say he is a spokesperson. I believe he and his team come up with the plans and initiatives and the owners either go along with it or not. I suspect they tend to go along with him because they pay him to be the brains of the operation, not because they actively tell him what to do.
The guy makes almost $10 million a year and is an accomplished lawyer, so he better be doing more than just being a spokesperson.

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

BCE sold their stake of MLSE, Rogers has the control of pretty much everything sports in Toronto. The could easily afford an expansion franchise in Toronto.

You're expecting BCE to buy a franchise?

Have you taken a look at BCE's balance sheet?

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Shazam

You're expecting BCE to buy a franchise?

Have you taken a look at BCE's balance sheet?

What are you even talking about? Nobody is talking about BCE but you.

[Coach]

Is the product quality not good? I think it's perfectly fine, personally. The only black mark on the on-ice product is the reffing IMO.

If they cared about money they'd allow Toronto2 instead of trying to fail a third time in Atlanta.

[Cappy]

Originally Posted by heep223

I used to be completely against this, until I watched welcome to Wrexham. Then I finally understood what the rest of the world has been saying

For a truly great and british experience, watch Sunderland Til I Die on Netlflix.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by Sidney Crosby's Hat

I wonder with Bell now divested in MLSE if Toronto is an enticing expansion opportunity for them?

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Now that would make entirely too much sense.

Originally Posted by dissentowner

What are you even talking about? Nobody is talking about BCE but you.

And you and SCH from the looks of it. Shazam was just joining in. And now me.

[Weitz]

More expansion indicates to me that the owners and league feel tv deals in the USA and Canada have plateaued and this is the way to grow revenues going forward.

[dammage79]

I'd wager IF Bell got back into the NHL ownership game it's likely in partnership with Videotron (Merger potential) for a QC franchise.

[Badgers Nose]

Originally Posted by Yeah_Baby

Matthew Phillips may be an NHLer after all if they keep expanding

I think he needs to expand first.

[Hockey-and_stuff]

Originally Posted by D as in David

And you and SCH from the looks of it. Shazam was just joining in. And now me.

This is a very funny call out lol.

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[Ped]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

I don't think he can do anything without support of the majority of owners, but I think it diminishes his role to just say he is a spokesperson. I believe he and his team come up with the plans and initiatives and the owners either go along with it or not. I suspect they tend to go along with him because they pay him to be the brains of the operation, not because they actively tell him what to do.
The guy makes almost $10 million a year and is an accomplished lawyer, so he better be doing more than just being a spokesperson.

Yes, I agree spokesperson was definitely the wrong word and not precisely what I meant.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

They don't care about the quality of the product. It's all about the $$$$$

Look at how bad the NFL is getting and they haven't even expanded.

It is a business after all.

If you don’t make money, there is no hockey.

[Finger Cookin]

Atlanta's only going to get a team again if it has rock solid group and an arena in place - I think they've got the right mix to succeed with this 3rd bid.

I must have missed an NHL ready market in Canada (Quebec City is not, put aside that nostalgic & romantic idea). But a second team in the GTA would be a license to print money. If there is any pursuit of another team in Canada, that's the place to put it.

My guess will be the Atlanta and Houston frontrunners get the next two expansion franchises. I don't expect twists and turns along the way.

[getbak]

So, did this happen?

[CF84]

"Owners meeting today"


Royle9: "Was bogged down in meetings all morning today sadly."



hmmm...

[HOOT]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

The NBA has had several franchises move as well. 6 since the year 2000. The NHL has had 2.

It’s only been four in the NBA since 2000.

Vancouver to Memphis (2001)
Charlotte to New Orleans (2002)
Seattle to OKC (2008)
New Jersey to Brooklyn (2012)

And 2-3 of them moved due to poor/greedy ownership, not a demand in the market.


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[MrMike]

With this many teams, I don't expect to ever see a championship for the Flames in my lifetime.

Too bad.

Being 2 years old I really should have appreciated it more while it was happening.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by HOOT

It’s only been four in the NBA since 2000.

Vancouver to Memphis (2001)
Charlotte to New Orleans (2002)
Seattle to OKC (2008)
New Jersey to Brooklyn (2012)

And 2-3 of them moved due to poor/greedy ownership, not a demand in the market.


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Yeah I accidently counted the temporary move due to Katrina and the Raptors temporary move due to COVID.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Finger Cookin

Atlanta's only going to get a team again if it has rock solid group and an arena in place - I think they've got the right mix to succeed with this 3rd bid.

I must have missed an NHL ready market in Canada (Quebec City is not, put aside nostalgic & romantic idea). But a second team in the GTA would be a license to print money. If there is any pursuit of another team in Canada, that's the place to put it.

My guess will be the Atlanta and Houston frontrunners get the next two expansion franchises. I don't expect twists and turns along the way.

Explain how QC is not? They have the ownership group set, the money, and NHL capable arena already. They also would sell out every night.

[Ped]

The issues with Quebec City are on the corporate side, I believe, which is needed for any team to be successful.