I'm a stats person, and they really tell the story in this case. When Bettman took over the commissioners job back in 1993, the league was making $400 million a year. In 18 years that has risen to a staggering 3 billion dollars.
Also, Bettman expanded 4 teams in to the United States (Atlanta, Columbus, Nashville, and Minnesota) None of these teams have had real success, but still 4 solid franchises none the less. ** Note: Anaheim and Florida were given teams before Bettman took over as commissioner**
Bettman also relocated 4 teams, Winnipeg to Phoenix, Hartford to North Carolina, Minnesota to Dallas, and Quebec to Colorado. Out of these 4 teams, three of them went on to win the Stanley Cup (Colorado, Dallas, and Carolina). That is some pretty good success, that's for sure.
Something else to take in to consideration is the TV deal they have in the US. They manage to sign a 10 year deal with Comcast for 2 billion dollars. This is great for the NHL in the states. Exposure is what they need. They need to get into every nook and cranny in the US to squeeze out every dollar they can.
My point is, Bettman is not perfect, nor has he done every single thing right in his tenure, BUT he has made this game better than it ever has been. The parity in the NHL these days is awesome. I love going into a season not knowing who is going to make the playoffs, or win the Stanley Cup. Take a look at the L.A. Kings. They were considering trading away their roster players to stock up for next year, but decided at the last minute to add a few key players, and BAM, they are parading around the world this summer with the Stanley Cup!
The NHL is growing, and its growing big, and fast! And it's all thanks to Gary Bettman, and of course the money paying fans!
1 comment:
When you say it like that it's not to bad but it with that said I will include one stat you didn't add which is. .....this will be the third lockout during the battman era.. .. just saying
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