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There are multitudes of under-served fans in the region. Yes they go to Sabres and Leafs games. But the Leafs have the longest waiting list and the highest pric
by r7000 17y ago
There are multitudes of under-served fans in the region. Yes they go to Sabres and Leafs games. But the Leafs have the longest waiting list and the highest prices of any team (all while serving up a very sub-par on ice product). Tickets are largely locked up by corporate season ticket holders and the "regular fan" has enormous difficulty obtaining an over-priced ticket. Hockey is, by far, the number one sport. There would be no need whatsoever to create new fans. The existing market would buy anything and everything a new team would be selling.
- sachinag 17y agoSee, you're thinking from the fans' perspective. That's just about the last thing anyone at the NHL is thinking about. If they let in a Hamilton team, the NHL would be sued so fast by both the Maple Leafs and Sabres. (Yes, franchisees can sue their franchisor.) Territory rights are golden to sports franchises - it's their one sustainable asset, even more valuable than their logo/brand. Again, the $750 million payment to Glendale, the KC arena, and the desire to be on ESPN are all issues that would have to be resolved before we even get to a territorial rights fight. Balsillie is hoping that bankruptcy court solves these issues - and court certainly does help him overcome these actors - but they're huge, huge issues.
- r7000 17y agoI was just addressing a single issue raised in the prior comment. I was not offering an opinion on the merits of a move or other issues (from any perspective). Of course there are other issues. (It is not guaranteed the Leafs would sue. NHL territory rights have never been tested in court and it is probably to everyone's benefit that they never are - in order to ensure that value is maintained).