"The NHL is going into its 3rd year of its 7-year media rights deal with ESPN. Since that time, ESPN's subscriber base has fallen from 80 million to 45 million. Disney (parent company of ESPN) is now actively searching for a «strategic partner» for the network."
This suggests that due to Bettman's poor decision, the NHL could have missed out on millions of viewers.
Following the issue with Bally Sports, another blow to the NHL's viewership could have severe implications.
"Also, Bally Sports just announced pending bankruptcy which will apparently affect 12 NHL teams. With Bally owning $55M in media rights, it's likely that this affects the salary cap.
Bettman's Bad Decisions
Appointed as commissioner in 1993, Bettman has certainly increased profits for team owners.
Yet, he persistently makes questionable choices which suggest a misunderstanding of the modern issues he must faces.
Let's hope someone else will be in charge when the contract with ESPN expires...
