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Post by Sickman on Aug 29, 2011 16:04:21 GMT -5
With the NBA on strike, lockout, recession...whatever; and probably not going to play games at all this year, I think the NHL needs to take full advantage of that and try to lure fans away from basketball. How would they accomplish this?
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Post by marktaggart on Aug 29, 2011 23:46:53 GMT -5
I think you just posted this because the NHL forum was empty! Seriously though, I remember sort of starting to see the NHL surge in popularity in the United States in the early 90s but the owners sort of let it fizzle out. They treated TV like it was a way to get people to come out to the live games instead of a viable revenue stream, or at least that's how it seemed to me. Lots of local blackouts and playing hardball with the networks (again, as I saw it with the Blackhawks in the local market). I think if they want to make a run at gaining a broader fanbase they need to embrace the media like they're actually part of the 21st century. I know that comes off as brash, but it's the truth as I see it.
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Post by swarm on Aug 30, 2011 8:25:48 GMT -5
With the NBA on strike, lockout, recession...whatever; and probably not going to play games at all this year, I think the NHL needs to take full advantage of that and try to lure fans away from basketball. How would they accomplish this? Making up with ESPN would be a good start. Kinda hard to reach the masses when no one can find you on TV. I love VS., but it's no ESPN. You make a great point though. I definitely like and watch the NHL over the NBA. The NBA is a joke. I grew up a kid watching the Celtics, Lakers, Pistons, Hawks, Bulls and Super Sonics KILLING each other in the playoffs. Now the players of today shuffle up and down the court, do almost nothing for 3 quarters the finally start moving in the 4th. Super boring. By in large, hockey is a bazillion times more exciting than NBA basketball. Sadly as long as Betman is in charge the NHL will suffer though. Regardless of how corrupt and uninteresting the NBA becomes.
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Post by Crimson Cross on Aug 30, 2011 11:18:07 GMT -5
I agree that the NHL needs to regain better TV deals with ESPN and you never know with VS. in 2012 going to the NBC Sports Network could help the League if NBC plans to push for more coverage on Cable & Satellite's. Then again NBC did just sign a great deal with Major League Soccer and the USMNT for 3 years so NBC are trying to push the Sports on their Network of Channels...
I honestly see maybe a few New fans, but honestly the NHL is a niche sport and can they grow past that, if they get rid of Gary Betman and hire someone who played / coached in Hockey, they could do a lot better than what Betman has done during his administration...
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Post by Matt on Aug 30, 2011 12:58:53 GMT -5
I love hockey as much or more than anyone, but I've never understood the need to compete with the "big 3". Hockey is what it is. Bettman and company have tried to change to game to be popular to the masses, but in doing so have alienated a significant portion of their fan base.
I do think hockey can pick up some alienated basketball fans, but the NHL has to get its own house in order with their CBA expiring after this upcoming season.
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