This is just sad for the NHL!

[sleepr911]

ESPN recently decided not to pursue broadcasting rights for the NHL next season, and yet here I am watching them show the World Juggling Federation Championships.

What is even worse for the NHL is the fact that I am finding this far more entertaining than sitting and trying to watch a trap fest between the Devils and Wild, and this is comming from a die-hard NHL fan.

 

[thepunkphase]

Although ratings may be down I think espn is still going to be kicking themselves in the face for that.

 

[Turtlelo]

That's funny, I watched some of it too (I juggle myself), but turned it off after 10 minutes. I didn't know they had names for moves like "the pancake flip" and "the half shower". The sad thing is, it will probably have bigger ratings than the HNL did.

 

[eoerikson3]

[conspiracy theory]Are the NHL and ESPN in collusion trying to make the revenues lower than low to get a better deal from the NHLPA? [/conspiracy theory]

 

[Big Tall]

WHat it really comes down to is the amount they were paying for the NHL in relation to the tv ratings EPSN had in return. Then you take something like the World Poker Championships which I heard they paid something like $60,000 for and look at how many hours they've been able to get out of that. Plus the ratings don't really have to be that high to match that of what the NHL was giving them.

 

[puckfan16]

My understanding is that ESPN chose not to exercise there option on the current contract but will likely "re-negotiate" when the labor issue is resolved, and at what will undoubtedly be a substantial discount.

 

[Fritz]

meh, it doesn't really bother me anyway. I can't stand to watch a game that isn't brodcast by bob cole and **** irvin jr

actually I don't think I even get espn on my cable package anymore. I'll be happy with the cbc double header saturday night if it ever comes back

 

[sprague11]

Bob Cole does Unbiased Broadcasting.