Phoenix LXXV: It's Like Deja Vu All Over Again

[Nordskull]

oh, no doubt, most actual fans have seen the writing on the wall for one, two, three, four years now and none would be shocked.

i was referring more to the casual playoff watchers, and the potential league brand damage that an admission of a failed franchise might have on them. to them it would just be another indication that the nhl is a two-bit league that doesn't have it act together. and that bettman, all things being equal, wouldn't want to put that out there right at that moment if it wasn't really necessary.

but yes, maybe im overselling that concern and even playoff bandwagon viewers wouldn't care, or think (any more) negatively of the (4th popular) nhl.

I mean,

NBA is moving franchise like hell, 5 relos under Stern (6th soon?).

Does the NBA looks like a non serious league? Maybe a bit but we would be talking 2 relos for lots of years.

Before ATL, what was the last NHL relo (not expansion, relo)?

Am I right if I say Phoenix?

Places like Phoenix been hit by the 2008 financial crisis like everywhere else, but in their case the interest for the sport was not high enough to get through.

I can write Bettman's speech if he wants to.

 

[GuelphStormer]

hmmm, so, y'all think that a relocation announcement might actually be a good PR move for the league as a whole?

 

[CasualFan]

Then again, be staying quiet and keeping all of this Coyotes business out of the media, the NHL has done a pretty good job on quelling the speculation. It really has not been as bad this year.

I think there's also a lot of story fatigue. What media outlet even cares to chase the latest "potential owner" or Daly quote that may be an indication of relocation? Outside of this thread, and a few people in Phx and QC, this saga is non-pulse. No one is speculating seemingly because no one cares. Even Sunnucks couldn't be bothered to monitor "updates"

 

[tarheelhockey]

hmmm, so, y'all think that a relocation announcement might actually be a good PR move for the league as a whole?

It would be extremely good PR in Canada. Less so in some specific corners of the US (perhaps Maine, for example).

In the general sporting culture, I'm not sure it makes much more than a ripple. Atlanta's relocation was a relatively big surprise and negative indicator for the league, and it didn't seem to have much PR impact.

As always, the way it's received in the business community (among advertisers, cable operators, etc) might be a very different story.

 

[Wingsfan2965*]

Seriously doubt moving Phoenix would hurt ratings in the playoffs...

If anything it might help them. It's a story that makes people say "Oh hey, the NHL Playoffs are on?"

And maybe they tune in. I seriously doubt any casual fan is going to say "The NHL moved Phoenix, I'm not watching now".

 

[Free Edler]

hmmm, so, y'all think that a relocation announcement might actually be a good PR move for the league as a whole?

Depends where they are relocating to.

 

[Ugmo]

You would think replacing an underwhelming market with a passionate and enthusiastic market would be good PR rather than bad PR. Surely it makes the league look better overall to see the success story in Winnipeg.

It would be extremely good PR in Canada. Less so in some specific corners of the US (perhaps Maine, for example).

What does it have to do with Maine? Not that you're wrong - I just don't know what you mean. Or are you saying it would be good PR in Maine, but not as good as in Canada?

 

[JimAnchower]

There isn't that much discussion about the Kings to Seattle potential move. If it happens, there probably will be talk for a day nationally and that will be that.

When the Jets rejoined the league, the media didn't talk too much about it the US. Those that did talk about it said "Oh, they're moving a team from a place that hockey isn't that popular to a place where hockey is popular? Makes sense." Other than in Atlanta, there wasn't much disagreement with the move. If Coyotes move, the general feeling probably won't be too different.

 

[Killion]

Isn't Hansen already in a bidding war for the Kings? Will he have the funds (and willingness) to enter another bidding war for the Coyotes?

Ya I noticed someone posting that suggestion to which youve responded, that Hansens could potentially be "bidding" on the Coyotes. Well, quite the opposite. He's indicated in no uncertain terms that his number one priority is an NBA franchise, and I suppose its possible he could be a minority partner in an NHL team, Ive not read nor heard anything that would indicate he really has any interest in ownership whatsoever. That an NHL franchise would in fact simply be a tenant in the new building. Had he ever said or suggested otherwise, then Id be taking the possibility of the Coyotes moving to the PNW a lot more seriously. Right now, there doesnt even appear to be an owner in place, and last word from Levin was that he wasnt involved in any way with Hansen... and ya, he's in a bidding war for the Kings, upping his offer to somewhere north of $525M after the group in Sacramento matched his offer, a record price for an NBA franchise.

Agree 100%. I think there is more underneath the surface than we have been told.

Could well be despite the leagues denials. I wouldnt trust them to tell me the correct time of day.

hmmm, so, y'all think that a relocation announcement might actually be a good PR move for the league as a whole?

Oh ya, they can play this one from a position of strength, completely whitewashing their epic fail in Arizona, blame everyone else, point to the money spent yadda yadda yadda. Alibi's.

Less so in some specific corners of the US (perhaps Maine, for example).

Why Maine? You thinking Hartford or minor league?

 

[David_99]

Why Maine? You thinking Hartford or minor league?

I assume proximity to another NHL team in Quebec.

 

[IceAce]

Think he meant "except" perhaps Maine, due to it's proximity to Quebec

 

[superdeluxe]

I don't think it's as simple as the NBA essentially dictating where the Coyotes land based upon their decision in Sacramento with the Kings.

I think it's honestly going to come down to a bit of a bidding war between Hansen and PKP/Quebecor. Gary will play both sides up against the other to get a better price for the league.

Hansen/Ballmer group will not be the majority stakeholders, I'm guessing another couple of Billionaires will be doing that.

Having Hansen/Ballmer as minority owners would definitely make the Arena profits/Regional Sports Network/Scheduling work much easier.

 

[superdeluxe]

Isn't Hansen already in a bidding war for the Kings?

Will he have the funds (and willingness) to enter another bidding war for the Coyotes?

Hansen has the funds to enter into a bidding war, however he will only be a minority stakeholder in a future franchise. Hansen realizes how important having another professional sport franchise as a anchor tenant in his building. It would be the main way to make his entertainment district viable.

 

[powerstuck]

hmmm, so, y'all think that a relocation announcement might actually be a good PR move for the league as a whole?

As far as I am concerned, keeping the circus in Phoenix alive but on life support is a much worse PR. Bull****ing the whole fan base for 4 years of how they are trying to save the franchise when in reality anyone who set eyes once on these threads knows how very little has NHL done for Phoenix.

 

[superdeluxe]

hmmm, so, y'all think that a relocation announcement might actually be a good PR move for the league as a whole?

I sure do.

I'm guessing NBC would be happy if they can get into the northwest market (12 & 22 DMA's) (If they are moved to Seattle)

 

[Nordskull]

hmmm, so, y'all think that a relocation announcement might actually be a good PR move for the league as a whole?

Speculations around the Coyotes future is'nt better. By the time their season is over, this will be a PR priority.

They'll have to announce it (if they move), eventually.

I base my impression on the "There is no other Winnipeg" statement.

If we're talking Qc, no way this drags to mid may.

 

[superdeluxe]

They'll have to announce it (if they move).

I base my impression on the "There is no other Winnipeg" statement.

If we're talking Qc, no way this drags to mid may.

I agree, if the decision is QC it should happen before then, if it drags to Mid May, then it means that there is some influence in regards to the Kings situation

 

[Ugmo]

Think he meant "except" perhaps Maine, due to it's proximity to Quebec

I grew up in Maine... northern Maine even, and it was solid Bruins territory back then. No one (except me) cared about the Nordiques, so I doubt Maine would care much about them if they returned.

 

[madhi19]

Ya I noticed someone posting that suggestion to which you’ve responded, that Hansens could potentially be "bidding" on the Coyotes. Well, quite the opposite. He's indicated in no uncertain terms that his number one priority is an NBA franchise, and I suppose its possible he could be a minority partner in an NHL team, Ive not read nor heard anything that would indicate he really has any interest in ownership whatsoever. That an NHL franchise would in fact simply be a tenant in the new building. Had he ever said or suggested otherwise, then Id be taking the possibility of the Coyotes moving to the PNW a lot more seriously. Right now, there doesn’t even appear to be an owner in place, and last word from Levin was that he wasn’t involved in any way with Hansen... and ya, he's in a bidding war for the Kings, upping his offer to somewhere north of $525M after the group in Sacramento matched his offer, a record price for an NBA franchise.

I don't know how it impact the Coyotes situation at all either way. But you got to wonder if the NBA is not tempted to tell Hansen to back off and let the Sacramento group close in exchange for an expansion team. With so many peoples throwing money at their league the rest of the owners will want a cut.

 

[Nordskull]

I agree, if the decision is QC it should happen before then, if it drags to Mid May, then it means that there is some influence in regards to the Kings situation

Certainly. Say, on may 17th, I'll give you the "key"

 

[superdeluxe]

Ya I noticed someone posting that suggestion to which youve responded, that Hansens could potentially be "bidding" on the Coyotes. Well, quite the opposite. He's indicated in no uncertain terms that his number one priority is an NBA franchise, and I suppose its possible he could be a minority partner in an NHL team, Ive not read nor heard anything that would indicate he really has any interest in ownership whatsoever. That an NHL franchise would in fact simply be a tenant in the new building. Had he ever said or suggested otherwise, then Id be taking the possibility of the Coyotes moving to the PNW a lot more seriously. Right now, there doesnt even appear to be an owner in place, and last word from Levin was that he wasnt involved in any way with Hansen... and ya, he's in a bidding war for the Kings, upping his offer to somewhere north of $525M after the group in Sacramento matched his offer, a record price for an NBA franchise.

1.He has stated in the past that while he would not want to be a majority owner, that it he would like to have a minority stake in a NHL club. Hansen has already spoken about potential profits of a RSN with the Sonics, that would even be greater with an NHL franchise.

2.Just because a potential owner has not stepped up in public, does not mean there are not groups doing much background work. Hansen didn't need to beat his chest for months that he was bringing the NBA back, he did his work without prying eyes.

3. While Levin had said he was not currently in talks with Hansen, that fact did not preclude him from working with Hansen in the future, He has stated he would love to work with Hansen in the future.

 

[CasualFan]

Checked out a few minutes of the Glendale council on-demand.

Alvarez needed a lengthy explanation on the difference between cash transfers and budget appropriation authority...

It's Like Deja Vu All Over Again.

 

[Yukon Joe]

So I'm confused.

It seems like clockwork that every spring Phoenix news heats up. In 2010, with a threatened move to Winnipeg, the City of Glendale was forced to pony up $25 million. In 2011 with Hulsizer in the wings the city again ponied up $25 mil. In 2012 the same thing with Jameson - this time a tentative deal was signed.

But here we are in 2013 and there's no prospective owner waiting in the wings. That makes me think a relocation is imminent. It feels like the Atlanta situation - everyone knew there was a problem, but nothing was being said in public.

HOWEVER...

In 2011 Winnipeg was all over the media. Lots of news stories about their potential return. Hell TSN was running a "Jets Meter" on their website.

There doesn't seem to be any such buzz for Quebec City, or Seattle, right now.

Am I missing something?

 

[tarheelhockey]

What does it have to do with Maine? Not that you're wrong - I just don't know what you mean. Or are you saying it would be good PR in Maine, but not as good as in Canada?

The latter. I wasn't very clear about that point at all -- it would be great PR in Canada, moderately good PR in a few select US locations, and a page-5-in-the-sports-section tidbit in most of the US.

 

[superdeluxe]

So I'm confused.

It seems like clockwork that every spring Phoenix news heats up. In 2010, with a threatened move to Winnipeg, the City of Glendale was forced to pony up $25 million. In 2011 with Hulsizer in the wings the city again ponied up $25 mil. In 2012 the same thing with Jameson - this time a tentative deal was signed.

But here we are in 2013 and there's no prospective owner waiting in the wings. That makes me think a relocation is imminent. It feels like the Atlanta situation - everyone knew there was a problem, but nothing was being said in public.

HOWEVER...

In 2011 Winnipeg was all over the media. Lots of news stories about their potential return. Hell TSN was running a "Jets Meter" on their website.

There doesn't seem to be any such buzz for Quebec City, or Seattle, right now.

Am I missing something?

Seattle media is mostly focused on the Sonics right now, once that happens the next logical step would be the NHL.