I'll quoting the bureau of labor statistics off of my memory here, so do forgive the estimate figures if they are not exactly precise. I haven't been following this latest round of labor unrest, but I thought I should share a reasonable perspective on the potential impact of player's paychecks down the line.
If I understand the general outline of the CBA, it is a revenue share split between the players and the owners. I don't think that can be changed. Since I'm not following the dispute, I honestly don't know what the issue is, but if it's just deferment, then it's not the end of the world. Losing a new fanbase that's entering the workforce is.... and that's just dumb. Most Gen-Z hockey players started entering the pro ranks a few years back, but their peer group happens to be entering the workforce now. That teammate you have that spends their entire time on the iPad on the flight... yeah them they are starting to make their way into the workforce now.
No content, no engagement, no Gen-Z, lower future earnings. Capiche?
Real GDP saw a decline in Q4 2019 by 5%, and a took massive hit in Q1 2020 by almost 33%. Back to back quarters means you are in a recession... no shit, mostly everyone is feeling it. But to put that into perspective, one-third of the entire economy shut down. In other words, the owners took a hit most of them did.
That being said, the recovery has started. Meaning society isn't in the same trough as earlier in the year. There will be an invariable upswing, one that may not reach previous heights right away, but to miss out on the uptick means you are literally punting away dollars. Circulation takes time. If it's deferment, then that's a better option than losing a new market while closing up shop for an existing market that is going to open up their wallets.
