The Jacobs Famly Delaware North Wants to Buy the Sabres but It Gets Complcated

[Dubi Doo]

The Sabres right now are in a unique position that makes them vulnerable to relocation.

• COVID plus general sentiment has reduced Southern Ontario ticket purchasers/season ticket holders
• Local support for the team is the lowest it’s been in a long time
• Smallest market in the US with a team currently
• Need a new arena, or need major expensive renovations on the existing arena.

It actually makes good financial sense for a new owner to move the team to a larger market, rather than sink $500m+ into a new arena or renovations. Houston, Atlanta, Portland, etc would all likely generate more revenue for a new owner.

That’s why I hope Pegula doesn’t sell unless it’s to a local (e.g. Jacob’s family). Otherwise the Sabres could very likely leave, unless the NHL is planning on more expansions and the owners want to hold out for that sweet expansion fee.

I dont have a ton of knowledge with this, But I'd assume the draw to keeping the Sabres in Buffalo is , if you can build a good team, they draw numbers.

We're one of the top American markets, right? I vaguely remember Buffalo frequently being at the top of the list for viewership of the Cup finals.

Put me on record as someone who would rather deal with Pegula for a lifetime than lose our team. I won't switch squads. I'll just be done with watching hockey for the most part. Sort of like I am now, haha.

 

[Ehran]

Huh? I think there's about six years left on a contract with MSG.

MSG is in (or near) bankruptcy and may want out of the contract. Or not able to pay their required fees. Either way, its a decent possibility that the Sabres can get out of the contract.

Dolan’s MSG Networks Nears Bankruptcy As Cord-Cutting Surges

 

[many76]

I dont have a ton of knowledge with this, But I'd assume the draw to keeping the Sabres in Buffalo is , if you can build a good team, they draw numbers.

We're one of the top American markets, right? I vaguely remember Buffalo frequently being at the top of the list for viewership of the Cup finals.

Put me on record as someone who would rather deal with Pegula for a lifetime than lose our team. I won't switch squads. I'll just be done with watching hockey for the most part. Sort of like I am now, haha.

Viewership % is not a good indicator, because of how small the population in Buffalo is vs bigger US cities

 

[MOGlLNY]

Viewership % is not a good indicator, because of how small the population in Buffalo is vs bigger US cities

Their raw numbers when they’re winning are up there as well

 

[TheMistyStranger]

MSG is in (or near) bankruptcy and may want out of the contract. Or not able to pay their required fees. Either way, its a decent possibility that the Sabres can get out of the contract.

Dolan’s MSG Networks Nears Bankruptcy As Cord-Cutting Surges

I miss Empire.

 

[sabremike]

Their raw numbers when they’re winning are up there as well

In 2007 there were two MSG feeds showing us vs the rags (one WNY and one NYM). Not only was our feed much higher rated there were significantly more people watching despite the much smaller reach.