Balsillie’s Battle
If you love a good fight or a dramatic showdown, Jim Balsillie’s purchase of the Nashville Predators is shaping up to be a spectacular show. Even before his $238-million purchase of the Predators has been approved by the NHL, Balsillie had made it abundantly clear he’s intent on moving the team north of the border to Hamilton. Even more interesting is it appears Balsillie has little or no interest in paying territorial fees to the Toronto Maple Leafs and/or Buffalo Sabres for the privilege of putting a team in Hamilton.
So what’s the NHL going to do? Do they reject Balsillie’s ownership bid? If so, how can they justify turning down a bid from a real-live billionaire who’s got lots of business savvy and credibility. This is league after all that approved marginal owners such as Bruce McNall and the infamous John Spano.
As for territorial fees, which are really bribes paid to existing teams in the same region, it could be that Balsillie is going to argue they’re a barrier to competition. Do you really think the Maple Leafs are going to be hurt financially if an NHL teams goes into Hamilton or Waterloo. Come on, the Leafs are a franchise with a humungous waiting list for season tickets, more television revenue than any other franchise in the NHL, and fans who sell out the Air Canada Centre regardless of whether the team is doing well or badly.
For more, check out Damien Cox’s column in today’s Toronto Star. On the Forecheck has an open letter to Balsillie about his intentions.
Technorati Tags: Jim Balsillie, Nashville Predators, NHL
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