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Gary Bettman on the verge of multi-million dollar mistake after reckless partnership with failing company


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Aaron
August 25, 2024  (10:49)
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NHL commissioner Gary Bettman
Photo credit: LA Times

Gary Bettman is no stranger to bad decisions, leading to two NHL player lockouts since he became commissioner in 1993, and much more distress.

His recent track record includes the official NHL drink partner of Bio Steel, which went bankrupt, and the ten-year contract with controversial uniform and apparel company Fanatics to make the official NHL jerseys.
While both of these were bad, they may have just been usurped by Gary Bettman's decision to sign a contract with Diamond Sports, who are on the verge of bankruptcy.
On September 3rd, Diamond Sports' fate will be decided, yet Bettman opted to sign a contract with them a mere week before.
Per The Athletic, Diamond Sports Group is ready to broadcast NBA and NHL games this season no matter the solution to their bankruptcy.
Regardless of whether it successfully emerges from bankruptcy, Diamond Sports Group, which broadcasts the Bally-branded regional sports networks, is now promising it will operate through the 2024-25 NBA and NHL seasons.

There will be nine NHL teams broadcast on Diamond Sports this season.
We are appreciative of the ongoing collaboration and long-term partnerships with the NBA and NHL, David Preschlack, Diamond's CEO, said in a statement. These new agreements that cover NBA and NHL linear and (direct-to-consumer) rights are another major milestone and continue Diamond's momentum toward emergence, which will enable us to provide value for our NBA and NHL partners and continue to serve dedicated local NBA, NHL and MLB fans[...]

The nine NHL teams: the Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Whether this works out or not, Gary Bettman's track record suggests we could be in need of a more level-headed commissioner. It's already been 31 years.
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Gary Bettman on the verge of multi-million dollar mistake after reckless partnership with failing company

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