Gary Bettman Loses The NHL's Money in Negative 40M Media Deal

Gary Bettman, NHL's commissioner, faces criticism due to media rights challenges. Player agent Allan Walsh highlighted that the league's 7-year deal with ESPN coincided with a decline in ESPN's subscribers from 80 million to 45 million. Disney seeks a "strategic partner" for ESPN. This suggests potential viewer losses during Bettman's tenure.

The NHL also grapples with Bally Sports' bankruptcy announcement, impacting 12 NHL teams and $55 million in media rights. These developments raise concerns about the league's financial stability and salary cap implications.

"The NHL is going into its 3rd year of its 7 year media rights deal with ESPN. Since that time, ESPN's subscriber base has fallen from 80 million to 45 million. Disney (parent company of ESPN) is now actively searching for a «strategic partner» for the network".

Bettman's leadership faces questions as the NHL confronts issues affecting media presence and financial well-being.

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