...NBC and the NHL are set to announce an extension to their relationship for another two years, past the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and Stanley Cup playoffs.It will likely be a continuation of the no-money-down/split-revenues-after-costs arrangement that has existed since the two sides fell into each other's arms after the NHL lockout in 2004-05... NBC got an inexpensive property to fill out its sports schedule, while the NHL got the perfume of network respectability after locking out its players and fans for a complete season.Despite the hiccup of NBC switching away from a playoff overtime to a Kentucky Derby prep show in 2008, the relationship has worked reasonably well for both sides...NBC has to get their priorities straight when it comes to the use of Versus, but they've improved their broadcast over the last few years immensely. It also doesn't hurt that the star power is finally there for advertisers... the network is also airing the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.
Good news is Gary Bettman gets to stay on American TV and continue the dream of becoming a bigger sport to mainstream USA than bowling, IndyCar, tractor pull, fishing, squash, tennis, golf, lacrosse, sumo wrestling, rodeo and the other 35 sports that get bigger ratings outside of the northern coast of the States than the NHL. Bad news is, still working for free.
WFDS
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