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The financials of the NHL indicate that things are approaching dire straits. The drop in viewership, lack of revenues and “bubble” expenses are making a bit of a perfect storm. The $1 billion shortfall has crept its way up and may be closer to 1.25 or higher. With signing bonuses and the first paychecks of the 20/21 season already paid, the number will continue to jump. So what can be done?
I mentioned in the comments that I’ve been watching older movies. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is an annual favorite. Red Skelton’s “Whistling” series (one featuring the Brooklyn Dodgers) has been a welcome distraction as well. Actors who could hold the screen without 5 - 10 second camera angle changes or CGI. For whatever reason, it feels raw and authentic. Between these movies and an innocent but potentially brilliant comment from Henry Hockey, ideas began to grow. If this game is going to survive, it will be the fans who save it.
First, Henry Hockey. Outdoor games was the suggestion. It was cited that some sports (including NASCAR) are holding events outdoors with fans (they all get temperature checks at the gates). Now, outdoor hockey in the warm climates is expensive, but not nearly so much in the northern regions. In fact, the IVY league cancelled all fall sports. There are football fields, soccer field, baseball diamonds all sitting empty. The capacity is such that you could let an arena’s worth of fans in and block off certain seats. In the Canadian markets you have even more options. Create an outdoor hub that can hold double what an arena can hold and have “blocks” in place to spread out the population. Make indoor boxes available for fans that can’t handle the elements (limit capacity). Put down two rinks/sheets in each venue to limit “wear and tear”. The California teams would have to head north a bit, but with all the places that can handle the feat, it is possible.
Ticket revenue is everything, and this was such a breath of fresh air to think about. Unused arenas and existing outdoor parks may well be able to be fitted with the proper setup. It’s not perfect, but it’s something. Thanks H2.
Back to the movies. During “It’s a Wonderful Life” there are scenes of what the general populous was doing to support the war effort. Scrap drives, rubber drives, mass participation in helping to get materials to make things work. If things are as tight as we think they are, everyone in the league is going to have to take some kind of salary roll back. Players have 20% escrow and 10% deferred. Office staffs have been cut. Is there a way that the fans could participate in helping events come together? The Red Wings camp in Traverse City is a fantastic example. Most of the workers are volunteers, and for their time they get to have pics with players and some very cool behind the scenes experience. This could be a dream come true, and the league/teams could incentivize with tickets for the next season, swag, pickup games with alumni, etc. let the experience make people feel closer to the game than ever.
At the end of “Whistling in the Dark” and the others in the series, there is a call for citizens to buy war bonds. It’s been a long time, but the idea is intriguing. Have teams and the league offer NHL bonds available for purchase. Maturity would have to be 3 - 5 years out (assuming things can get back on track) and a maximum appreciation in place. I.E. - if you wait 10 years to cash the bond, you double your investment plus game day tickets, a free suite, or a trip on the team plane (depending on the size of the bond). Go as low as $50 and has high as $5000 (for those who can pull that off). Have a “thank you” plaque as well as in arena plaques for donor names. It’s something, but the logistics could be tricky.
Finally, open teams up to selling 5 to 10% ownership stakes. Maybe even more. Based upon current expansion fees, a group could pay 35 - 70 million and literally be a minority owner. If you really want to get interesting, break it up into stocks priced around $1000 and let independent fans buy a small piece of the franchise. For some, that would be a dream come true. Even if you keep it to ownership groups, an influx of 35 million per team (assuming 5% ownership) would eclipse 1 billion dollars. This time, have it defined as HRR so it will go directly against the shortfalls. This could be a quick way to infuse a lot of cash with companies who could never “buy” an entire team, but could be a part owner.
Let’s save the sport. Somehow, the game started by the people has to return itself to the people. It simply can’t be sustained on advertising and television deals. Corporations have no trouble cutting ties with a losing enterprise. Fans, though, will want to see the sport survive. It’s a long shot, but it’s worth looking into.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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