Controversy Emerges After Gary Bettman is Caught Cheating Canadian Team Out of Millions

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Aaron
November 27, 2023 (10:43)

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The NHL Global Series, while successful overall, has sparked controversy with its financial arrangements, particularly affecting the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Maple Leafs Lose Out on Revenue in NHL Global Series

The series, featuring the Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Maple Leafs, allocated home and away games differently for each team. The NHL compensates teams for home games based on their regular home game revenue.

For the Ottawa Senators, the average revenue from a home game is about $1.5 million, and they were assigned two 'home games' in Sweden. The Maple Leafs, whose home game revenue nears $4 million, were designated two 'away games'. This decision effectively cost the Maple Leafs nearly $8 million in potential revenue.

Friedman says that when it comes to the global series the league is basically robbing, and has to pay for a home games gate.

You'll notice that Ottawa had 2 Home games while Toronto had 2 away games simply because the NHL found it easier to cut a check with Ottawa #GoSensGo

Financial Implications for the NHL and Its Teams

This approach, seen as a cost-saving measure by the NHL, raises questions about its impact on teams with higher revenue potential. While saving money is beneficial for the league, it risks alienating wealthier teams like the Maple Leafs. The potential refusal of such teams to participate in future NHL events could be more detrimental than the savings gained.

The decision by the NHL and Commissioner Gary Bettman has sparked debate over whether it was the right move, considering the broader implications for league-team relations.

As Read on Blade of Steel - NHL reveals the real reason the Toronto Maple Leafs were given the best Global Series schedule