There are constant rumours, both legitimate and wacky, regarding the potential existence of new hockey leagues.
These include the World Hockey Association in North America, the Continental Hockey League (KHL) expanding in Russia, the NHL developing a presence in Europe, and the Elite Leagues of Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic uniting.
These may not be possible, probable, or even on the radar, but in order for a True European League (TEL) to exist, it goes well beyond simply signing up teams.
The first part of starting this league is not, unfortunately, hockey; it is money. Huge sums of money are required to run a hockey league, as the NHL can attest.
The NHL had revenues of over $2 billion dollars last year, and yet many franchises were losing money. There are rumours out of Russia that teams are losing money and being taken over by the league.
The Champions League just died after not finding a financial backer. Therefore, the first thing the TEL would have to do is figure out the money. Teams such as Modo are famous in the hockey world, yet the team is struggling both financially and on the ice.
Peter ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Keith Harrison
A True European League: What Would It Take to Succeed?
December 18th, 2009 by Keith Harrison Leave a reply »
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