In January, I posted this piece arguing that the 2010 Winter Olympics should be the last time the NHL participates.
Now, this generated a fair amount of debate.
For the most part, the consensus was that, due to the huge exposure hockey, and by extension NHL hockey players, receive from participating in the Olympics, it is too important a marketing opportunity to pass up.
This made sense to me.
After all, as an NHL fan, I'd love nothing more than to have NHL hockey grow in popularity and exposure.
Perhaps Olympic participation can raise the profile of NHL hockey, but it won't this year, and, unless the NHL can get a better TV deal than the putrid one they now have with NBC, the NHL should not participate in the 2014 Olympics for reasons of exposure.
In June of 2009, the NHL's current deal with NBC was extended, on NBC's option, for another two years.
So, it is possible that the NHL will have found a new broadcasting partner by the time the 2014 games are here.
However, until that time, fans will be forced to deal with their beloved game being treated like the proverbial red-headed stepc ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Matt Hutter
Unless the NHL Gets a Better TV Deal, 2014 Olympic Participation Futile
February 21st, 2010 by Matt Hutter Leave a reply »
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