SBJ Unpacks: Global games, regional futures
The future of the RSN model is a top-of-mind issue for the commissioners of both leagues at the CAA World Congress of Sports.
SBJ's David Albright looks at the CAA World Congress of Sports getting underway. The NHL is dropping the puck in the U.S. and a sports betting radio station is making its debut.
Bettman talks jersey ads, Mexico challenges and MLB postseason expansion.
NHL and MLB have different approaches to RSNs and in-market streaming rights. NHL has signed deals with RS owners such as Sinclair's Diamond Sports Group. MLB has resisted because Sinclair has financial problems. Manfred doesn't know how the future of Sinclair will play out. He believes it will probably not well. The future is uncertain. Both Bettman and Manred discuss the RSCs' future at the CAA World Congress of Sports. They discuss their need to serve cord-cutting and cord never fans.
The NHL lost $4-5 billion in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Golden Knights and Kraken are in the top third or sixth in terms of business success. Southern teams have expressed interest in playing games in Mexico City. However, infrastructure issues mean they haven't been able to make a concrete plan yet.
The 2022-23 season will be the first in which teams can place sponsor logo patches on their jerseys. Bettman doesn't think the NHL can expand its jersey patch program beyond a single logo per sweater.
The league lost $4-5 billion in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bettman praises the Golden Knights and Kraken for their early success.
Bettman says Southern teams are interested in playing games in Mexico City. Infrastructure issues remain a problem.
Rob Manfred wants to see the playoffs continue to expand. The 12-team format was negotiated earlier this year. Manred points to the MLB Combine and MLB Network as a way to increase the profile of young players. The league saw attendance spikes during September weekends. It also has a strengthened relationship with Minor League Baseball.
Charlotte's Web is the first official CBD sponsor of MLB. The deal includes exclusive category rights and covers this year's postseason and an additional three years. Charlotte's will launch a sport line of CBD products and run electronic signage during the playoffs and World Series.
The Padres are using location-based buying restrictions to prevent Dodgers fans from buying tickets to the NLDS games at Petco Park. The NLD starts tonight in L.A. and shifts to San Diego for Friday's Game 3. Only verified fans, Padres Insider members and people with mailing or IP addresses from surrounding SanDiego areas and counties can buy tickets.
Hornets and Fanatics extended their partnership. Last year was highest grossing year in franchise history for ecommerce. Spurs and EVO Entertainment Group are extending their relationship.
BetMGM will open a retail sportsbook in Cincinnati at Great American Ball Park’s Machine Room. Liam Thornton was named EVP/Strategy & Development at ASM Global. Cheribundi launched a kids' sports initiative called Fueling Future Champions.
BetMGM will open a retail sportsbook in Cincinnati at Great American Ball Park’s Machine Room. It will be BetMgm's second retail sport'sbook at an MLB venue.
Liam Thornton was named EVP/Strategy & Development at ASM Global. He will be responsible for strategic planning, market research, site selection and planning and negotiations.
Sports nutrition company Cheribundi has launched Fueling Future Champions. It's a kids' sports initiative focused on educating young athletes about the importance of eating healthy and exercise recovery.
