The Puck Stops Here

TSN is reporting that ESPN has declined their $60 million option for NHL TV rights next season (should there be a next season). The story is here. The NHL brought it on themselves with their negative marketing campaign of the past few years to justify a lockout and then losing an entire season to work stoppage. It only makes matters worse for everyone in the NHL - and probably improves the chances of a startup rival organization because they have less to compete against. ESPN and the NHL may still negotiate a TV deal - but it will be for less money. Possibly it will be for no upfront money at all and the NHL shares in its profits (if any exist).

This makes hockey less available to the fan. And the NHL brought about it with their own stupidty.