ESPN kicks out the NHL

[bbsbt]

ESPN severs ties with NHL (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/hockey/nhl/05/27/espn.tv/index.html)

I don't get it: ESPN gave the NHL $600mil for 5 years (I'm sure they took a huge loss on this). I don't see why they can't pay MLS at least something, considering MLS's Nielsen ratings are not that far off from the NHL's.

[ED Fajardo]

Because there are a handful of execs at ESPN who ove hockey and despise soccer. Also, ESPN didn't cut its ties with the NHL. As I understand it, ESPN just decided not to pick up their option, so they'll re-negotiate with the NHL for a considerably lower 60 million dollar fee.

[monster]

ESPN severs ties with NHL (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/hockey/nhl/05/27/espn.tv/index.html)

I don't get it: ESPN gave the NHL $600mil for 5 years (I'm sure they took a huge loss on this). I don't see why they can't pay MLS at least something, considering MLS's Nielsen ratings are not that far off from the NHL's.
Because they signed a contract in 2002 that runs through (I believe) 2007. Could they renegotiate and end up with a fee for MLS? Certainly, they could, but they are under no obligation.

Garber has spoken about looking at the media plan in toto, but the reality is that the deal that created SUM stressed long-term commitment over a rights fee which, in 2002's climate, was a great deal.

[monster]

Because there are a handful of execs at ESPN who ove hockey and despise soccer.

Care to name names or do you just like to baselessly throw things around to make yourself feel better about yourself? If they love hockey, why did they refuse to show the worlds?

Also, ESPN didn't cut its ties with the NHL. As I understand it, ESPN just decided not to pick up their option, so they'll re-negotiate with the NHL for a considerably lower 60 million dollar fee.

They cut ties. They declined the option so there are no ties. They may resume their relationship, but the ball is in the NHL's courrt to, you know, actually have a season before Disney or anyone commits to TV money.

[ripmstr]

Even the re-negotiations are off now.

http://cbs.sportsline.com/nhl/story/8523273

Could this open the door, albeit slightly for an increase in soccer (MLS mainly) coverage?

[monster]

Even the re-negotiations are off now.

http://cbs.sportsline.com/nhl/story/8523273

Could this open the door, albeit slightly for an increase in soccer (MLS mainly) coverage?
When did the NHL start its season usually? There might be some spots for extra MLS playoff games to get on in October, but I think there just isn't enough overlap to create much of a huge opportunity for the league.

[Khansingh]

Well, the 2004-05 NHL season would've been a triskaidekaphobic's nightmare. It was scheduled to start on October 13, the All Star Game was to be played on February 13, the playoffs were to commence on April 13, and Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals would've been played on June 13. Spooky. October would already be pretty crowded, what with college football. April and May would be the time for more soccer, and indeed we saw some more games on ESPN2 this year.