By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said league revenues hit $7.5 billion to $8 billion a year.
“Every platform, every source of revenue is growing,” Bettman said. “Gate receipts remain strong.”
Bettman talked revenues during his annual speech before the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes played Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final in Raleigh, NC Tuesday.
Here in Las Vegas, fans gathered at T-Mobile Arena to watch the Knights start play in their third Cup Final in the franchise’s nine years.
During his 33-minute talk, Bettman said he supports the current playoff system that stresses division matchups instead of a one-through-eight seeding, plans to work on a succession program (but nothing is imminent) and welcomes the increase in TV ratings.
“I am 74 and I acknowledge I can’t do this forever,” Bettman told media gathered in Raleigh, NC. “Reports of my demise or retirement are greatly exaggerated.”
Bettman was joined by his trusty sidekick Bill Daly in explaining that the Vegas Golden Knights are not doing anything legally wrong by prohibiting former Bruce Cassidy from interviewing with the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers.
Bettman also noted the NHL has no plans to expand, but have heard from markets that would like to have a team.