NHL owners "will again discuss revenue-sharing to help
small-market teams" at the Board of Governors meeting tomorrow
and Friday in Palm Beach. According to Terry Egan in Dallas, the
issue "just might be the saving factor for several teams."
Mentioned: Edmonton, Calgary, Buffalo, Ottawa, Tampa. Egan
adds, "In the past, the wealthy teams have shown little concern
for the financial straits of small-market teams. ... [But] if
there is no effective revenue-sharing to help the remaining small
markets -- and soon -- just follow the trail of money to find out
where these teams relocate" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 12/13).
EXPANSION ON HOLD? Also on the agenda is expansion, but no
announcement is expected that the league is accepting
applications. More likely are determining the NHL's "thoughts on
where (Cleveland, Portland, Atlanta are still hot), when and how
much." Egan notes NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman's involvement in
the Stars' sale was in part to assure that franchise prices
remain around $85M, so the league can charge at least that for
future expansion teams (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 12/13). In
Philadelphia, Les Bowen writes, "Don't expect league execs to be
in an expansive mood." Small-market problems and questions on
the "talent pool" make previous predictions of expansion to 28
teams by the end of '96 less likely (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS,
12/13). But ESPN's Al Morganti quotes one Board member who says
Bettman is "always in an expansion mode" -- meaning he would
listen to any city's offer (ESPNET SportsZone).
