Efforts by TSN, CTV SportsNet, the Raptors and Grizzlies to "expand regional coverage" of NBA games "province-wide" and beyond the league's 75-mile boundary in Ontario and BC were examined by William Houston of the Toronto GLOBE & MAIL. Broadcasting sources put the NBA's fine for extending the boundary at "as much as [C]$500,000," but NBA Canada said that a "substantial discount was offered." Houston: "The question asked by NBA stakeholders is this: Does the league understand Canada, its sports culture and market? Outside of a few urban areas, basketball is not a big sell." One TV exec: "If the league really cared about keeping the Grizzlies in Canada, it would let people in Kamloops, B.C., see the games. And it's ridiculous that somebody in London, Ont., cannot get the Raptors." NBA Canada said if the league makes an exception in Canada, it would mean facing similar demands from small- market U.S. teams. NBA Canada Managing Dir Bill Gaskey: "We have to protect the integrity of all clubs." One Canadian broadcaster, on the NBA: "They have these archaic rules that they refuse to bend. Down the road, the Canadian teams are in danger of ... dying" (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 1/8).
