THE HOCKEY NEWS' Jared Clinton cited a report from the French-language Montreal Journal which stated that the Panthers have lost "an eye-popping" $154M since '97-98. The Panthers' "worst financial season" came in '14-15, when they lost $36M. The team "is projecting losses to reach" $24M this season. The finances were "released as part of the Panthers’ request for financial help" from Broward County. But Clinton noted the Panthers are "slowly turning things around now ... which could help the team’s finances." The Panthers have "averaged 14,628 fans in three home outings" at BB&T Center this year, which is a "significant boost from last season’s miserable average of 11,265" (THEHOCKEYNEWS.com, 10/27).
PHOENIX RISING: ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun reported the Coyotes "will very likely move" to a new home venue somewhere in the greater Phoenix area. One of the "interesting consequences of the City of Glendale choosing to end its 15-year arena management lease agreement with the NHL club is that it sparked conversations and opportunities elsewhere in the Valley for a new arena." Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton has been "vocal ... in wanting to build a new downtown arena" with the Suns to keep the Coyotes in town. Meanwhile, a local Native American tribe has "expressed interest in building the Coyotes a new arena in East Valley Scottsdale." A source said that there is a "third confidential option ... that would also keep the team in the local area" (ESPN.com, 10/27).
STRIKE WHILE THE IRON'S HOT: In Tampa, Ashley Gurbal Kritzer reports Lightning season-ticket holders and sponsors this season are "able to mingle through the Bolts Business Alliance, a move meant to add value for both groups." The Bolts Business Alliance is a "networking group for season ticket holders, with three events planned for this season." The team’s strategy of "focusing its sponsorship efforts on a smaller number of partners better aligned with the team’s brand has paid off," with sponsorship revenue up 40% since '13 (TAMPA BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL, 10/23 issue).
THE GOOD STUFF: The Devils last night raised more than $30,000 through the NHL's Hockey Fights Cancer initiative at Prudential Center. The Devils project to raise more funds through a warmup jersey and stick auction going on at the team's official website (THE DAILY).
