NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said he does not think "anyone needs to worry about the future" of the Hurricanes in Raleigh, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER. Hurricanes Owner Peter Karmanos Jr. continues to look at selling his majority share in the team, but Bettman said, "There is no rush, no pressure, no timetable. I am certain if he sells the franchise, he will continue the legacy of having the franchise in what has been a strong market and keep it where it is." But Alexander notes the Hurricanes are last in NHL home attendance at 11,411 after "finishing one spot higher" last season. The "fear among some Canes fans" is that if Las Vegas or Quebec City are "shut out in their expansion bid, the ownership group could look elsewhere for a team that's for sale and try to convince the league to be allowed to relocate it." The 72-year-old Karmanos said that he is "looking into a 'succession plan' to sell the team," but it "could be over a period of years." Karmanos also noted that the Hurricanes' lease with PNC Arena runs through '24 and the Research Triangle region "continues to grow." Team President Don Waddell said that the "smaller turnouts this season again are a result of focusing on season-ticket sales while reducing complimentary and discounted tickets." The Hurricanes' admission revenue for '14-15 "declined about" $1.3M from the '13-14 season. Food and beverage sales "were down about $500,000, parking revenue down $600,000 and suite income fell by $400,000." Ad revenue "also dropped" $1.7M. Waddell said that corporate sponsorships "should increase" about 10%, but his "top priority" is increasing attendance. Waddell: "That's the No. 1 revenue source that we're not maximizing or getting close to" (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 11/12).
