NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman appeared on WFAN-AM’s “Mike Francesa” yesterday afternoon and addressed several topics, including how the NHL’s CBA negotiations have affected the NBA and NFL negotiations. Bettman: “Going into our work stoppage nobody ever believed that a) the owners in any sport would hold together and b) that no sports league would ever cancel an entire season and if they did, they would never live to tell about it. Our owners held together because it was the right thing to do. Unfortunately because it was painful and I didn't like doing it, we had to cancel the season. But we came back better and stronger than we have ever been.” Bettman noted the perception is that the NHL "may be the most advanced league" in terms of integrating content on various media platforms, such as mobile phones. Bettman: "Particularly as it relates to video, because we had historically been underserved by traditional media, so this became more important.” He notes the money the league generates from its mobile app is "important ... but we live in a world now where people are consuming content and there is no more important content now than sports. Because a) you have got to have it live and b) for advertisers, you can't be zapped out. Our fans, fans everywhere, want what they want, when they want it, how they want it.” Bettman also discussed the Islanders' referendum for a new coliseum being voted down by Nassau County. He said, "The fact of the matter is, and it is undeniable, having the Islanders play in Nassau County, having the people that work for the Islanders own homes in that marketplace, the number of jobs -- the economic impact can't be denied. I refuse to accept that this team is not going to get a new building at some point." Bettman noted Islanders Owner Charles Wang is "committed to the Island, is committed to the Islanders." Bettman: "He has devoted almost a decade of his life and tens of millions of dollars in pursuit of this and fortunately, there are a few years left” ("Mike Francesa," WFAN-AM, 10/24).
