NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the broadcasting opportunities have "never been greater" for streaming services like Facebook, Amazon and Google, though he believes the traditional television networks are "always going to be an important place" for leagues. Bettman appeared yesterday on CNBC to promote the 100th anniversary of the NHL and noted there are "more platforms to distribute your products" on than ever before. He acknowledged things "are changing so quickly" in the media landscape but believes traditional outlets will remain prime destinations "no matter how many people watch games on their phones." Bettman: "People getting together in front of big screen TVs watching a network production is going to be important." Bettman talked about the NHL's current deal with NBC, which was signed in '11, and said the net has been a "phenomenal partner in terms of how they produce the games, the scheduling of the games (and) the promotion of the games." He added this is the "first national contract in the United States where all of our games from the playoffs are on national TV" ("Squawk Box," CNBC, 11/27).
