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Glendale pledges $25 million to keep Coyotes for 1 more year … Attention now on Atlanta … Blue Jackets lost $25 million last year
Mark Easson
Rebekah L. Sanders of the Arizona Republic: Glendale City Council voted 5-2 to pay the NHL $25 million to keep the Coyotes in Glendale for 1 more season as they continue to get a deal with a new owner. Despite an increase in ticket sales and season ticket renewals, the team lost $37 million last year and had the lowest attendance in the NHL. The $25 million pledge will allow them to continue to work with Matthew Hulsizer to get a deal finalized. The Ice Edge group have pulled out as a minority owner.
Darren Dreger via twitter: Winnipeg will not turn their attention to the Atlanta Thrashers, the NHL will also focus more on Atlanta.
Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: So with the Coyotes remaining Glendale for another season, the True North Sports and Entertainment group will turn their attention to Atlanta in their quest to bringing the NHL back to Winnipeg. The Atlanta Spirit have been trying to sell the Thrashers for several years, and there is a “sense of urgency” to find a buyer/investor to keep the team in Atlanta. Relocation is possible if they can’t find an owner to keep the team there. True North could be ready with $170 million, $60 million would go to the NHL for relocation fees. The deal could move quickly. A deal may not get done in time for next year, if at all to move the club. There are 2 local groups showing interest to keep the team, but talks haven’t gotten past the preliminary stages.
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Columbus Blue Jackets have lost about $25 million this past season, despite getting $12-13 million in revenue sharing. In the previous 2 years the Blue Jackets lost about $14 million each year. They averaged only 13,350 fans each game, down 2,067 from 2009-10. They received less revenue sharing as they didn’t have the 14,000 mark, losing about 25%. They have been trying to re-do their arena lease as they don’t get any parking money, naming rights revenue and some luxury box revenue. The team has reportedly lost about $80 million since the lockout. Aaron Portzline via twitter: Despite the losses, they do not expect to reduce their payroll.