Canadian Team Turns To Bettman As They're On The Verge Of Losing Franchise

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Hunter Bowman
February 23, 2024 (3:07 PM)

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The Winnipeg Jets are teetering on a precarious edge, with dwindling attendance figures putting the franchise's future in the city in doubt. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has turned his attention to the concerning trend, as the league explores potential new markets for expansion.

Chris Johnston on Insider Trading says NHL is monitoring the situation in Winnipeg, they have seen an above 30% drop in the last 3 years in their ticket base. Gary Bettman will be in Winnipeg on Tuesday to meet with some of the team's important corporate sponsors.

The situation raises questions about the league's handling of the Arizona Coyotes, who have faced their own set of challenges in maintaining a robust ticket sales record, yet have not faced similar relocation pressures.

Mark Chipman, the owner of the Jets, has publicly acknowledged the need for a turnaround.

"I wouldn't be honest with you if I didn't say, 'We've got to get back to 13,000,'" Chipman said. "This place we find ourselves in right now, it's not going to work over the long haul. It just isn't."

As the NHL looks towards expansion, the future of the Winnipeg Jets hangs in the balance, making it a critical issue for the league and its stakeholders to address.

Source: Houseofhockey