SportBusiness.com

With both sides keeping quiet over recent weeks, and with no talks scheduled, hopes of any behind-the-scenes deal were scuppered by the outbursts.
In a statement, NHL Players’ Association president Trevor Linden said: “Today, when we should be celebrating the start of the new NHL season, we are instead left waiting for the league to step forward with a meaningful, non-salary cap proposal, or join us in negotiations on the four-point framework we presented on September 9.
"It's not a 'take it or leave it' proposition.
"The owners have shown no such willingness to find a common ground. They have been fixated since 1998 to lock out the players in hopes of extracting a salary cap."
But during an online chat on NHL.com, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman hit back.
Said the league boss: “Before we can open our arenas, we need to fix the economic system under which our sport operates. We'll be back as soon as the players' union is prepared to talk to us about a partnership that allows us to offer all NHL fans affordable tickets prices and 30 stable and competitive franchises.
“There has not been any communication from the union since September 9, which was our last bargaining session. At that session, the union reduced the only offer that it had made, which was made 15 months earlier. In addition, the union has repeatedly stated publicly that it has no interest in talking to us until we agree to abandon our notion of a ‘partnership’.
“We believe that a partnership is critical for the future of our game. This is a goal that we will not abandon.
“Unfortunately, the union's unwillingness to acknowledge and address our problems leaves me unable to predict how long this situation will continue.”
He also denied claims – sparked by comments made in the media by a team owner at the weekend – the NHL may recruit other players to get the season underway if no new deal is struck.
Said Bettman: “We have not explored a plan to use replacement players despite widespread reports to the contrary. We are committed to trying to achieve a partnership with our players so that we can work together to grow our game.”