Ice Hockey
Features
M. Quentin Williams | Why retiring O’Ree and Clemente numbers is good business sense
M. Quentin Williams, founder and chief executive of non-profit organization Dedication To Community, explores the business upside if the NHL and MLB were to retire the numbers of former legends Willie O'Ree and Roberto Clemente across their respective leagues
NHL’s Lake Tahoe games poised to become league’s most spectacular outdoor event
It took the NHL just a matter of seconds before deciding that Lake Tahoe would be the ideal spot for an outdoor tentpole event. The logistical challenges, however, have been significant, explains NHL chief content officer Steve Mayer.
NHL helmet sponsors offer stop-gap solution – and insights about the future
Keith Wachtel, NHL's chief business officer, speaks to SportBusiness about the wider strategy behind the league's new division and helmet sponsorships for the 2020-21 season.
Islanders’ UBS Arena to reshape NY market, team’s own fortunes
After decades of failed attempts to develop a new arena and becoming one of the National Hockey League's weakest franchises, the resurgent New York Islanders and partner Oak View Group are developing a venue aimed at transforming both the team and live entertainment in the New York area.
“Remote production is extremely difficult” | Inside the NHL Player Gaming Challenge
The NHL will this week become the latest major sports organization to launch a players-only esports competition in an attempt to stay relevant and keep fans engaged. Bob Williams reports.
Tricolor launches sports channels dedicated to Russian sport
Russian pay-television operator Tricolor has launched three new sports channels as it looks to promote domestic athletes and competitions
NHL looks to engage supporters with Fan Skills at Home social media challenge
The National Hockey League is looking to engage its supporters by launching the NHL Fan Skills at Home challenge on Instagram and TikTok
Golden Knights quickly call time on controversial UpickTrade partnership
The National Hockey League’s Vegas Golden Knights have ended their controversial multiyear partnership with Mexico-based sports betting tout service UpickTrade just days after it was announced.
PWHPA secures Adidas, CBC Sports partnerships
The Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association has gained a further commercial boost by bringing in Adidas as a team jersey partner for the 2021 Secret Dream Gap Tour.
Monumental Sports uses fan data to increase ticket sales via cloud platform
Bob Williams takes a look at how the ownership group of the NHL's Washington Capitals, the NBA's Washington Wizards and the Capital One Arena has successfully further monetized its ever-increasing fan database with its new Cloud Fan Insight Platform
NHL All Star Game will further lift spirit of St. Louis after Stanley Cup glory
Four years after National Football League team owner Stan Kroenke relocated the St. Louis Rams to Los Angeles amid bitter acrimony, the Missouri city has firmly regained its civic pride and status as a major league sports town in the United States.
New Jersey Devils looking to leverage arrivals of Subban and Hughes
The arrival of Jack Hughes as the No.1 NHL Draft pick and superstar defenseman PK Subban has generated a wave of optimism around the New Jersey Devils. Bob Williams speaks to the Devil's new president Jake Reynolds about his long-term commercial plans for the franchise.
NHL leverages Ovechkin’s pulling power to expand footprint in China
In order to develop their presence in China, the NHL have sent Alexander Ovechkin on a one-man ambassadorial trip to Beijing this week. Bob Williams talks to David Proper, executive vice-president of media and international strategy, about how ice hockey's governing body is leveraging its players' star power.
Washington Capitals’ inaugural Stanley Cup triumph leads to commercial uplift ‘across board’
NHL team broke e-commerce and in-venue merchandise records after first title in franchise history
TV ratings and digital streaming minutes on NBC Sports Washington up significantly year-on-year
“We are not interested in the discussion of integrity fees” | Keith Wachtel, NHL
The National Hockey League has been swift to capitalise on the repeal of PASPA and the subsequent legalisation of gambling in some US states. Starting next season, the organisation will introduce puck and player tracking to create more in-play betting markets around its content. SportBusiness speaks to the league’s chief revenue officer and executive vice-president, global partnerships, Keith Wachtel.
Philadelphia Flyers ride the coattails of social media sensation Gritty – and promise he’ll never sell out
Mascot is most-followed on Twitter of all US major professional sports and collegiate teams
Companies looking to partner with Flyers directly because they want association with Gritty
Kerry Bubolz | President, Vegas Golden Knights
Kerry Bubolz was among the 10 executives whose work in 2018 we believe indicates the direction of the sports business in 2019 and beyond.
NHL shakes up weekend schedule to increase European fanbase and revenues
Fifty games moved to afternoons so they can be broadcast in primetime on continent
Approximately 30 per cent of NHL players come from overseas
Caesars Entertainment signs with Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils
Caesars Entertainment has announced a multi-year partnership with the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center
US Digest | NBA strikes deal with MGM to provide data to gamblers
Welcome to the US Digest, rounding up the big news and developments coming out of the world’s biggest sports market
US Digest | Lakers reap immediate rewards of the LeBron effect
Welcome to the first edition of SportBusiness Group’s US Digest, rounding up the big news and developments coming out of the world’s biggest sports market
US Digest | Telemundo takes lead against Fox for World Cup viewers
Welcome to SportBusiness Group’s US Digest, rounding up the news and developments coming out of the world’s biggest sports market
Telemundo takes lead against Fox for World Cup viewers
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US Digest | United bid wins 2026 World Cup vote by landslide
In this week's US sports industry round-up: United bid wins 2026 World Cup vote by landslide; NBCSN to simulcast Telemundo Russia 2018 matches; and New Jersey sports betting bill is given the green light.
US Digest | Delaware ushers in new sports betting era
In this week's US sports industry round-up: Delaware ushers in new sports betting era; United 2026 bid outscores 'high risk' Morocco; and the New York Yankees win scheduling battle with ESPN.
Pro Sports Leagues Make Successful Stock Pickers
Looking at historical data of the publicly-traded commercial partners of the US major leagues shows that investing in Official Corporate Partners is a sound long-term investment strategy.
US Digest | NBA Finals tickets are cheapest in four years
In this week's US sports industry round-up: NBA Finals tickets are cheapest in four years; FC Cincinnati to join MLS in 2019; and Twin Cities 'netted $370m from Super Bowl'
China Digest | LPGA confirms replacement for failed Alisports tournament
In this week's China sports industry round-up: LPGA confirms replacement for failed Alisports tournament; SAIC Motor strikes Chinese Super League deal; and Vivo lays out World Cup activations
US Digest | Tepper wins race to take over Carolina Panthers
In this week's US sports industry round-up: Tepper wins race to take over Carolina Panthers; Supreme Court rules in favour of sports betting; and NBA play-off ratings continue to soar.