But if it's true that national Canadian monies are disbursed preferentially to the Canadian teams (65/35 split in Forbes report), couldn't there be a case for the US BOG not being as enamored of expansion in Canada? Expansion doesn't happen very frequently, nor does relocation.
It is true, I remember the report as well.
I don't remember whether it was 65/35 or another mix.
However, Canadian teams have far more national games (which, of course, go into HRR as opposed to a team's coffers) than their American counterparts, meaning a good chunk of that broadcast revenue inherently needs to land back in their pockets.
I'm inclined to agree... I don't think it would "pain" Bob to report CTV beat CBC in getting the rights because most of the TSN staff would just land their anyway. It will be interesting to see how this plays out and how many TSN people go over to Sportsnet if this is the case... TSN's hockey coverage blows Sportsnet's away by miles, and I think most people would agree.
I'm thinking TSN as well, keeping in mind the article in the OP:
Sources said that TSN’s reluctance to pay substantially more has been the biggest stumbling block in the league’s overall negotiations with the Canadian networks
Rogers has said for years they are determined to overtake Bell as "Canada's Sports Leader" and this could be quite the coup for them. Not only acquiring national NHL rights but doing so at the expense of their archrival. Sportsnet already has the Jays (along with associated MLB rights), they have the NFL, they have IndyCar, they're assembling quite the lineup.
