Sports Business Journal and Sports Business Daily are two of the most respected outlets out there for sports news and information and tonight they held their annual award ceremony to honor those in the industry ranging from leagues to agents to owners and when it came down to which professional sports league was their choice for top sports league of the year, the NHL proved to be the best around.
Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal and Sports Business Daily named the NHL the top pro sports league of the year in a competition that saw the NHL matched up against the MLS, NBA, NFL, and UFC. I know we’re all big hockey fans here but up against that competition even we’re surprised to see the NHL come out on top. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, however, was very proud.
“In 2010, more people than ever found more reasons than ever -- and more ways than ever -- to connect with our great game and our outstanding athletes,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “On behalf of the teams, the League staff and all who contributed to the achievement, the National Hockey League is pleased to accept this acknowledgement of a memorable year.”
The NHL being recognized as the top league of the year speaks volumes about how the popularity of the game is increasing and the amount of things the league is doing to make things more appealing for a wider audience (the Winter Classic for instance).
What makes things a bit awkward here is how the NHL has handled the situation with the Phoenix Coyotes over the last two years. The NHL took control of the team after former owner Jerry Moyes declared bankruptcy and attempted to sell the team to Jim Balsillie. The NHL has been unable to work out a deal with a prospective owner since then.
We’re guessing that Sports Business Journal has no qualms about the league taking control of a team to prevent a bad situation from getting worse. If that’s the case, we’re putting our bets down on Major League Baseball to take home next year’s award. If you pile on the issues with the Atlanta Thrashers and their ownership nonsense as well as the Columbus Blue Jackets and their millions upon millions in financial losses things don’t look quite so pleasant.
This is a happy occasion though, kudos to the NHL for taking home the hardware.