from Jeff Z. Klein of the New York Times,
The N.H.L.’s main request is the right to use Olympic video on the NHL Network and NHL.com.
The N.H.L., like the N.B.A., the W.N.B.A., FIFA and other sports leagues, is currently not allowed to use such video. That means the clip of Sidney Crosby scoring Canada’s gold-medal-winning goal against the United States at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics has never been shown on an N.H.L. video player of any kind.
But if the I.O.C. grants an exception to the N.H.L., it may have to grant similar exceptions to other bodies. That is the sticking point.
“I would think other leagues would ask for the same thing,” said Ed Desser, president of the consulting firm Desser Sports Media and a former president of NBA Television and New Media Ventures. “It’s a very interesting conundrum.”
Desser added: “On the one hand, you have leagues that spend a huge amount of time and resources in creating the interest in the athletes and the sport, and the I.O.C., in essence, gets a free ride on that. It’s hardly surprising to me that the N.H.L. would seek to obtain some benefits.”
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.