Gary Bettman has been a central figure in the world of ice hockey for years.
But this season, he finds himself in a delicate situation, with rumors of his dismissal for the first time.
This turnaround comes in a context where Major League Soccer (MLS) is experiencing a meteoric rise, in particular thanks to the arrival of Lionel Messi.
Inter Miami, with Messi at the helm, has managed to establish itself as a dominant force in the American championship.
With impressive statistics of 20 goals and 10 assists in just 19 matches, Messi not only propelled his team to first place in MLS but also set a new points record for the league.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the “playoffs”, where Inter Miami will face Atlanta.
Messi’s impact is not limited to the pitch. His arrival generated a real economic boom. MLS has seen a dramatic increase in visibility and sponsorship revenue, surpassing that of the NHL.
According to recent studies, MLS revenues have reached around $800 million, while those of the NHL are stagnating around $750 million.
This represents a major turning point for MLS, which, thanks to Messi, is attracting the attention of international partners, while the NHL is struggling to establish itself outside of North America.
Bettman has long been considered an effective leader, but times are changing. The NHL, which has neglected important opportunities like international events and streaming platforms, is starting to feel pressure from MLS.
Sports media are reporting a decline in interest in hockey, particularly among younger fans, who are now turning to soccer.
Bettman’s marketing choices are being questioned, and comparisons with MLS dynamics are becoming more and more frequent.
Bettman has favored traditional broadcast contracts with traditional TV which is dying, without fully embracing the potential of streaming platforms.
It’s just starting to do so with Prime Video, while other leagues have been investing in digital partnerships for a long time.
The NHL has missed crucial opportunities, and its communications strategy has become “outdated.”
The NHL has often been criticized for its old-fashioned approach to marketing. While other leagues, like the NBA and MLS, leverage social media to engage fans and attract sponsorships, the NHL seems to be lagging behind .
The NHL has avoided participating in major international events, such as the Olympics, losing an opportunity for global exposure.
This stands in stark contrast to MLS, which benefited from media coverage and popular support during Messi’s arrival.
As MLS expands, the NHL faces growing criticism over its inability to attract new spectators and advertising revenue.
The dynamics of MLS, supported by athletes such as Messi, make the situation even more precarious for Bettman.
As MLS prospers, voices are being raised to demand a change at the head of the NHL. Rumors of Bettman’s firing, which once seemed unthinkable, are gaining momentum.
Sports analysts are beginning to suggest it’s time for the league to look to new leadership capable of reinventing the NHL and competing with the explosive growth of MLS.
The stakes are high: Bettman has been in power for more than 30 years, but the pressure of the rise of soccer in the United States could end his career.
New trends in the sports market, such as the soccer craze, highlight the need for rapid adaptation.
“Sponsors” are starting to reconsider their partnerships, and NHL teams might also start to wonder if they should follow MLS’s lead.
The current situation for Gary Bettman and the NHL could well be a historic turning point for the league. If his dismissal becomes a reality, it could usher in a new era for ice hockey in North America.
As MLS continues to grow in popularity, NHL executives will need to make bold moves to remain competitive.
The comparison between these two leagues has only just begun, but one thing is certain: the time for change could soon come for Bettman and the best hockey league in the world.
The NHL commissioner is PAST DATE. It’s time to make it happen.
