Steve Lepore and I go relatively way back but Steve has outdone himself this time with an exclusive interview of Bill Daly, the 2nd big banana in the NHL or better known as NHL Deputy Commissioner. You can read the rest of the interview HERE. However, a few questions just needed to be spotlighted for the readers:
SL: Moving on to actual coverage, does VERSUS really plan to expand their coverage? Towards the end of the season last year, they were showing lots of games and bonus coverage. Do you think they’ll be doing more of that this season?
BD: I think VERSUS, throughout the term of our relationship with them, has increased the amount of hockey content they’ve had on their network virtually every year. I believe its worked for them and I would expect and anticipate they’ll continue to do that.
SL: One of the things I like is the Game of the Week vs. regional coverage that used to be. With NBC, do you see that continuing in the foreseeable future?
BD: I don’t disagree, I think its been good, but I also don’t wanna pre-suppose what might happen in the future. I certainly don’t think it was wrong to go to a game of the week, as opposed to regional coverage, but I’m not in a position with a crystal ball to what the future will hold.
SL: In that vein (of year-round hockey events), do you anticipate the return of the World Cup anytime soon?
BD: I do. I couldn’t tell you exactly when because I know its tied up with our relationship with the PA and our collective bargaining agreement, but yes. I think, again, historically that’s been a very valuable property for the league and the players’ association. I anticipate there will be a return of the World Cup in some form and that’s something that’s going to be discussed with, and resolved with, the players’ association. They’ve got other priorities right now. They’re working on them, and I certainly understand that.
SL: Finally, the Stanley Cup Final ratings are really great on NBC and VERSUS lately. Is there any desire from the league in the next TV deal, to get the entire Stanley Cup Final on network television?
BD: Its one of those things that I’m not going to pre-judge as things move out. I think the world’s gotten to a point where the differences between over-the-air, network television and premium cable channels has minimized, and I think it’ll continue to minimize over times. So I don’t think its as big a deal today or moving forward as it might’ve been 20 years ago. We’ll do a mix that will best serve our fans and best serve our interests in the long term.
My only regret is that no one has asked him if there is an overexposure of the Crosby-Ovechkin rivalry. However, that is for another time. A fascinating interview Steve.
