Interesting article just posted...From: https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/what-to-expect-from-the-nhl-mlb-advanced-media-partnership-203359771.html
Why MLBAM?
This deal has been three years in the making and is the first of its kinds. MLBAM was founded in 2000 has powered all 30 team websites and streaming media like the MLB At Bat app. The company also runs the streaming side of things for ESPN, WWE Network, and HBO.
“Together we represent year-round programming and limit-less opportunities to service our fans,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on a media conference call Tuesday. “Over the last year, we were in the digital market place deciding what we wanted to do next, looking at all of our options. John Collins and I and [MLB Commissioner] Rob [Manfred] and [MLBAM President] and CEO Bob [Bowman] and I shared a vision that together two sports could do more, be more and have more possibilities than one.”
MLBAM will hold rights to all of the NHL’s platforms, as well as the distribution of NHL Network, NHL Center Ice, NHL Game Center Live.
How long is the deal for?
Six years, beginning in Jan. 2016. MLBAM will pay the NHL approximately $100 million a year over the course of the deal, according to Elliotte Friedman. Bettman said that the reported numbers of the deal ($1.2B value over the six years, via Sports Business Journal) were too high.
SBJ also reported that the NHL will take on a 7-10-percent equity stake in MLBAM.
That extra cash generated will become hockey-related revenue, which could mean a bump in the salary cap down the line.
When the puck drops on opening night in October, things will still look as they are. The NHL’s current partner, NeuLion, will help the league through the transition. Once New Year’s Day 2016 arrives, that’s when we’ll see the big changes, and things will continue to evolve over time throughout the life of the partnership.
“I don’t even think we could tell you today where ultimately this is going to take us,” Bettman said, “but it’s going to be more and it’s going to be better than anything either of us has done to this point.”