MAJOR | Controversial Professional sports merger causing a stir: NHL could very well be next with Gary Bettman
The biggest news in the sporting world on Tuesday broke during the morning hours as it's been announced in a shocking turn of events that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf will join forces and merge.
While on the surface, this doesn't have much to do with the NHL and their clubs, it could eventually, down the road, and here's why.
The LIV Golf Tour is backed and financed by the 'Public Investment Fund', the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia. The Public Investment Fund has also taken over some soccer clubs, including Newcastle United of the Premier League, which they own 80% of. In recent days, news has come out about the potential of the PIF buying the top four clubs in Saudi Arabia, one of whom is where Cristiano Ronaldo plays.
With the immense wealth in the Public Investment Fund and their willingness to partner with the North American-based PGA Tour, it's certainly possible that one day they will decide to expand into other sports, including hockey, which is growing in popularity, albeit slowly, in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has their own national hockey team. Still, it's not a member of the IIHF and only participates in regional events such as the GCC Gulf Championship and GCC Games. If the PIF were to buy a franchise, it would only increase the popularity of the sport in an untapped region of the world for the NHL.
The value of National Hockey League franchises hasn't been higher. From an investment standpoint, it would be a very smart venture if the PIF decided to buy a team, whether that be via expansion or an existing team.
Knowing Gary Bettman's vision and objectives the NHL could very well be next.
| POLL | ||
Do you think the Public Investment Fund should buy an NHL franchise? | ||
| Yes | 21 | 22.1 % |
| No | 64 | 67.4 % |
| See Results | 10 | 10.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
