Pierre Karl Péladeau is unequivocal: the dream of seeing the Nordiques again in Quebec is still very much alive. The businessman briefly addressed the subject during a rare media appearance Thursday at Percival-Molson Stadium.
The owner of the Montreal Alouettes and CEO of Quebecor was dressed all in beige when he set foot on the Montreal team’s field, a few minutes before the Gray Cup champions returned home, in front of 20,000 people .
Even if he was in a football stadium, it was inconceivable not to inquire about the situation of the Nordiques’ return. Especially given the move of the Coyotes from Arizona to Utah and Prime Minister François Legault’s statement on the subject, made about ten days ago.
“I know that Pierre Karl Péladeau does not have the money to put in the full amount. We are talking about more than 1 billion, but now it is time for him to join forces with other people and make a real offer. I think that Mr. Bettman, if he has a real offer on the table, he will consider it,” declared the leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec.
Mr. Péladeau did not mention this statement or potential partners on Thursday. Thus, it is relevant to ask whether his desire to bring an NHL franchise to the National Capital still exists.
“Certainly,” he replied quickly. For what ? Because the conditions are always there. »
However, these conditions were not mentioned. However, he confirms that his group remains “in contact with representatives of the league”.
Earlier this month, Salt Lake City received a National Hockey League franchise in a deal worth $1.2 billion. Since the inauguration of the Videotron Center in 2015, intended to host the Nordiques, the cities of Salt Lake City, Seattle and Las Vegas have all been designated to host one of the 32 NHL franchises.
PHOTO CAROLINE GRÉGOIRE, LE SOLEIL ARCHIVES
The Videotron Center of Quebec
In the most recent case, Mr. Péladeau claims not to “know the ins and outs of the thoughts of the league leaders”. In his opinion, “there was a desire to keep a team in the West. Certainly. »
Can we therefore speak of a possible expansion? “I think only the commissioner knows,” he replies.
Rights
Since 2013, the TVA Sports channel, owned by Quebecor, has acted as the official French-speaking broadcaster of NHL matches. The contract will expire at the end of the 2025-2026 season.
According to data provided by The PressTVA Sports’ losses in 2022 were around 9.3 million.
Nevertheless, Pierre Karl Péladeau hopes to renew the television broadcasting agreement with the Bettman circuit. “It is our wish to see the rights be renewed at TVA Sports because we believe in it and we think we have done a very good job. »