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 walked onto 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, expressed 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 team up 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”.
In the most recent case, Mr. Péladeau claims not to “know the ins and outs of the thinking 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.
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 La Presse, TVA Sports’ losses in 2022 were in the order of 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. »