Winnipeg Jets Relocation Rumors Intensify After Gary Bettman Meeting With Team Officials

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Graham Montgomery
February 27, 2024 (6:29 PM)

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The Winnipeg Jets have revealed recently that attendance numbers are a major concern. This has sparked further concern about the team possibly relocating, especially considering Gary Bettman just visited the team.

Winnipeg Jets Struggling With Attendance And Season Ticket Numbers

The NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is in Winnipeg today as he visited the Jets for a meeting with the team's corporate sponsors. This comes at a time were concern about the team relocating is high, as attendance numbers have been a growing concern.

Chris Johnston on Insider Trading says NHL is monitoring the situation in Winnipeg, they have seen an above 30% drop in the last 3 years in their ticket base. Gary Bettman will be in Winnipeg on Tuesday to meet with some of the team's important corporate sponsors.

This had lead to somewhat of a panic among Jets fans as many are now concerned that the team could possibly be facing relocation for a second time.

Gary Bettman Addresses Relocation Rumors For Jets

However, the league commissioner addressed the media just moments ago as part of his planed visit to the city. In the press conference, he quelled fears of relocation, saying he is not sure why fans are so worried.

Gary Bettman: «I'm not sure why people are now speculating that (the Jets) are not going to be here.»

Perhaps it is because the team has been relocated before, or perhaps it is because of Mark Chipman's recent comments about season ticket numbers. Regardless, if Bettman is to be believed, it seems like this might not be something Jets fans should be so worried about.

NBA Owner Pushing For NHL Team In Salt Lake City

At the same time, Ryan Smith, owner of the Utah Jazz, has become increasingly vocal about bringing an NHL team to the state. He has repeatedly pitched bringing an NHL club to the city as part of his efforts to revitalize and modernize downtown.

One possibility is that the Arizona Coyotes get relocated there as their future in the desert is still up in the air. At least now though, it seems like if any team is relocated there, it won't be the Jets. Of course, expansion is another possibility, but we will just have to wait and see what happens.

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