NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says the Calgary Flames‘ financial situation “continues to deteriorate” as the team continues to operate out of the aging Scotiabank Saddledome, but maintained his position that he doesn’t foresee the situation changing soon.
Bettman spoke to reporters in Calgary as part of his Western Canadian tour.
He said he wasn’t there to make threats, yet he painted a bleak picture of the Flames’ financial future if it continues to operate out of the NHL’s oldest building.
Bettman said the Flames used to contribute to the NHL’s revenue-sharing program, but have become increasingly reliant on it of late.
WATCH: ‘The situation financially continues to deteriorate’: Gary Bettman on aging Saddledome.
He said if the current situation continues it could affect the Flames’ competitiveness and financial stability.
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi has said the Flames’ proposal for a $500-million arena places a heavy tax burden on the city, but the Flames say the city’s plan would ultimately see the team foot the entire cost of construction.