Archives for July 28, 2015

'In recent months, Brandon had become increasingly involved with the Sabres’ business operations. Other members of the Bills’ front office, such as senior vice president of media and content Marc Honan, have already been doing Sabres-related work in addition to their Bills responsibilities.' … [Read more...] about Brandon’s roles reflect synergy of franchises

'Brandon had became increasingly involved with the Sabres' business operation, and last June he accompanied co-owner Kim Pegula and others within the franchise's hierarchy to the NHL Awards ceremony in Las Vegas. Several high-end sponsors making the trip also have sponsorship deals with the Bills, evidence that the amount of business crossover between the teams eliminated the … [Read more...] about Brandon leading Bills, Sabres business operations no surprise

'For decades, Buffalo’s two major sports franchises competed against one another for entertainment dollars. Now, especially with Brandon watching over the larger Pegula Sports and Entertainment business plan, he can tie them together with season-ticket sales, sponsorships and other forces that drive revenue.' … [Read more...] about Just like you, Brandon’s a fan

'The Sabres will appear on the national networks (NBC or NBCSN) only five times, six fewer than during the 2014-15 season. Only one Sabre game will be shown on NBC: the Feb. 21 home Sunday afternoon game against Pittsburgh.' … [Read more...] about McDavid-Eichel matchup will be on NBCSN

'His most famous quote still lives in infamy. When deflecting criticism after the unveiling of the Sabres “third jersey” in 2013, Black said, “If it doesn’t sell, it won’t really mean anything to our bottom line,” Black said on WGR radio in Buffalo. It’s a third jersey. If it’s a turdburger, I’ll have to put it on a bun and eat it.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres oust Ted Black, name Russ Brandon team president

'Naturally, Brandon wants to market the Sabres as a regional franchise, something he has accomplished with the Bills, who hold training camp at St. John Fischer and once held a yearly game in Toronto. Having the Rochester Americans, the Sabres’ AHL affiliate, so close will help.' … [Read more...] about Sabres hire Russ Brandon as president to replace Ted Black

'While Brandon has gotten heat from fans for some football decisions, he will be relied on for his business ability in his new role. Brandon navigated the Bills through the sale of the franchise following Ralph Wilson Jr.'s death and is a big reason the franchise stayed in Western New York.' … [Read more...] about Russ Brandon now president of both Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres

'Buffalo has a longstanding love affair with its Bills, if only because that’s one of the few major league things left about the city. In baseball, as in business, the city is Triple-A rated; the NBA team left town decades ago, and the Sabres, well, they’ve been around a long time but aren’t such a popular draw of late, and always played a distant second fiddle to almighty … [Read more...] about Pegulas playing games with presidential appointees

'The announcement comes as a significant surprise, as Black had held the role since the Pegulas purchased the Sabres in February 2011. And the decision comes after the Pegulas added to their sports holdings in October, when they bought the Bills for an NFL-record $1.4 billion from the estate of Hall of Fame owner Ralph Wilson.' … [Read more...] about Sabres shakeup: Brandon replaces Black as team president

'The deal was announced Monday, a little over a month after Buffalo drafted Guhle with the 51st pick. Guhle turns 18 on Wednesday and spent the past two seasons with the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign prospect defenseman Guhle to entry-level deal

'Sabres general manager Tim Murray will continue to oversee hockey operations and report directly to the owners.' … [Read more...] about Sabres name Brandon as president

'Brandon is largely credited with helping to expand the Bills fan base beyond Western New York and into Central New York and Southern Ontario through regionalization efforts. He says that will continue with the Sabres, as well. “Absolutely. Obviously everyone knows what Rochester means to the Bills, but it also means a great deal to the Sabres. And there’s a great brand in … [Read more...] about Pegula’s trust in Brandon continues to grow

'Doug Whaley and Rex Ryan report to the Pegulas, not Brandon. Nothing is going to change now that he’s President of the Sabres. As a matter of fact when Brandon was asked about the hockey department he said, “I couldn’t be more hands off.” He added, “That’s the focus here, the focus is business. When it comes to hockey its Tim Murray and coach as well as the football side is.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Brandon said he is business only

'"Since we purchased the Buffalo Bills last October, we have been highly impressed with the business acumen that Russ has shown with the Bills," said Terry & Kim Pegula. "Now is an appropriate time to give him additional responsibilities with the Sabres. Russ will work with Pegula Sports & Entertainment to create strong synergies between the Sabres and Bills. With Russ' strong … [Read more...] about Black is out and Brandon is in as President of the Sabres

'The Buffalo Sabres today announced Russ Brandon will become President and Alternate Governor of the Buffalo Sabres effective immediately while continuing as Managing Partner/President of the Buffalo Bills.' … [Read more...] about Pegulas name Russ brandon president of Buffalo Sabres