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.’

‘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 need for each to have a president.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.”’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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 football.’

‘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.’

‘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.’