Why is the WHL so stingy about new franchises?

Question

Victoria had to settle for the ECHL for their new building, and I've heard other communities in BC are so tired of begging the WHL for a team that they may be planning a new "outlaw" league. What's up with that?

Answer 1

Well, you can't please everybody. After Edmonton starts play next year, I believe the WHL will be at the right size. New franchises will make the league unmanageable, and smaller markets like Kootenay, Swift Current and Moose Jaw (the latter two cities made multi-million dollar commitments to new or renovated arenas) will have no choice but to move, instead of putting in a new team.

The fan base and the new arena are probably enough to bring a team back to Victoria, but a smaller team has to move there for that to happen, and I know the WHL doesn't want to do that.

Answer 2

So that it doesn't become the NHL! Expansion would not benefit the WHL. If they gave a team to every city that wanted one they would have to get rid of the junior league in order to have enough players to fill the extra teams and that would be a disservice to everyone, players, cities, fans etc. The WHL is fine the way it is! And I am glad the WHL sticks to it's guns as far as league size goes!

Answer 3

There's barely enough talent to fill the teams as it is. You want the league to have 40 teams, each with half a roster of guys who should be down in Jr B?

Answer 4

I don't want to sound like any city doesn't deserve a team, but the league has too many in my opinion. Talent is so spread out and the games are basically boring.

Oops, my bad, I thought you meant NHL.

Answer 5

well cause they are expensive and ruins the leagues and team numbers so yea and some times they are really bad and fail