Quebec Reflects on Lost Teams, Eyes Future Opportunities with Expos Revival
Montreal, QC – Three decades after losing its NHL franchise, the Quebec Nordiques, and two after the departure of Major League Baseball’s Montreal Expos, Quebec is revisiting past missteps while a new generation considers bringing professional sports back to the province. A critical assessment of the decisions surrounding both teams’ departures reveals a pattern of short-sightedness and a lack of strategic foresight, contrasted with a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit now focused on possibly reclaiming a baseball presence in Montreal.
In 1995, the Nordiques relocated to Colorado, becoming the Avalanche. Just nine years later, in 2004, the Expos moved to Washington D.C.,becoming the Nationals.Both departures stemmed, in part, from financial challenges and a perceived lack of sustainable support.At the time, authorities and Quebec’s business community, ofen referred to as “Quebec Inc.,” were criticized for failing to adequately address the underlying issues.
Looking back, the absence of a salary cap in the NHL is widely seen as a key factor in the Nordiques’ inability to compete financially. Experts believe a salary cap would have ensured the team’s viability in Quebec. the Expos’ situation was different, operating in a league without a salary cap over two decades after their move. ownership faced a choice: invest in a small market with limited revenue, attempt a low-budget strategy akin to the Moneyball approach, or sell the franchise.
A significant challenge for both teams was Quebec’s fan base’s sensitivity to losing. Attendance figures consistently reflected the teams’ performance; success drew crowds, while prolonged losing streaks led to empty seats. This dynamic contributed to the financial pressures faced by both franchises.
Beyond the teams themselves, questions remain about missed opportunities for Quebec ownership. The possibility of quebec Inc. acquiring the Molson Center and the Montreal Canadiens was reportedly passed over, a decision later rectified with the Canadiens returning to Montreal-based ownership under Geoff Molson.
Despite the past disappointments, a renewed sense of optimism is emerging. Ashkan Karbasfrooshan, a Quebec native and CEO of the online content platform WatchMojo, is reportedly pursuing a plan to bring baseball back to Montreal. Karbasfrooshan, a graduate of the John Molson School of Business, has access to significant capital and envisions a new downtown ballpark.
Recent financial data from Forbes indicates that the average value of MLB teams is currently lower then that of NHL teams, a situation attributed to the lack of a salary cap in baseball. This disparity presents a potential prospect for acquisition or expansion.
The current landscape suggests favorable conditions for a potential deal. The call to action is clear: Quebec Inc. and government authorities need to demonstrate “flair” – a proactive, strategic approach – to capitalize on these opportunities and potentially restore a major league team to the province. The dream of seeing the Expos return, and perhaps one day even the Nordiques, remains alive.
