Part 5/11:
Importantly, Ash stressed that the project aims to avoid reliance on taxpayer subsidies, a critical point considering Montreal’s history with public funding for sports ventures. Instead, private capital sources are positioned as the primary drivers, facilitating a more sustainable and independent initiative.
The Historical Context and Avoiding Past Pitfalls
Reflecting on the downfall of the original Expos, Ash noted that the initial demise was partly due to the lack of public investment and changing media rights landscapes. Today, streaming and global media revenues have significantly increased the value of sports assets, making a comeback more feasible and attractive for investors.