Bettman calls on Jets, Winnipeg fans to find solution to falling attendance

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — NHL commissioner Gary Bettman called Winnipeg a strong market where “hockey matters,” and said he believes the team's falling attendance will be resolved.

Bettman spoke Tuesday, before the Jets hosted the St. Louis Blues.

The Jets say Winnipeg’s season-ticket base has decreased 27% in three years, from approximately 13,000 to just under 9,500.

The Jets have averaged the second-fewest fans per game in the NHL this season. Bettman, however, says he doesn’t view the situation as a crisis.

Bettman said there needs to be a collaboration between the team, the community and the fans to find a solution.

Bettman’s comments come days after Jets chairman Mark Chipman said in an interview with The Athletic that current attendance numbers are not sustainable.

The Jets say Winnipeg’s season-ticket base has decreased 27% in three years, from approximately 13,000 to just under 9,500.

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