QuoteDespite the fact that, based on recent analysis, the Florida Panthers franchise was said to be "bleeding millions," Broward County agreed on Tuesday to give the team $86 million in public funds. Of course, considering that same analysis suggested that the flailing franchise could potentially cost taxpayers upwards of $86 million should the team declare bankruptcy or leave, it makes sense then that the Broward County Commission voted to shore up the organization's finances.
"We're here to stay, we're here to win a championship. We want to make South Florida proud,'' team co-owner Doug Cifu said shortly after the vote was finalized, per Brittany Wallman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "What the county did today was really double their commitment to the BB&T Center and enable us to put a professional product on the ice and also bring world-class entertainment to Broward County.''
Full article: http://www.hngn.com/articles/158533/20151209/nhl-florida-panthers-get-86m-from-broward-county.htm
Guess it could be worse! They didn't even get an amphitheater and practice facility out of the deal
And . . . it's a freaking hockey franchise no one beyond a decidedly minute clique gives a damn about.