National Hockey League involved in heated legal battle in an attempt to break a legally binding contract

PUBLICATION

Josh tupper
August 19, 2023 (9:07)

SHARE THIS STORY

It's not everyday that a major sports league like the National Hockey League looks to break a contract with a major partner, but that's exactly what the league is doing. During March of last year, Diamond Sports Group filed for bankruptcy protection. In this process the NHL found themselves with more questions than answers, as Bally Sports, a subsidiary of DSG held the rights to 12 different regional NHL team's television viewing rights.

Now the NHL is in court and is attempting to convince a judge to allow the league to break their contract, something he has been unwilling to do at this time. DSG has been given until September 30th to reorganize their funds.

In an ongoing legal battle with Diamond Sports Group, the parent company to Bally Sports, the NHL is reportedly seeking emergency relief funds if negotiations are not settled quickly. Currently, 12 organizations have their media rights held by Bally Sports, and with a Texas judge extending DSG's reorganization deadline to September 30th, the NHL is seeking a contract break well before that date. On March 14, 2023, DSG filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, holding responsibility for a reported $9B in debt, with the inability to pay.

The NHL is hoping to have a resolution in place well before the start of next season, which will allow them to offer these teams to seek out new viewing rights deals. Currently the following teams have deals with the Bally Sports Network, Arizona Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild, Columbus Blue Jackets, Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Los Angeles Kings.

A failure to find a resolution could leave the NHL in some financial trouble as these teams will be guaranteed to lose out on revenue. Only time will tell what resolution the league will come to.

POLL
AOUT 19 \| 383 ANSWERS National Hockey League involved in heated legal battle in an attempt to break a legally binding contract Should the NHL be allowed out of their deal with Bally Sports?
Yes, they can't pay their bills	294	76.8 %
No, they signed a contract	52	13.6 %
Just let the judge decide	37	9.7 %
List of polls

MUST READ

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) lifts the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy after winning against Team USA in overtime during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

48 minutes ago | By Tom Banks

Montreal Radio Host Trolls Team USA by Calling Boston Radio Station After Four Nations Final Defeat

Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with defenseman Zach Werenski (8) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

16 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Matthew Tkachuk Drawing Heated Criticism For Decision To Play In Four Nations Finale

Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

18 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Paul Maurice Breaks Silence on Matthew Tkachuk's Injury Status Ahead of Panthers Game Tomorrow Night

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team United States at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

20 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente

Video Captures Jon Cooper Sending a Message to McDavid and Marner Ahead of OT Game-Winning Goal

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Connor McDavid (97) celebrates scoring in overtime to win with defenseman Devon Toews (5) and defenseman Cale Makar (8) and forward Mitch Marner (16) against Team USA during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

22 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Connor McDavid Makes his Feelings Clear on the Passing of the Torch from Sidney Crosby

Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel (38) controls the puck during the first period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

23 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Brandon Hagel Puts the Final Nail in the Coffin After Latest Shot at the Tkachuk Brothers and Team USA

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) stops Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Feb 21 | By Tom Banks

Brady Tkachuk and Insider Both Give Devastating Update On Matthew Tkachuk's Injury Situation

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brad Marchand (63) lifts the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy after winning against Team USA in overtime during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Feb 21 | By Daniel Lucente