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ESPN Reportedly to Decline $60 Million NHL Option
ESPN will not pick up a $60 million option to retain NHL broadcasting rights for next season, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.
The Times, citing an unidentified source familiar with the situation, said ESPN would make an announcement Tuesday - a day before the option deadline - and that the locked-out league was aware of the cable network's decision.
The newspaper said ESPN and the NHL declined to comment on the story, also reported late Friday by Rogers Sportsnet in Canada.
While ESPN will not pick up the option on the deal it agreed to in May 2004, the Times said the longtime NHL broadcaster might try to retain the rights for less money.
The NHL, in negotiations with the players' association to end the lockout that wiped out all of last season, has a two-year deal with NBC to televise games when play resumes. The league also has TV deals in Canada with CBC and The Sports Network.
Source: AP
The Times, citing an unidentified source familiar with the situation, said ESPN would make an announcement Tuesday - a day before the option deadline - and that the locked-out league was aware of the cable network's decision.
The newspaper said ESPN and the NHL declined to comment on the story, also reported late Friday by Rogers Sportsnet in Canada.
While ESPN will not pick up the option on the deal it agreed to in May 2004, the Times said the longtime NHL broadcaster might try to retain the rights for less money.
The NHL, in negotiations with the players' association to end the lockout that wiped out all of last season, has a two-year deal with NBC to televise games when play resumes. The league also has TV deals in Canada with CBC and The Sports Network.
Source: AP