LOS ANGELES -- ESPN will not pick up a $60 million option to
retain NHL broadcasting rights for next season, the network said
Saturday.
ESPN spokesman Mike Soltys said the network would have further
comment next week. The option deadline is Wednesday.
The decision was first reported by the Los Angeles Times and
Rogers Sportsnet in Canada.
While ESPN will not pick up the option on the deal it agreed to
in May 2004, the longtime NHL broadcaster could 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.