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October 1, 2007
Just Another Stupid Move by the NHL
The National Hockey League (NHL) threatened to impose a $100,000 fine until Madison Square Garden LP, the Cablevision unit that runs the New York Rangers, gave it "virtually complete control" over the Rangers' Web site. The NHL insisted last week that MSG transfer control over the Rangers site, including the "nyrangers.com" address so that the league could convert it into one of 30 "cookie-cutter" club Web sites at "nhl.com." The lawsuit said MSG had spent years developing the site to market Rangers hockey in competition with other NHL teams. By seizing the site, the NHL would eliminate competition between teams and harm consumers.
Madison Square Garden has sued the NHL, saying in a complaint filed in federal court in New York that the NHL has threatened to impose "abusive and outrageous fines'' unless the Garden surrenders control over team merchandising, licensing, and advertising. MSG asked a judge to block the National Hockey League from seizing control of New York Rangers team-related businesses. The case is Madison Square Garden v NHL, 07-cv-8455, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan). Sources: Bloomberg, Associated Press via Google
What idiot at the NHL came up with that idea? As a member of the National Hockey League, it makes sense for the Rangers to be included in the nhl.com site but purely from a "member" standpoint. The NHL should not be playing bully over teams' web sites and each teams' right to market and brand themselves and manage their own merchandising, licensing and advertising. It makes the NHL look like control freaks and does nothing but further tarnish the already damaged NHL image. [In recent years the NHL has been marked by contentious labor relations, leading to a strike in 1992 and lockouts in 1994–1995 and 2004–2005, the last so prolonged as to cancel the season.] The Rangers' site at nyrangers.com should remain as is and under NY Rangers control. The NHL should go find something else to do, like concentrate on improving its image.
Cindy
Comments
Sounds like a tactic from the music industry. When will these mobs ever learn? :)
Cheers,
Greg.
Brain matter deposited by: Greg on October 1, 2007 8:51 AM
The NHL never misses a chance to shoot itself in the foot.
Brain matter deposited by: Ted on October 1, 2007 11:40 AM
I love hockey, but I hate the NHL. They make terrible decisions that make them look like idiots. This is a great post, thanks for the information!
Brain matter deposited by: Paul on October 1, 2007 6:43 PM