A recent class-action antitrust lawsuit "targeting the NHL's TV blackout policy" will result in the league offering a "Game Center Live" Internet package "that enables fans to buy single-team packages" for at least 20% less than the cost of bundled packages, according to Adam Proteau of THE HOCKEY NEWS. The new package "will be available for the next five seasons." The NHL additionally is "discounting 'early bird' renewal and full season prices" by an additional 17.25% next season. It will pay $6.5M "to attorneys for the plaintiffs to cover legal fees and costs." Plaintiffs' attorney Howard Langer said in legal documents that the settlement "marked the first time any U.S. major-league sport has permitted consumers to choose between purchasing a league-wide, season-long broadcast package or only watching their favorite teams" (THEHOCKEYNEWS.com, 6/11). REUTERS' Jonathan Stempel noted the preliminary settlement made public Thursday, which still requires court approval, "resolves claims that the league, several teams, Comcast Corp, DirecTV and Madison Square Garden Co, used blackouts to limit out-of-market broadcasts of games." The "team defendants included" the Sabres, Blackhawks, Devils, Islanders, Rangers, Penguins, Sharks and Capitals (REUTERS, 6/11).
