update:
- The National Hockey League has asked the Federal Court to dismiss claims that it, the Canadian Hockey League and three independent Canadian junior leagues conspired to unnecessarily restrict the movement of players between the leagues ages 16-20, leading to exploitation.
- On June 21, the NHL filed a motion in federal court in New York to dismiss the class action lawsuit.
- The league maintains that disputes over wages and working conditions should be resolved under collective bargaining agreements, not in court.
- There is no union representing junior players, but the North American branch of the World Ice Hockey Players Union Association has filed a class action lawsuit representing all junior players who have played in the three leagues since Feb. 14, 2020.
Summary of the NHL class action lawsuit:
- Who: The North American branch of the World Ice Hockey Players Union Association has filed a class action lawsuit against the National Hockey League, the Canadian Hockey League and three independent Canadian junior leagues.
- why: The association alleges the leagues conspire to exploit junior hockey players ages 16 to 20 and unnecessarily restrict their movement between teams and leagues.
- where: The lawsuit was filed in federal court in New York.
(February 20, 2024)
The National Hockey League (NHL), Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and three independent Canadian junior leagues are facing a class action antitrust lawsuit alleging the leagues conspired to unnecessarily restrict the movement of 16-20 year old players between leagues, leading to exploitation.
There is no union representing junior players, but the North American branch of the World Association of Ice Hockey Players Unions has filed a class action lawsuit representing all junior players who played in the three leagues between February 14, 2020 and the date of the NHL class action judgment.
“These abuses include financial, physical, psychological and sexual abuse that are the foreseeable result of a system that deprives players of freedom of choice, freedom of movement and freedom to play for the club of their choice,” the NHL's antitrust lawsuit states.
NHL antitrust lawsuit says players seek injunction against exclusive player rights contracts
According to the NHL's antitrust lawsuit, the two leagues agreed to split the U.S. and give each league the right to recruit players. The NHL allegedly makes regular payments to both leagues, including when it drafts players.
According to the NHL's exploitation lawsuit, all three leagues forcibly draft American players and all three leagues respect the rights of the players they draft.
The players want an end to exclusive player-rights contracts and to be allowed to negotiate with multiple teams in multiple leagues without retaliation.
The NHL's Chicago Blackhawks Sexual Assault Lawsuit An anonymous former player claims the team covered up allegations against his former coach and allowed him to resign with a severance package.
What do you think about the antitrust allegations? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiffs are represented by Jeffrey I. Synder, Ethan E. Litwin and J. Wyatt Fore of Constantine Cannon LLP, Judith A. Zahid, Sarah Van Curin and James R. Martin of the Zell Law Firm, Stacey Layton and Michael Rubin of Altschuler Berzon LLP, Gregory S. Acciola, Robin van der Meulen, Noah L. Cozad and Brian M. Hogan of DiCello Levitt LLP, Steve D. Shadoen and Richard Brunell of Hilliard Shadoen LLP, and Paul Slater, Joseph M. Vanek, Trevor K. Schaetz and Matthew Slater of Sperling & Slater LLP.
of NHL Class Action Lawsuit teeth World Ice Hockey Players Union North American Branch, etc. v. National Hockey League, etc.Case No. 1:24-cv-01066, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Additional information about class actions and class action settlements:
