Madison Square Garden sued the National Hockey League Friday, saying the NHL has monopolized control of promoting its teams.
The NHL claims it will fine MSG, which owns the New York Rangers, $100,000 per day if they do not give the NHL complete control over the team’s Web site and other promotions, the suit said.
MSG said it had no choice but to bring the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Manhattan because the fines were scheduled to begin Friday.
The organization asked that a judge order the league to stop acting as “an illegal cartel,” limiting what the team does to promote itself through the Web and with merchandising efforts.
Indeed, with the league’s interference, the Broadway Blues are prevented from displaying their vast photographic archive devoted to the Rangers Ice Bitches City Skaters.