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.
